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
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...
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
Betony Vernon "Leather Whip Necklace" Sterling Silver 925 - Made 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 ...
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
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...
"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
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
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
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
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
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
$565 / 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
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
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...
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 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 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
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 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
K. Brunini Sterling Silver Salt Cellar
Located in Solana Beach, CA
A beautiful addition to any table is the salt cellar in sterling silver with gold plated interior from K. Brunini’s Object d’Art collection. This is sold as a single item and is com...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
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
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
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
Tiffany & Co Estate Keychain Sterling Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tiffany & Co Estate Keychain Sterling Silver TIF751 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING DETAILS Metal: St...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Estate Ballpoint Pen 5" Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tiffany & Co Estate Ballpoint Pen 5" Silver TIF423 This elegant Authentic Tiffany & Co sterling silver pen is 5 inches in size and has a weight of 25 Grams. These Tiffany pens...
Silver
Tiffany & Co Estate Men’s Sterling Silver Belt Buckle Sterling Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tiffany & Co Estate Men’s Sterling Silver Belt Buckle Sterling Silver TIF717 Magnificent condition. Newly polished and looks wonderful! Please see pictures for measurement's. ...
Silver, Sterling 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
Alex Jona Tee and Golf Ball Sterling Silver Cufflinks
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated sterling silver tee and golf ball cufflinks. These cufflinks feature a T-Bar fastening, aiding in easy use and conf...
Sterling Silver
$598 / item
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
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Bic 50th Anniversary Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen, 2010
Located in Braintree, GB
A rare and elegant Bic 50th Anniversary Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen crafted in solid 925 sterling silver. This premium edition of the iconic BIC pen features a sleek, hexagonal des...
Sterling Silver
$595
H 1.58 in W 1.7 in D 0.4 in
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Perfume Flask & Funnel w Original Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver perfume flask and funnel. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. The perfume flask is in the shape of the heart and accompanied by...
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
Tiffany & Co. Golf Club Ballpoint Pen
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany & Co. Golf Club Ballpoint Pen - Sterling silver Tiffany & Co. ballpoint pen with golf club pocket clip and twist retractable closure. Includes dust bag.
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
$69,691Sale Price|35% Off
H 2.52 in W 1.34 in L 2.52 in
Large Brooch Emerald Diamond Tsavorite Sapphire Gold Baroque style
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique-inspired Emerald, Diamond Gold Brooch with Yellow Sapphire Shaped like a gorgeous feather with a octagon-cut emerald as focus-point, this Emerald, Diamond Gold Brooch with Yellow Sapphire is so exquisite that it can be compared with one of the sculptural masterpieces of the Roman baroque style, the ‘Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.’ The sculpture was inspired by a vision of Saint Teresa, which she described in a very visual, even sexual way. An angel plunged a golden spear into her heart, leaving her breathless and consumed with a spiritual pain so intense that she did not want it to end. This brooch is the contemporary transformation of the sculpture found in the Cornaro Chapel, in Santa Maria della Vittoria, in Rome. The artist was Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Why do we say this? Bernini began by designing the chapel as the 'theatre' for his sculpture. Similarly, the Vintage-inspired Emerald, Diamond Gold Brooch also needs a setting, a background. That, of course, is you! The ‘Ecstasy’ is floodlit by beams of natural light from a hidden window. The natural light mingles with the shine from a cluster of vertical bronze shafts behind the sculpture, shaped to bear a resemblance to the rays of the sun. Imagine this precious gold brooch in your outstretched hand. Rays of rainbow aurora will bounce and shimmer, just like it does on the ‘Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.’ Features of the Vintage-inspired Emerald, Diamond Gold Brooch with Yellow Sapphire: It is all precious stones in this royal brooch...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, White Go...
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