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.
One-off Black Diamond and Pearl "Domino" Game set in 925 Solid Silver
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Rosior by Manuel Rosas Contemporary "Domino" Draw Game manufactured in Solid Sterling Silver and setted with: - 168 Black Diamonds with 33,27 ct; - 1 pearl in the center of each piec...
Black Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Rosior Pair of "Laughing Boys" in Sterling Silver and Wood
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
A pair of "laughing boy and girl" manufactured in Sterling Silver, each figure depicted seated and each holding a different silver "basket". Hands manufac...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Set of 6 German Art Deco .800 Solid Silver Cordial or Liquor Glasses
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 Art Deco silver cordials. Elegantly simple with diminutive cups, straight stems and a round foot. The bases are marked with .800 for the silver fineness, a moon an...
Silver
$1,595
H 6.7 in W 10.63 in
George III Sterling Silver Teapot by Peter and William Bateman with Bone Finial
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A sterling silver teapot with timber handle and bone finial by Peter & William Bateman of the famed silversmithing Bateman family. The teapot sits atop b...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Oval Money Clip
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona hand crafted in Italy, Sterling Silver money clip. Alex Jona gifts stand out, not only for their special design and for the excellent quality, but also for the careful at...
Sterling Silver
$601Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6.58 in W 0.56 in D 0.24 in
Rare Set of 6 Liberty London Fully Hallmarked Sterling Silver 1929 Desert Knives
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this stunning set of six Liberty London Sterling silver dessert cutlery knives ...
Sterling Silver
$601Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.35 in W 2.76 in D 0.44 in
Rare Solid Silver Meiji Period Dragon Embossed Cigarette Case and Gold Gilding
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely solid silver Meiji period circa 1870 dragon embossed cigarette case with gold gilt internals If y...
Silver
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Dog Bone Money Clip
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated sterling silver dog bone money clip with paw inlay. Alex Jona gifts stand out, not only for their special design and for the excellen...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Sterling Silver Flower Victorian Flask
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Victorian flask with overlaid sterling flower motif. PERIOD: Last quarter 19th Century ORIGIN: United States SIZE: 4 1/2"H x 2 1/2"W Barware, Flasks, Silver, Glass, Vintage, Antiqu...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Heavy Sterling Silver Salt & Pepper Shakers
Located in New York, NY
These pair of heavy sterling Silver salt & Pepper shakers features a screw-top. Makers' mark is etched in the center of the base. The height measures 2 1/8 inches, circumferen...
$546Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.89 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
STUNNING 1911 STERLING SILVER MOTHER OF PEARL BAPTISMAL SHELL BAPTISM Dish
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this sublime 1911 Sterling silver handled with mother of pearl Baptismal shell ...
Silver
Lapis Lazuli Silver Plated Spoon Set of Six by Marina J.
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing One of a Kind Spoon Set by Marina J. Each spoon in this set of 6 is composed of clean and graceful lines giving this elegant set a modern flare. The lapis lazuli beads attach...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver Plate
$328Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.53 in W 3.15 in D 0.79 in
STUNNING 1931 STERLING SILVER MOTHER OF PEARL BAPTISMAL SHELL BAPTISM Dish
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this sublime 1931 Sterling silver handled with mother of pearl Baptismal dish for Christian Baptisms The pie...
Silver
Sterling Silver Custom Watch Part Cufflinks
By MAYORS
Located in North Miami, FL
These intricate and moveable watch parts fascinate the eye. These cufflinks are most unusual and are jeweler made. They are one of a kind. Fascinating workmanship involved in making ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 5.5 in W 0.45 in D 0.45 in Dm 0.45 in L 5.5 in
Vintage Must De Cartier Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Must De Cartier gold plated ballpoint pen Pen with reeded decoration The cap with inset gold panel and two tone gold band Pen engraved Cartier ...
Gold Plate
Vintage Silver and Enamel Snuff Box, Cock and Hen
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish vintage sterling silver and enamel snuff box. Oval shaped with a push / lift top lid that has been finely enamelled with a scene of a Cockerell and a Hen in a barn. Very ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Padova Letter Opener for Tiffany & Co
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elsa Peretti’s designs are as striking as the lady herself. Her unique pieces for Tiffany & Co. are an artistic combination of organic forms and sculpture. Ms. Peretti created the P...
Sterling Silver
Rosior one-off "Port Wine Leaf" Table Lamp Hand Chiseled in Sterling Silver
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
This piece is part of Rosior exclusive selection of Sterling Silver masterpieces. The abajur is hand chiseled in Sterling Silver "925" , with different size of "Port Wine...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Owl
Located in London, GB
A sterling silver cast model of an out stretched winged owl on a post, the owl is set with black diamond eyes, height 8cms, weight 139gms, hallmarked London. Should you choose to m...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 5.01 in W 0.28 in D 0.4 in
Super Rare Tiffany & Co. T-Clip Pen Awarded to Staff of Apple Mac Computers Ipod
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare original Apple Computers staff awarded Tiffany & Co pen This is part of a small suite...
Sterling Silver Money Clip with Turquoise Inlay
Located in Towson, MD
One silver (stamped 950 MEXICO) money clip with turquoise inlay measuring 1.75 inches x 0.75 inch.
Authentic Tiffany & Co. 925 Sterling Silver 23245 Baby Cup, circa 1990
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: product id: eb0545 type: STERLING SILVER BABY CHILD CUP metal: STERLING SILVER 925 HEIGHT: 60 MM DIAMETER: 59 Mm MARKINGS: TIFFANY & CO. MAKERS, STERLING, 23245, 925 weight: 93.40 gr AUTHENTIC TIFFANY STERLING SILVER BABY CHILD CUP. THIS FABULOUS CLASSIC TIFFANY BABY CUP...
Sterling Silver
Money Clip in Sterling Silver
Located in London, England
A minimalistic money clip in sterling silver, embellished with a striped engraving to the front. Dimensions: 4.9x1.9cm.
Sterling Silver
Sold
Bella Mano
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Bracelet and ring in one piece with silver crimped amastistas Guerrero state, chiseling technique and openwork
Sterling Silver
Pomellato 67 Argento Silver KEY
By Pomellato
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The intellectual precision of silver reinterprets the rich heritage of Pomellato, founded in 1967, and brings to life a lustrous collection made of sleek, traditional classics. Good ...
Silver
DEAKIN & FRANCIS Black Bird Skull Cufflinks
Located in Firenze, IT
The solid silver bird skull cufflinks from the National History range have a small domed oval spring link fitting, and a stylish black finish. Specially ...
Sterling Silver