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.
Betony Vernon 'Sleeping Ring' Small, Sterling Silver 925, Handmade in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
The "Sleeping Ring" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1998 and manufactured in lost wax elements. Part of the iconic "Tokens of Paradise Collection", it is a discreet and humorous sym...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Sleeping Ring" Large Sterling Silver 925
Located in Rome, IT
The "Sleeping Ring" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1998 and manufactured in lost wax elements. Part of the iconic "Tokens of Paradise Collection", it is a discreet and humorous sym...
Sterling Silver
$8,400Sale Price|30% Off
AJD Beyond Magnificent Brilliant Natural 25.3Ct, Intense Blue Aquamarine Ring
Located in Raleigh, NC
This gorgeous ring is natural Aquamarine measuring 21.4 mm x 17 mm and is 25.3 carats. There are NO EYE VISIBLE inclusions in this magnificent simply set gemstone. This is set in S...
Aquamarine, Silver
$5,500 / set
Black Onyx cat with pink sapphire band ring
Located in Cohasset, MA
18K, beautifully hand carved Onyx Cat Head, Carved by Master Carver Idar Oberstein. Citrine eyes, .80 carats of Pink Sapphires in eternity band.
Onyx, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Geometrix Amethyst Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Amethyst 4.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition Handcrafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this exclusive edition presents a beaming amethyst crystal of 4.50 carats and glimmering diamond accents of 0.25 carats, skillfully set in a US size 7 ring...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yianni Creations Pearl Fine Silver and 24K Gold Solitaire Two-Tone Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations designer Band Ring is all hand made from Fine Silver with a layover of 24 Karat Yellow Gold features a 7.0 mm Freshwater Pearl complemented by a unique technique of ...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yell...
Yianni Creations Aquamarine Fine Silver and Palladium Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Presenting Yianni Creations fine silver artisan ring from Ammos Collection featuring 0.75 Carat oval cut aquamarine. The unique look of this simplified band is created by ancient tec...
Aquamarine, Palladium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Yianni Creations Aquamarine Fine Silver and Palladium Artisan Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations presents 100% handmade ring from Ammos Collection. This ring is crafted from Fine Silver 950 purity and plated with palladium, to resist against elements. The ring h...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver, Palladium
Yianni Creations Peridot and White Diamond in Fine Silver Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations presents a handmade artisan ring from Ammos Collection all crafted from fine silver 950 purity and plated with palladium to protect it against tarnish. The rin featu...
Peridot, White Diamond, Diamond, Palladium, Sterling Silver, Silver, Rho...
Yianni Creations Aquamarine Diamond Fine Silver Wide Two-Tone Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
This Yianni Creations handcrafted fine silver (950 purity) wide band ring is plated with palladium to resist elements. This gorgeous band features a 0.75 Carat Natural Aquamarine and...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Palladium, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling...
Yianni Creations Blue Topaz Fine Silver Solitaire Adjustable Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Ammos Collection band Ring from Fine Silver featuring a 1.60 Carat London Blue Topaz complemented by unique techniques of craftsmanship - brushed texture and nature-...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Palladium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Yianni Creations Oval Blue Topaz Fine Silver and Palladium Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
From Yianni Creations - Ammos Collection this is a 950 purity fine silver ring handmade in Greece with brushed texture plated with palladium to resist ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Palladium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Yianni Creations Amethyst and Diamond Fine Silver and 24 Karat Gold Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Midas Collection 100% Handmade Artisan Ring from Fine Silver with an overlay of 24 Karat Yellow Gold. This gorgeous ring an Amethyst total weight of 1.25 Carat accom...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gol...
1.63 Carat Men's Diamond Gold "Rolex" Style Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Men's "Rolex" Style Diamond Ring The ring is 14K White And Yellow Gold There is 1.63 Carats in Diamonds G/H VS The ring measures 0.75" x 0.75". The ring is a size 9.5, sizable. The r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Star Sapphire with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Black Star Sapphire with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 59 Total Weight: 5.61 grams *Please note that the silver setting is pl...
Star Sapphire, Black Star, Silver
Yianni Creations Topaz and Diamond Silver and 24 Karat Gold Adjustable Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations adjustable ring all handmade in Greece for an international jewelry show. This artisan ring is a modern variation on the classic diamond rosetta ring...
Topaz, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, ...
Yianni Creations Peridot Fine Silver and Gold Wide Adjustable Long Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations presents exclusively the new Eclyps Collection. This is a handmade artisan ring from fine silver 950 purity plated with black rhodium and Pure Gold. This wide asymme...
Peridot, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
Yianni Creations Blue Topaz and Diamond Fine Silver Palladium Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Ammos Collection 100% Handmade Artisan Ring from Fine Silver featuring 0.40 Carat London Blue Topaz accompanied by 0.03 Carat Brilliant Cut White Diamond complemente...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Palladium, Silver, Sterling S...
$1,984Sale Price|20% Off
Yellow Sapphire Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Yellow Sapphire Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 3.4 cm Length: 3.2 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 25.52 grams *Please note that the silver set...
Yellow Sapphire, Silver
Emma Chapman 9.85ct Rubellite Emerald 18k Gold Statement Ring, UK
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
This stunning Rubellite Emerald 18k Gold Statement Ring, is one -of -a -kind and has been handmade in our workshops. It has a 9.85kt rubellite of exceptional colour and clarity, wh...
Emerald, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Yianni Creations Aquamarine Diamond Fine Silver and 24 Karat Gold Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations presents a 100% handmade band ring from Midas Collection. This beautiful ring is crafted from Fine Silver 950 purity and plated with palladium, to resist against ele...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow G...
1.00 Carat Diamond Gold Flower Branch Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Unusual Flower Branch Ring The ring is 18K White & Rose Gold There are 1.00 Carats in Diamonds F/G SI The ring is a size 7.75, sizable The ring measures 1.25" x 1". The ring...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Yianni Creations London Blue Topaz and Diamond Fine Silver and Gold Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Midas Collection 100% Handmade Artisan Ring from Fine Silver with an overlay of 24 Karat Yellow Gold features a 1.60 Carat Oval Cut London Blue Topaz accompanied by ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Y...
Yianni Creations BlueTopaz Fine Silver 24 Karat Gold Two-Tone Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Midas Collection 100% Handmade Artisan Ring from Fine Silver with a 24 Karat Yellow Gold layover features a 1.60 Carat London Blue Topaz complemented by unique craft...
Topaz, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver,...
Natural Lavender Violet Oval Cabochon Jade Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful & Natural Jade The ring is 14K Yellow Gold The Oval Cabochon is Natural Lavender Jade The top of the ring measures 0.75" x 0.75" The ring is a size 4.5, sizable. The ri...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 22.17 Carat Dark Bluish Green Tourmaline and Diamond Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Tourmaline Ring The ring is 18K White Gold The center is 22.17 Carats Dark Bluish Tourmaline The Tourmaline is GIA Certified No Heat There are 1.22 Carats in Diamonds F/G VS...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Michael Kneebone Boulder Opal Diamond Archaic Style Ring
Located in Austin, TX
Boulder opal forms the centerpiece of this archaic style ring. Boulder opal (origin: Queensland, Australia) forms in crevices of matrix rock-thus the name. This example shows brilliant blues and greens with some mother rock showing as well. The opal has been cut in a freeform shape with an undulating surface as dictated by the rough. The gem is set within a hand fabricated 18k gold archaic style ring accented with diamonds. The design inspiration for this ring comes from Viking jewelry...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Yianni Creations Pear Diamond Fine Silver and 24 Karat Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations artisan ring crafted from fine silver 950 purity for Midas Collection. This gorgeous ring was handmade in Greece in exquisite quality. The silver is plated with pal...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 24...
Customizable 18k gold and diamond ring “Oceanic Reverie”
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Welcome to the world of John Brevard's latest collection, where the graceful flow of oceanic shapes meets the intricate beauty of fractals. This collection uniquely mirrors humanity'...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Yianni Creations Peridot Fine Silver with Palladium and 24 Karat Gold Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
This is Yianni Creations Artisan Ring from Midas Collection 100% Handmade from Fine Silver 950 purity of silver featuring 0.50 Carat Peridot. The ring is crafted using ancient techni...
Peridot, Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Palladium
Yianni Creations Pearl Fine Silver and 24 Karat Gold Handmade Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Midas Collection 100% Handmade Artisan Ring from Fine Silver with a layover of 24 Karat Yellow Gold features 7.5mm Pearl complemented by unique techniques of craftsm...
Pearl, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
3.68 Carat Peridot Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful ring has an Emerald Cut Peridot that weighs 3.30 Carats. The ring is surrounded by 14 Pink Sapphires that weigh 0.26 Carats and 14 Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.12 C...
Diamond, Peridot, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 8.2 Carats Green Tourmaline Granulated 22K Gold Silver Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A light and lively 12 x 14 mm Brazilian green tourmaline cabochon is held a horizontally oriented signature "4 point with jawan" granulated high carat setting atop a matte-finish tap...
Tourmaline, 22k Gold, Silver
Steven Battelle 2.7 Carats Cabochon Emerald 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A limpid 7 x 10 mm oval Zambian emerald cabochon is highlighted by surrounding double line texture 18K gold bezels atop a comfortable wide hammered cigar ...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 16.8 Carat Cabochon Pink Tourmaline 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A high-grade almost flawless deep pink Mozambique pink tourmaline 13 x 18 mm cabochon is held in a spiral carved and fluted 4 prong setting atop a substantial split double spiral mot...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 12.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A luminous and flashing 12 mm high-dome cushion shaped cabochon rainbow moonstone rests in a vertical "4-point with jawan" Steven Battelle designed setting atop a tapered matte-finis...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Jay Strongwater Gold Butterfly Painted Enamel and Crystal Cocktail Ring
Located in Milford, DE
A colorful cocktail ring, featuring a butterfly painted in pink and yellow enamel and accented with sparkling crystals. Ring size US 7.25 Crystals: S...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Sunita Nahata Alexandrite 1.40ct. Fancy Ring in Platinum with White Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A striking platinum ring showcasing an oval-cut alexandrite that reveals rich, color-changing hues. The center stone is accented by tapered rows of sparkling white diamonds, creating...
Diamond, White Diamond, Alexandrite, Platinum
Black Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire Ring et in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Black Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire Ring et in Silver Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 7.36 grams *Please note that the silver setting...
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Silver
Steven Battelle 2.8 Carats Emerald Sterling/18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A deep green 8 x10 mm faceted emerald is held in a "V-bezel with jawan" signature Steven Battelle 18K handmade gold setting atop a simple matte-finish tapered sterling silver shank w...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 60.0 Carats Blue-Green Indicolite Tourmaline 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A fabulous 18 x 25 mm pear shaped cabochon Brazilian indicolite tourmaline is set within a one of kind Steven Battelle design. Indicolite blue to...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 25.2 Carats Cabochon Aquamarine 22k Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
One of the finest Brazilian aquamarine cabochons we have ever dealt with is set in a granulated "4 point with stacked jawan" ancient-inspired handmade design to create this stunner o...
Aquamarine, 22k Gold
$12,750Sale Price|25% Off
Oscar Heyman 1.72 Carat Sapphire & Diamond Gent's Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman satin-finished platinum flush set gent's ring contains a 1.72ct sapphire and 2 trilliant diamonds (I-G/SI1-VS2, 0.23tcw). It is stamped with the makers mark, IRID PLAT, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Steven Battelle 18.4 Carats Green Tourmaline 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful, clear, light-ish green 13 x 17 mm oval tourmaline is held in an ultimately simple organic hammered setting and shank in this classic organic look. This is a luminous, a...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 4.8 Carats Cabochon Pink Tourmaline Silver/18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful 10 mm round pink tourmaline is surrounded by handmade "jawan" gold granulation and 18K wire wire work atop a sterling silver shank in this elegant and classic design. Th...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
Steven Battelle 11.1 Carats Reddish-Pink Tourmaline Cabochon 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful very clear 12 x 14 mm cushion Tourmaline cabochon in an attractive reddish-pink shade is set surrounded by an artisan crafted stepped bezel with cross thatched accents on...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Milky Cabochon Quartz Gemstone Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Made in Italy Ring
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Made in Italy Quartz Gemstone Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring This ring in white gold has a quartz cabochon cut and along the side there are a total of 0.47 ct of black diamonds. T...
Black Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Amethyst 6.35ct. Ring in 18KRG with sapphire & White Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Glamorous Gemstones - Sunita Nahata started off her career as a gemstone trader, and this particular collection reflects her love for multi-colored gemstones. Sunita Nahata has curat...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Betony Vernon "String of Pearls Massage Ring" Sterling Silver 925
Located in Rome, IT
Designed in 1996, the "String Of Pearls Massage Ring" is a Paradise Found classic. It may be worn by day and by night, from the office to a cocktail party, but its luminous beauty is...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Green Tourmaline Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Green Tourmaline 1.08 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namra...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,985Sale Price|35% Off
12.90mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your elegance with this mesmerizing ring, thoughtfully designed to spotlight a pristine 12.9mm South Sea white pearl. Its natural luster becomes even more enchanting, thanks ...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Steven Battelle 7.2 Carats Blue Zircon Diamonds 22K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
An 8 x 10 mm slightly cushion shaped faceted blue zircon accompanied by two 1.8 mm VS1 diamonds flashes in this exquisite handmade high-karat masterpiece. Cambodian blue...
Diamond, Blue Zircon, Zircon, 22k Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 5.23 carats with Diamond 0.17 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 9.69 gra...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 4.83 carats with Diamond 0.20 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 11.45 grams "We first opened doors ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Emerald Cut Octagon Brazilian Emerald Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold emerald cut octagon brazilian emerald half eternity band ring This emerald half eternity band ring in 18 karat gold shares simplicity with elegance. This band ring con...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Sapphire with Brown Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Yellow Sapphire 7.06 carats with Brown Diamond 0.55 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.9 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 11.81 grams "We first opened...
Brown Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald 1.60 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 6.4 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situate...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 11.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A magical high dome 12 x 14 mm rainbow moonstone cabochon enchants surrounded by an organic line texture wide sculpted bezel in this classically simple 18K gold ring design. The mute...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Braided Diamond Wide Ring 1.02 Carats
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow gold wide ring featuring 52 round brilliants weighing 1.02 carats with a gold braided motif, 19.6 Grams. Very Comfortable on the hand!
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 2.60 carats with Diamond 0.56 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 15.83 grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold