Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Leather Whip Necklace by Betony Vernon, Sterling Silver 925 Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
The "Leather Whip Necklace" was designed in 1997 by Betony Vernon. The "body" of the whip is made of handwoven leather. The empowering unisex necklace is part of Vernon's personal ar...
Sterling Silver
Leather Whip Necklace by Betony Vernon, Sterling Silver 925 Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
The "Leather Whip Necklace" was designed in 1997 by Betony Vernon. The "body" of the whip is made of handwoven leather. The empowering unisex necklace is part of Vernon's personal ar...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Ben Wa Balls" with Marble Box Sterling Silver 925
Located in Rome, IT
Inspired by the ancient Chinese instruments of desire that also give them their name, the BV "Ben Wa Balls" were designed in 1996 by Betony Vernon and are part of her infamous Boudoir Box...
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Teacups And Plates Denmark Hand Painted Wildflowers
Located in New York, NY
From the personal collection of style icon Iris Apfel we have her Set of Six Hand Painted Danish Teacups and Dessert Plates with images of Wildflowers in the style of Royal Copenhage...
"Ostrich Feather Tickler Attachment" Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "Ostrich Feather Tickler Attachment" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1996 and continues to seduce BV collectors today. Fabricated using multiple l...
Sterling Silver
Certified Nephrite Jade Archer's Thumb Ring by Master 于士榮, River Pebble
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This master piece is certified by 2 laboratories. This piece is carved using Hetian river pebble Jade. This archer's thumb ring is carved by the master j...
Jade
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Golf Ball & Tee Ballpoint Pen with Original Pouch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This Tiffany & Co. ballpoint pen is crafted in sterling silver and features a distinctive golf-inspired design that reflects the brand's playful approach to luxury accessories. Measu...
Sterling Silver
Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Dragonfly Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Enveloped in a sea of 60.26 carats of fancy vivid yellow diamonds is this tour de force of jewelry craftsmanship from the collaboration of jewelry legends Fred Leighton and Carvin French. Made for Patricia Kluge...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gradient Orange Natural Carnelian Sea Horse Carving Earrings Pair
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
This seahorse carving on natural carnelian is hand-carved with extreme detail by our expert lapidary artist in Jaipur which transforms raw stones into unique art works. The carving i...
Carnelian
Table Clock Gold White & Black Diamonds Jet Erwin Sattler Movement Micromosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Butterfly Brooch with Pink Red and Blue Sapphires Diamonds in 18Kt Rose Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Unique Butterfly Brooch with pave pink-red sapphires, brilliant cut diamonds and oval blue sapphires, handcrafted in 18Kt rose gold. The elegance of the Greek nature inspired Nicofil...
White Diamond, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Ro...
Waterman Expert Gold Plated Fountain Pen, France, Circa 2000s, Unisex
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Waterman Gold Plated Fountain Pen. The Waterman Expert fountain pen has a gloss lacquer finish with 23 karat gold plated trim. The pen has a cigar-shaped barrel, a beveled button cap...
Gold Plate
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace in Black Ruthenium and Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combina...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
$541 / item
Object d’Art Brass Pomellato King
By Pomellato
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
A window display Pomellato King Original and authentical a 13mm Brass King from Pomellato merchandising and window display actually 4 in stock Established 43 years ago in the Italian city of Milan, Pomellato has been forging its own meticulous path in jewelry making for many years. Having started life as a chain maker, the distinctive chain design still appears in every collection, albeit in ever more luxurious and bejeweled forms. From the iconic Nudo collection and its almost infinite combination of stackable rings to the colorful Capri collection, Pomellato jewelry...
Brass
Custom Made Jade Snake Collectors Commission
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
This extraordinary jade snake carving can be custom designed into the object of your dreams. The first execution was made to be the handle of a walking sti...
Jade
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Arco Pendant Necklace in Black Gommato and Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ARCO S Pendant belongs in FLOWEN's Specimens taxonomy. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combin...
Diamond, PVD-Coated, Sterling Silver
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace in 18K Gold
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design t...
18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Necklace in Black Ruthenium and Rose Gold chain
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combina...
Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Moxi Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The MOXI Cocktail Ring is impossibly detailed, forming delicate webs that all at once seem half biological, half geological and all otherworldly. Thin ribs and loops seem to grow aro...
18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Moxi Cocktail Ring in Black Ruthenium with Blue Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The MOXI Cocktail Ring is impossibly detailed, forming delicate webs that all at once seem half biological, half geological and all otherworldly. Thin ribs and loops seem to grow aro...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace in 18K Gold and Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combina...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace Coated in Black Gommato
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design t...
Sterling Silver, PVD-Coated
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Aoda Studs and Earjackets in Rose Gold and Grey Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The AODA Studs and Ear Jacket Earrings are intended to recall fossils or futuristic organisms. The intricate geometry radiates a 3 dimensional suspended sculpture when worn. These vi...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold
K. Brunini Twig Sterling Silver and Tahitian Pearl Salt Spoon
Located in Solana Beach, CA
From the K. Brunini Object d'Art collection comes this nature-inspired and uniquely designed collectible to grace your table top. An heirloom for the table, or accent to the K. Brun...
Black Pearl, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Objets d'Art and Earrings in 18kt Gold Silver Aquamarine and Pearls Art Object
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
This one of a kind sculpture made from silver and marble designed to hold perfectly the 'Blue Sea' Earrings and together to be a striking Art Object. You can choose two of the three ...
Aquamarine, Pearl, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
Blue Sea Earrings 18kt Yellow & White Gold with Aquamarine and Pearls Atr Object
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Stunning 18Kt yellow & white gold earrings set with Aquamarines & Pearls. The earrings of the deep blue sea. Beautifully delicate earrings they are sold together with a uniquely desi...
Aquamarine, Pearl, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Silver
White Pearl Necklace in Sterling Silver
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Indulge in the timeless sophistication of the White Pearl Necklace in Sterling Silver by Stephen Dweck. Crafted with precision and artistry, this ...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$387 / item
H 0.6 in W 0.6 in
Square Cufflinks with Design Facet in Solid 925 Sterling Silver, Rhodium Plated
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Square Cufflinks with Design Facet in Solid 925 Sterling Silver, Rhodium Plated, 15 mm x 15 mm by Victor Mayer Cufflinks made in the workshop of VICTOR MAYER in Pforzheim, Germany. T...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Bulgari B.Zero 925 Sterling Silver Leather Cord Pill Box Case
By Bulgari
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Bulgari B. Zero 925 Sterling Silver Pill Box Case with Leather Cord is a luxurious, modern accessory that reflects Bulgari’s signature bold and sophisticated style. Crafted from ...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Enamel 925 Sterling Silver Pill Box Case
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Tiffany & Co. Enamel 925 Sterling Silver Pill Box Case is a charming yet practical piece that combines Tiffany’s iconic craftsmanship with a touch of playful elegance. Crafted fr...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$478Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.25 in D 0.25 in L 4.75 in
Tiffany & Co. 1981 Angela Cummings Aerodynamic Twisted Pen .925 Sterling Silver
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural twisted pen designed by Angela Cummings. Sculptural pen, created back in the 1981 in New York city at the Tiffany Studios. This fabulous sculpt...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Cartier Gold Bird Ashtray and Pocket Watch Holder
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Gold Bird Pocket Watch Holder circa 1950 18k hammered yellow gold watch holder & ashtray With copy of Cartier sketch Measurements: Leng...
18k Gold
$16,980
W 0.52 in D 0.34 in L 2.73 in
Van Cleef & Arpels 2 in 1 Lipstick Holder and Pocket Watch, Malachite and Onyx
Located in Berlin, DE
Fabulous and extreme rare Van Cleef & Arpels 2 in 1 accessory. Lipstick Holder and Ladies Pocket Watch. Malachite and Onyx Case. Movement: mechanical manual winding. A unique coll...
Malachite, Onyx
Georg Jensen Silver Denmark Acorn Belt Buckle #67
By Georg Jensen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique sterling silver belt buckle from Georg Jensen in the Acorn pattern #67, circa 1915-1927. The Acorn pattern was introduced ...
Sterling Silver
Navajo Turquoise and Gold Watch Band, Ring, Bolo and Buckle Set
By Navajo
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Stunning four piece gold bracelet, ring, bolo and buckle set made by Robert and Burnice Leekya. Navajo four-piece set: watch band, ring, bolo, and buckle. 14K gold overlay and turquoise nuggets. Signed "RBL". From the Sleeping Beauty Mine. Zuni husband and wife Robert and Bernice Leekya are known for their bold turquoise nugget jewelry. They have been making unique pieces since 1953. Robert was taught by his father, a master Zuni jeweler Leekya Deyuse...
Turquoise, 14k Gold
Pearl and Diamond Masbaha Prayer Beads
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Prayer Beads for the traditional and stylish man. Consists of 33 Akoya Light Gray Pearls. Very hard to find Color. Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold w...
Diamond, Pearl
Imperial Jadeite Jade Marquise and Diamond Ring, Certified Untreated
By Luxe Pieces
Located in San Francisco, CA
This all natural, untreated imperial jadeite jade marquise ring surrounded with round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.49 carats. Top of the marquise halo ...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Deep Green Jadeite Jade and Halo Diamond Ring, Certified Untreated
By Luxe Pieces
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is an all natural, untreated imperial jadeite jade ring surrounded with round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.60 carats. The halo diamond ring measure 0.43 inches (10.9 mm) x 0....
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Imperial Green Jadeite Jade Ruyi and Diamond Ring, Certified Untreated
By Luxe Pieces
Located in San Francisco, CA
This all natural, untreated imperial green jadeite jade and diamond ring has two pieces of fine imperial jadeite jade in carved into two ru...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona, hand crafted in Italy, sterling silver money clip. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design, but also for the careful attention given to details duri...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona hand crafted in Italy, sterling silver money clip. Alex Jona gifts stand out, not only for their special design and for the excel...
Sterling Silver
Must de Cartier Trinity Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen
By Cartier
Located in Palm Desert, CA
From the house of Cartier comes this lovely writing instrument, the Must de Cartier Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen. A simply elegant design wi...
Gold Plate
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Ball Tee Ballpoint Pen - 018
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Ball Tee Ballpoint Pen. The simple & sleek design is functional and stylish. This piece has a twist retractable closu...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Putter Ballpoint Pen
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Putter Ballpoint Pen. The perfect gift for the golfer or golf enthusiast. Simple and elegant design with the pen clip being a...
Sterling Silver
AGI Certified Natural Color Change Turkizite 2.20 Carat
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
AGI Certified Natural Color Change Turkizite = 2.20 Carat Color Grade: 4A Saturation: Vivid Cut: Cushion Cut Grade: Excellent Clarity: Eye Clean Origin: Turkey
Vintage Waterman Paris Ideal Black Lacquer Gold Trim Ballpoint Pen with Case
Located in New York, NY
Waterman Paris Ideal Lacquer Black Gold Trim Ballpoint Pen Refillable with Black or Blue Ink Waterman Ballpoint Refills In black and 23k gold-plated trim, the discreet golden gleam c...
Bronze
Must De Cartier Vintage Ballpoint Pen Brown Black Lacquer Gold Body Finish
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier Must ballpoint pen brown black lacquer gold body finish Pen measuring 5.25 inch Original Cartier box included Provenance: From a Private New York collection Good con...
Siberian Nephrite Rabbit Miniature
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Snowy white rabbits are on the way to celebrate the year of the rabbit 2023. Fond by many cultures for its adorable features, swift move, and spiritual meanings of good luck and the new beginning, the rabbit plays an important role in many fairy tales and folklore, like the famous Alice in Wonderland and Moon Rabbit. Specialised in stone carving art, MOISEIKIN🄬 aesthetically and skillfully has created a rabbit miniature. The uniqueness of this art sculpture is the figurine is carved out of one piece of rare white Siberian nephrite...
Sold
W 1.19 in D 0.6 in L 1.19 in
Hand-carved 51.01 Carat Buddha Face Brazilian Lavender Amethyst Loose Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
This buddha face carving on natural brazilian lavender amethyst is hand-carved with extreme detail by our expert lapidary artist in Jaipur which transform ...
Amethyst
AGI Certified Natural Color Change Turkizite 2.20 Carat
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
AGI Certified Natural Color Change Turkizite = 2.20 Carat Color Grade: 4A Saturation: Vivid Cut: Cushion Cut Grade: Excellent Clarity: Eye Clean Origin: Turkey
Reinhard Tschager, Folding Knife with 18K Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Located in Bozeman, MT
Reinhard Tschager, Folding Knife with 18K Yellow Gold and Diamonds Blade in ATS 34. The handle is 18K Yellow Gold with mokume inlay with silver, shakudo, shibuichi and copper Goldsmith work and fixing the diamonds by Reinhard Tschager. Photography by Eric Eggly About Reinhard Tschager: A founding member of the Italian Knife...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless St...
Jack Busfield, 18K Yellow Gold Dagger Knife with Black Lip Pearl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Jack Busfield, 18K Dagger, black lip pearl. 6 inch overall, 3 3/8 body Photography by Eric Eggly
Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Jack Busfield, 18K Yellow Gold, Double Folding Knife with Black Jade
Located in Bozeman, MT
Jack Busfield, 18K Double Folder, black jade. 18K yellow gold, 6 inch overall Photography by Eric Eggly.
Jade, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Wolfgang Loerchner Folding Dagger Knife W/ Gold 18K Satyrs Engraving by Alex Gev
Located in Bozeman, MT
Wolfe Loerchner, Folding Dagger 9-1/4" Dagger with Gold 18K engraving by Alex Gev with Satyrs motiff Photography by Mitchell Cohen Perfect gentlemen's gift.
Pearl, Black Pearl, Steel, Stainless Steel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tore Fogarizzu, Folding Knife W/ 14k Yellow Gold Inserts
Located in Bozeman, MT
Tore Fogarizzu, Folding Dagger Blade Length: 3” Overall Length: 7 1/2” T-Spear disassembled knife. T-Dagger and made in 416 stainless steel body handle, Rwl 34 for the blade, Antique...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wolfgang Loerchner, Folder, Damascus Inlay with Black Lip Pearl Escutcheon
Located in Bozeman, MT
Wolfgang Loerchner, Folder, Damascus Inlay with Black Lip Pearl Escutcheon Wolfgang Loerchner, Damascus Folder, Damascus Inlay Interframe with Black...
Pearl, Black Pearl, Steel, Stainless Steel, Titanium