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' 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 "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
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
Betony Vernon "String of Pearls Massage Ring" Sterling Silver 925 - In Stock
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 Cushion Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Green Tourmaline 1.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.35 carat approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & N...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Moon Quartz Ring
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon Quartz 4.50 carats approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from ...
Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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 Blue Topaz Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue topaz 7 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition Exquisitely crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, thi...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yianni Creations Pearl Fine Silver and Black Rhodium Artisan Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
This is Yianni Creations Hephestos Collection handmade artisan ring from Fine silver plated with palladium to protect the ring from elements. The ring is finished with Black Rhodium on the brushed background and features a 7 mm freshwater pearl. Contact us free sizing or for this design in different color variations or stone settings. Matching items available. For a full selection of Yianni Creations (YC) jewelry please visit our storefront here on 1stdibs – Yianni Creations Inc. For regular updates click FOLLOW, not to miss any new releases. More beautiful jewels...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
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 & N...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Emerald Ring Marquise 14K White Gold Band
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This estate ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White gold and set with genuine Earth mined Emerald and Diamonds. The marquise cut Emerald measures 8mm x 4mm (.60ct). This is a nic...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
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
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
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
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
Steven Battelle 22.9 Carats Cabochon Green Tourmaline 22K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful long cushion shaped green tourmaline cabochon from Brazil is set in a "4 point with spiral and jawan" setting in this elegant Steven Battelle designed handmade high karat...
Tourmaline, 22k Gold
Yianni Creations Pearl Fine Silver and Gold 24 Karat Two-Tone Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
This Yianni Creations Midas Collection band ring is all handmade of fine silver 950* purity and gold 24 Karat then plated with palladium to protect the ring from elements. This gorge...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yell...
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
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...
Red Tourmaline Rubellite 25.5 Carats with Diamonds Paradizia Ring R180
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description This striking 25.5 carat elongated emerald cut Red Tourmaline ring is embellished with 1.32 carats pave diamonds, and is set in a 14k white gold Y-shape band. Item #R180...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Steven Battelle 5.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Oxidized Silver 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A high domed 9 mm square rainbow moonstone is set at a 45 degree angle in a "4 point bezel with lined texture" atop an organic flat and wide deeply oxidized ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Silver
Onyx Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Onyx Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 2.8 cm Ring Size: 58 Total Weight: 16.67 grams *Please note that the silver setting is plat...
Onyx, Silver
Yianni Creations Blue Topaz Fine Silver 24 Karat Gold Two Tone Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
Admire Yianni Creations Midas Collection 100% handmade artisan ring from fine silver 950 purity plated with palladium to resist the elements. Liquid edges are decorated with a thick ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Ster...
Steven Battelle Round 15.5 Carats Aquamarine 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A nice sky-blue rose-cut 15 mm round aquamarine is set in a "V bezel with bun and jawan" 18K gold mount in this Steven Battelle design. Due to the height of the stone, it rises prom...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 5.6 Carats Cabochon Aquamarine 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A nice sea green aquamarine 9 x 13 mm oval cabochon rests in a slightly cupped hammered 18K bezel surrounded by textured wire on a wide hammered textured 18K cigar band...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 20.7 Carat Green Tourmaline Cabochon Diamonds 22K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful 15 x 20 mm Brazilian green tourmaline cabochon is set in a signature Steven Battelle "4 point with bun and jawan" high karat gold setting with two 1.7 mm VS1 diamonds fl...
Tourmaline, Diamond, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 12.0 Carat Rose-Cut Pink Tourmaline 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A lively, reddish-pink 12 x 16 mm domed rose-cut pink tourmaline is set within an organic line texture deep bezel setting atop a substantial hammered matte-finish shank. This is a r...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Yianni Creations Pearl and Diamond Fine Silver Artisan Wide Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
This is Yianni Creations artisan ring crafted from fine silver 950 purity for our AMMOS Collection. This ring was handmade in Greece in exquisite quality. The silver is plated with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Silver, ...
$520Sale Price|35% Off
14k Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone: 12 round emeralds .50pts. other stones: 6 round emeralds .12pts. color:GH clarity:SI3-I1 brand:- metal:14K GOLD type: ring ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Geometrix Citrine Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Citrine 5 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition Exquisitely crafted ...
Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Ring
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 5 carats approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little t...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 16.1 Carats Cabochon Aquamarine 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A luscious deep blue 13 x 18 mm cabochon aquamarine cabochon is held in a slightly cupped handmade "wire hearts" artisan crafted design bezel with a double spirals accent on the shan...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 36.1 Carats Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A large 18 x 21 mm oval pink tourmaline cabochon is held horizontally by a flowing carved 18K ornamented bezel atop a simple wide tapered sterling shank in...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sapphires 0.45 carat approx. Diamonds 1.20 carats approx. Rings size US 6.5 Crafted from 18-karat golden allure, this dazzling ring showcases sapphir...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 38.8 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon Gold Silver Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
An elegant 15 x 26 mm cushion shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon is held in an ancient inspired "4 point with spirals" Steven Battelle accented 18K bezel atop a wide and comfortable d...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Marquise Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York City, NY
Beautiful Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond ring from the 1970’s era. Featuring a .50ct Marquise Sapphire, with...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 3.0 Carats Rose Cut Tanzanite 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A 7 x 9 cushion shaped rose cut tanzanite is set vertically in a "large/small twist wire" double braid setting atop a flattish double braided shank. An e...
Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby , Ruby and White Sapphire Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Cabochon Ruby , Ruby and White Sapphire Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 3.42 grams...
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Cushion Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 1.70 carats approx. Diamonds 0.35 carat approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Dr...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz and Diamond Halo Ring, Oval Blue Topaz, White Gold and Diamond Prongs
Located in Austin, TX
The gorgeous blue topaz and diamond ring has a very unique diamond prong settings. The blue topaz has a diamond halo around it as well as on the basket and prongs. This ring is cover...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
$888Sale Price|20% Off
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Ring, 2.65ct in 14k White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Presenting our exquisite Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Ring, a true gem of elegance and beauty. This captivating piece showcases a stunning 2.65 carat oval cabochon turquoise sourced fro...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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
Diamond Native American Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 0.18 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 3.3 cm Ring Size: 61 Total Weight: 14.12 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situate...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 2.49 carats with Diamond 0.12 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 13.38grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 2.8 Carats Emerald Oxidized Silver/18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A long oval 8 x 11 mm faceted Zambian emerald is held in an 18K "V-bezel" surrounded by a halo of of large "jawan" 18K gold granulation atop an organic textured oxidized flat tapered...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Cabochon Emerald with Diamond Serpent Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Emerald 1.24 carats with Diamond 0.06 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 50 Total Weight: 11.48 grams "We first opened door...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Black Star Sapphire with Brown Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Star Sapphire 23.32 carats with Brown Diamond 1.07 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.1 cm Ring Size: 58 Total Weight: 19.95 grams "We f...
Brown Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sunita Nahata GRS Mozambique Paraiba 3.07ct. Fancy Ring in 18K White Gold.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata Fine Design presents the second edition of its Blue Planet collection – an ode to deep greens and blues with splashes of Alexandrites, Paraibas and diamonds in white gold. The Nilofer ring features a 3.07-carat Paraiba tourmaline from Mozambique with a neon blue hue. In Urdu, Nilofer means water lily, and we have recreated this with pear-shaped rose cuts that surround the gem. Sunita Nahata GRS Mozambique Paraiba...
White Diamond, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold "Manhattan Collection" 9.48 Ct. London Blue Topaz Ring by Goshwara
By Goshwara
Located in Troy, MI
Minimalist lines yet bold structures is what our Manhattan Collection is all about. The pieces represent the famous skyline of New York City. You will be enraptured by the classic, ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald with Diamond and Cabochon Blue Sapphire Ring in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald 2.62 carats with Diamond 5.10 carats and Cabochon Blue Sapphire 0.47 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 13.6...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Amethyst Geometrix Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Amethyst 7 carats approx. Diamonds 0.35 carat approx. Ring size US 6.5, can be sized Limited edition Crafted from 18 ...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Pink tourmaline 6 carats approx. Diamonds 0.30 carat approx. Ring size US 6.5, can be sized Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, this opulent ring bears ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby 2.48 Carats with Diamond 0.82 Carat Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.48 carats with Diamond 0.82 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 12.65 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 6.83 carats with Diamond 0.95 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 10.34 grams "We first opened d...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Flower Ring with Rubies and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Rubies 0.20 carat approx. Diamonds 0.40 carat approx. Rings size US 6.5 Artfully fashioned from 18 karat yellow gold, this exquisite ring features sh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 0.23 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 6.99 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Amethyst 3.09ct. Fancy ring in 14Karat Rose Gold with Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A sophisticated octagon-shaped amethyst fancy ring set in 14K rose gold. The rich purple gemstone is elegantly showcased, making it a timeless and stylish statement piece. Amethyst ...
Amethyst, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold