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.
1970s Iconic Lighter by Pierre Cardin
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic vintage 1970s Pierre Cardin pocket lighter serves as a striking example of Space Age era luxury and modernist design. Crafted with a sleek rectangular silhouette, the ...
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 80s Multi-Gemstone Cabochon Hand Mirror in Brass - Tiger's Eye Handle #1
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This ornate hand mirror combines functional beauty with decorative artistry, featuring six vibrant gemstone cabochons arranged in a circular pattern. At the center sits a commanding ...
Agate, Amethyst, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Tiger's Eye, Multi-gemst...
$544Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Hand Blown Black Art Glass Perfume Bottle with Gold Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a hand blown art glass perfume bottle. The Morano style black art glass bottle body has an embedded metallic gold water-drop pattern and a black ball stopper. This heavy bott...
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 80s Multi-Gemstone Cabochon Hand Mirror in Brass - Tiger's Eye Handle #2
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This ornate hand mirror combines functional beauty with decorative artistry, featuring six vibrant gemstone cabochons arranged in a circular pattern. At the center sits a commanding ...
Agate, Amethyst, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Tiger's Eye, Multi-gemst...
Scott Gauthier Round and Marquise Diamond Tiara with Pearls 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This regal tiara, designed by Scott Gauthier, is a breathtaking composition of elegance and grace. Scrolling diamond-set ribbons weave across the crown in an openwork silhouette, wit...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$324Sale Price|44% Off
Vintage Brown Alligator Belt with Sterling Silver Buckle
Located in New York, NY
A Fusion of Luxury, Artistry, and Timeless Style Elevate your wardrobe with this vintage sterling silver buckle belt, crafted from genuine brown-colored alligator leather and finishe...
Silver, Sterling Silver
1940s Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold hair comb in case
Located in London, GB
This charming 1940s Van Cleef & Arpels pocket comb is made of 18k yellow gold. It is adorned with a floral design engraving on the front and back and there is a central flower made o...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$30,078Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES H 18CT GOLD & DIAMOND EXTRA LARGE BELT BUCKLE ON REVERSIBLE LEATHER BELt
By Hermès
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite vintage solid 18ct gold fully stamped Hermes Paris Diamond encrusted belt bucket with brand new reversable Hermes brown...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
14 Karat Gold Vintage Tiffany Co Fluted 2 Inch Bar Clip
Located in New York, NY
Experience the timeless elegance of Tiffany & Co with this exquisite vintage bar clip, meticulously crafted from premium 14 karat yellow gold. This luxurious accessory features a cla...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Campana Sterling Silver & Black Suede Crossbody Bag
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A rare and iconic Elsa Peretti Campana bag for Tiffany & Co., crafted in solid sterling silver with a black suede leather flap and strap. The Campana (Italian for “bell”) is one ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Signed Cartier 14K Yellow Gold Texture Money Clip
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This distinguished vintage Cartier money clip is a refined accessory that blends timeless design with personal character. Crafted in 14K yellow gold, the piece features a beautifully...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Celeste Holm Tiffany Jewelry Box Signed from Cast of Soap Opera Loving Sterling
Located in New York, NY
This is a Signed Tiffany Sterling Silver Jewelry Trinket Box Presented to actress Celeste Holm by the Cast of the Soap Opera "Loving." The box combines t...
Sterling Silver
Delvaux Brand New Brilliant Surpique Mini Crossbody Bag
By Delvaux
Located in Pasadena, CA
Delvaux Brand New Brilliant Surpique Mini Crossbody Bag * Marked Delvaux * Made in France * Comes with the original dustbags, frame, tag, mirror and card * Brand new, a copy of the ...
$413Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Black Alligator Belt with Sterling Silver Buckle
Located in New York, NY
A Statement of Timeless Luxury and Artistry Elevate your wardrobe with this Vintage Belt, exquisitely crafted from black alligator leather and adorned with signature sterling silver...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$589Sale Price|20% Off
24 Karat Gold, Solid Silver Diamonds Pendant Sparkling Daisy, Handcrafted, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
The “Sparkling Daisy” pendant is part of our jewelry collection. All our pieces of jewelry are handmade: it means that none is like the other. As a matter of fact, our aim is to cre...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Silver
Pradera Jewels Silver Clasp with Diamonds
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Silver clasp with a total weight of 6.13 grams and 202 diamonds with a total weight of 1.14 carats. PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of reference in...
Diamond, Silver
$3,344Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Rainbow Agate Diamond Belt Buckle in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Add a touch of vintage charm to your wardrobe with this stunning Vintage Rainbow Agate Diamond 3cm Belt Buckle in 18K Yellow Gold. The centerpiece of thi...
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Fan Shape Tie Clip With Chain in 18K Yellow & White Two-tone Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Introducing our Vintage Fan Shape 18K Yellow & White Two-tone Gold Tie Clip, a sophisticated accessory that adds a touch of refinement to your formal attire. This exquisite tie ...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Dragon Belt Buckle set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.73 carats and Diamond 0.21 carat Belt Buckle set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 3.2 cm Length: 5.8 cm Total Weight: 47.75 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it wa...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co Estate Swiss Army Pocket Knife 18k Gold + Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Swiss Army Pocket Knife 18k Gold + Silver TIF945 This elegant Authentic Tiffany & Co Swiss Army pocket knife is made of sterling silver & 1...
18k Gold, Silver
$159Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip 7 mm Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip 7 mm Sterling Silver M316 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl tie clip is made of sterling silv...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$472Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co Estate Fashion Tulip Hand Mirror Sterling Silver 74.78 Grams
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Fashion Tulip Hand Mirror Sterling Silver 74.78 Grams TIF761 Made in Italy This beautiful Authentic Tiffany Fashion Hand Mirror has been newly pol...
Sterling Silver
$319Sale Price|20% Off
David Yurman Estate Griffen Dog Tag Sterling Silver
By David Yurman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
David Yurman Estate Griffen Dog Tag Sterling Silver DY117 $799 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS! FREE SHIPPING This elega...
Sterling Silver
$623Sale Price|30% Off
“Vivienne Westwood” Orb Logo Enamel Lighter Circa 80s, British Art, Punk, Rock
Located in New York, NY
“Vivienne Westwood” Enamel Gas Lighter Westwood has carried her rebellious spirit into her collections throughout her career, often combining punk symbolis...
Enamel
$437
W 2.5 in D 0.38 in L 2.5 in
Vintage Gucci Sterling Silver Rhinestone Mirror Powder Compact #16521
By Gucci
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage sterling silver mirror powder compact by Gucci. Beautiful textured design featuring red and blue rhinetstones and an etched sho...
Sterling Silver
Antique Yellow Gold Diamond Bow Pin
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Bow Brooch Featuring 11 Old Mine Cut Diamonds Totaling Approximately 1.00 Carat. Finished Weight Is 4.1 Grams. 1.2 Inch...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse Details: Material: 18K yellow gold Stones: approx. 0.27 carats of diamonds, and accented with French cut rubies. Measurements: 7.5cm x 7cm Weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Floral Crystal Tiara 1990s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A beautiful Vintage Floral Tiara. A delightful array of fancy cut crystals adorn the design of this timeless floral tiara. An unsigned beauty. A rare treasure. Just because a jewel d...
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl Buttons
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl Buttons- This elegant set of three buttons are crafted in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gol...
Yellow Gold
Orvis Sterling Buckle on Vogt Belt
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Orvis sterling buckle set on chocolate basket weave leather belt. Buckle features elborate scrolled silver work with rope border that is mirrored o...
Sterling Silver
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS NY 18k Yellow Gold & Ruby Lipstick Case Retro 1950s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels NY 18k Yellow Gold & Ruby Lipstick Case Retro 1950s Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer lipstick case. Details: R...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti for Halston Sterling Whip Belt Two Leather Straps
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti for Halston Vintage Whip Belt Sterling Silver with Two Leather Straps, circa 1970s A sculptural sterling silver whip-form buckle on a braided black leather...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver and Wood Chicken Rooster Newborn Baby Rattle
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This charming vintage 1950's sterling silver baby rattle is crafted in the shape of a chicken and hangs from a wooden bite ring, making it a meaningful and thoughtful gift for a baby. The chicken is a symbol of nurturing, protection, and new beginnings, which adds a special touch when given as a present to celebrate a new life. The rattle is beautifully detailed, featuring a finely sculpted beak, comb...
Sterling Silver
1990s Never Used Modern Full Set Cigarette Holder by Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This rare 1990s full set cigarette holder from the Gucci Accessory Collection is a pristine example of the house’s elevated lifestyle design from the late 20th century. The set remai...
Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver & Leather Equestrian Belt Buckle
Located in Baltimore, MD
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver & Leather Equestrian Belt Buckle Metal: Sterling silver, black leather Length: 41 inches Buc...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Anchor Keychain
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Anchor Keychain. The anchor measures 1.25" high x 0.75" wide. Stamped on the back of the anchor is Tiffany & Co. There are some surface scuffs but no ma...
Silver, Sterling Silver
David Webb "Ram" Belt Buckle in 18k yellow gold.
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Ram Belt Buckle in 18k yellow gold. Accompanied by black genuine alligator leather belt, size 39.5. Features head of the ram belt buckle and hammered gold finish belt loop...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chaumet Gold and diamond cuff bracelet
By Chaumet
Located in New York, NY
Chaumet Gold and diamond cuff bracelet. The bracelet features ribbed design, accented with five 'X' motifs. Three of the motifs encrusted with to...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Amethyst Citrine Abstract Wave Perfume Bottle
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Introducing the stunning perfume bottle, where simplicity meets sophistication for an unforgettable fragrance experience. Crafted from amethyst, the base features abstract waves car...
Amethyst, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Mint Condition Round Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in Troy, MI
Known for their expert craftsmanship and in their own words, "Your memories are irreplaceable. Our collection of expertly crafted picture frames is a close second. Put your photos on...
Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 1980's Jasper 18 Karat Gold Bean Pill Box Lighter
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a sinuous organic "bean" shaped form of carved jasper Opaque reddish-orange in color with subtle tan and black matrix Hinged to function as a lighter when paired with lig...
Jasper, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Golden Quartz Amethyst Faceted Beautiful Perfume Bottle
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Enter a world where elegance and convenience converge in our exceptional perfume bottle. Picture the shimmering glow of abstract faceted golden quartz at the bottle's base, radiatin...
Amethyst, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Watermelon Bi-Tourmaline Rose Rock Crystal Perfume Bottle
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
The most exquisite perfume bottle crafted with watermelon tourmaline and rock crystal in 18K gold is a harmonious blend of luxury and functionality. Crafted with precision and care,...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold