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.
$472Sale Price|20% 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
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Toothpaste Tube Squeezer Turn Key #24939
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Toothpaste Tube Squeezer Turn Key Authentic Tiffany key used to squeeze and turn your toothpaste tube. Tiffany box and pouch are not included. Weig...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Polished Money Clip with Pouch #24943
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Polished Money Clip with Pouch An authentic Tiffany money clip featuring a classic smooth polished finish. Includes Tiffany pouch. Weighs a...
Sterling Silver
Chanel Pink & Ivory Tweed Mini Chain Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
A charming and highly collectible Chanel mini chain bag, crafted in signature pink and ivory tweed, embodying the timeless elegance of the house....
Pierre Cardin 1970s Vintage Gold-Tone Enamel Pocket Lighter, France
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 ...
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Money Clip #24766
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Money Clip Sleek, refined, and effortlessly sophisticated- this sterling silver Tiffany money clip keeps your essentials secure in style. A timeless...
Sterling Silver
2000s Iconic Gilt Metal Gancini Scarf Ring by Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic vintage Salvatore Ferragamo scarf ring is a true staple of 2000s luxury. Crafted from lustrous gilt metal, this piece features the legendary Gancini logo, instantly r...
Gilt Metal
Scott Gauthier Diamond Scalloped Tiara with Dangling 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
Tiffany & Co Makers Sterling Silver Alligator Money Clip #24765
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Maker Sterling Silver Aligator Money Clip Sleek, refined, and effortlessly sophisticated- this sterling silver Tiffany money clip keeps your essentials secure in st...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Makers Sterling Silver Alligator Money Clip #24822
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Makers Sterling Silver Alligator Money Clip Sleek and timeless, this Tiffany & Co sterling silver money clip offers refined style and everyday function- perfec...
Sterling Silver
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$30,503Sale 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
Emerald Wing Hair Pin in Bronze, Silk & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni
Located in Geneve, CH
Emerald Wing Hair Pin in Bronze, Silk & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni. Dimensions: Length 15 cm. Materials: Bronze, 24kt Vermeil Gold, and handcrafted Silk. A statement h...
Vermeil, Bronze
$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...
$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...
Gem Hair Pin in Silk, Bronze, Zircons & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni
Located in Geneve, CH
Gem Hair Pin in Silk, Bronze, Zircons & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni. Dimensions: Length 15 cm. Materials: Bronze, 24kt Vermeil Gold, Zircons and handcrafted Silk. A scu...
Zircon, Vermeil, Bronze
Sparkle Hair Pin in Red Silk, Bronze & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni
Located in Geneve, CH
Sparkle Hair Pin in Red Silk, Bronze & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni. Dimensions: Length 15 cm. Materials: Bronze, 24kt Vermeil Gold, and handcrafted Silk. A refined hair...
Vermeil, Bronze
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 yel...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Vintage White Logo Black Canvas Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Vintage White Logo Black Canvas Tote Bag *4844540 ( The serial number is hard to read.) *Made in France -It is approximately 11″ x 11″ x 3.7″. -Miley Cyrus was carrying the ...
$599Sale 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
Chanel Brand New Vintage Brown Caviar Faux Tortoiseshell Backpack
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Brand New Vintage Brown Caviar Faux Tortoiseshell Backpack * Marked Chanel * Made in Italy * 560XXXX * Comes with the original dustbag * Brand new for this vintage item -It ...
$3,250Sale Price|27% 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
Chanel Brand New Black Gold Crinkled Leather Coin Purse Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Brand New Black Crinkled Leather Coin Purse Crossbody Bag *Marked G2XXXXXX *Made in Italy *Comes with the original box, pouch, ribbon, flower and booklet *Brand New *A copy o...
$340Sale Price|50% 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...
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 ...
$472Sale Price|20% 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
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
Chanel Brand New Gold Shimmer Crystal CC Handle Crossbody 2 Way Bag
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Brand New Gold Shimmer Crystal CC Handle Crossbody 2 Way Bag * Marked JHKxxxxx * Made in Italy * Comes with the original box, dustbag, booklet, camellia and ribbon. A copy of...
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Return To Tiffany Oval Tag Keychain #24441
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Return To Tiffany Oval Tag Keychain - This authentic Tiffany & Co. sterling silver oval tag keychain engraved "Please Return To Tiffany & C...
Sterling Silver
Brooks Brothers Sterling Silver Money Clip #24388
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Brooks Brothers Sterling Silver Money Clip - This vintage Brooks Brothers sterling silver money clip features a ribbed Art Deco style geometric design with a blank center. Weight: ...
Sterling Silver
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
$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