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.
Cartier Silverplate Milk Jug Cocktail Shaker by Reed & Barton
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A distinctive and highly collectible silverplate cocktail shaker in the form of a classic milk jug, crafted by the renowned American silversmith Reed & Barton and retailed under ...
Silver, Silver Plate
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Magnolia Dish Vintage Rare With Pouch Box & Cloth
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant Tiffany & Co. Magnolia Dish is a timeless example of Tiffany’s exquisite sterling silver craftsmanship. Designed in the shape of a delicate magnolia blossom, the dish ca...
Sterling Silver
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Teacups And Plates Denmark Hand Painted Wildflowers
Located in New York, NY
From the personal collection of style icon Iris Apfel we have her Set of Six Hand Painted Danish Teacups and Dessert Plates with images of Wildflowers in the style of Royal Copenhage...
Christofle 24 Piece Silver Plate Mood Silverware Set
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
This Christofle Mood silver plate flatware set presents a polished, contemporary serving design with the brand’s distinctive egg-shaped storage case. T...
Silver Plate
Tiffany & Co. ABC Bears Sterling Silver Baby Spoon & Fork Set, New in Box
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
This charming Tiffany & Co. ABC Bears Sterling Silver Baby Spoon & Fork Boxed Gift Set is designed with both functionality and whimsy in mind. As baby's first flatware, the t...
Sterling Silver
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
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Pineapple Place Card Holders Set Of 11 #24494
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Pineapple Place Card Holders Set Of 11 - These vintage Tiffany & Co. sterling silver pineapple place card holders (set of 11) with pouch are pe...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & CO. Sterling Silver Baby Spoons (Set of 2) #22642
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Baby Spoons (Set of 2) - These elegant Tiffany & Co. baby spoon set is crafted in sterling silver in the original Tiffany blue box. Size: approx. 4.25...
Sterling Silver
800 silver sugar bowl with dispenser
Located in Perugia, IT
800 silver sugar bowl with dispenser Diameter mm 55 Height mm 80 Weight g 81 Made in Padua - Italy - Handcrafted Peculiar sugar bowl with built-in dispenser, lid, hammered finish, p...
Sterling Silver
$1,297Sale Price / item|30% Off
Whisky Glass, Solid Silver, Moon , 1 Piece, Italy
By K-OVER
Located in Firenze, IT
K-over whisky glass are our latest creation. The value of this whisky glass lies on the innovative techniques that have been used in its production. As it can be clearly seen from the pictures, the surface of the K-OVER shines as the Moon. This innovative texture provides also a technical advantage: when you touch the cover, no fingerprint is left. The glass has been completely handcrafted by Marco Fedi, a Florentine master goldsmith. The production process took few weeks and the techniques used are spinning and engraving. This glass is produced in pure silver 999...
Silver
De Vecchi Milano 1935 small face bowl in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
De Vecchi Milano 1935 small face bowl in 925 sterling silver ERE Collection Measurements 8 x 7 x 0.8 cm Weight 23 g Reference ERE10 Small bowl - saucer part of a collection called ...
Sterling Silver
Pampaloni taste & drink wine cups silver plated wooden package
By Pampaloni 1
Located in Perugia, IT
Silver-plated Pampaloni taste & drink wine cups with wooden box Manufactured by Pampaloni - Florence - Italy 2 cups + wooden box Weight cups g 328 Height 7 cm Diameter 9 cm Table g...
Silver Plate
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Ballet Slippers Baby Child Feeding Spoon #26771
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Ballet Slippers Baby Child Feeding Spoon An authentic Tiffany & Co spoon featuring an engraved pair of ballet slippers on the front of the handl...
Sterling Silver
St. Lucia Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
St Lucia Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 4.37in / 11.1cm Width 0.90in / 2.5cm Weight 15.1gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run busine...
Silver
$472Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier .925 Sterling Silver Child's Fork, Signed, 3.75 Inches Long
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A rare and charming collectible, this Cartier child’s fork is crafted in fine .925 sterling silver, weighing approximately half an ounce and measuring 3.75 inches in length. Elegantly signed on the reverse, it reflects the heritage of Cartier’s master silversmithing, made in the USA with exceptional craftsmanship. Sterling silver baby gifts...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Makers Sterling Silver Vermeil Cordial Cup #22632
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Makers Sterling Silver Vermeil Cordial Cup This elegant Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cordial cup features a rounded modernist form and a gold washed interior Match...
Sterling Silver
De Vecchi Milano 1935 Flor large candelabra in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
De Vecchi Milano 1935 candelabra in 925 sterling silver, Flor collection, large model A28. Height 49cm Flower diameter 24 cm approx Diameter base 13 cm Weight 710 g 2025 an importan...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Heart Porcelain Salad Dessert Plates 8-Inch Set of 4 Made in Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
Add timeless elegance to your table with this authentic Tiffany & Co. Heart Porcelain Plate Set, crafted in Italy by Este Ceramiche. This beautiful set includes four white porcelain ...
Tiffany & Co. Makers Sterling Silver Vermeil Cordial Cup #22633
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Makers Sterling Silver Vermeil Cordial Cup - This elegant Tiffany & Co. Sterling silver cordial cup features a a rounded modernist form and a gold washed interior Ma...
Sterling Silver
Champagne Bottle K-Over, Solid silver, American Eagle B/W, Made in Italy
By K-OVER
Located in Firenze, IT
Presenting "Black&White American Eagle" a stunning champagne K-Over crafted from pure silver 999/°°, an exceptional addition to our K-OVER Design collection. Masterfully handcra...
Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Forks Set Of 3 #24493
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Forks Set Of 3 - These vintage Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cocktail forks (set of three) are ideal ...
Sterling Silver
Kuyeda 950 Silver Scalloped Trinket Dish #24341
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Kuyeda 950 Sterling Silver Scalloped Trinket Dish - This beautiful Kuyeda trinket dish crafted in 950 sterling silver and features a classic scalloped fluted rim and a smooth center...
Sterling Silver
Disneyland Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Disneyland Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 4.40in / 11.2cm Width 0.98in / 2.5cm Weight 14.1gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run busin...
Silver
De Vecchi Milano 1935 Quadro small bowl in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
De Vecchi Milano 1935 Quadro small bowl in 925 sterling silver ERE Collection Measurements 6.5 x 6.5 x 0.8 cm Weight 25 g Reference ERE10 Small bowl - saucer part of a collection c...
Sterling Silver
Towle Sterling Silver 1975 Christmas Ornament #22634
By Towle
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Towle Sterling Silver 1975 Christmas Ornament - This vintage sterling silver 1975 Towle Christmas ornament features a detailed floral and checkered pattern on one side with a radian...
Sterling Silver
De Vecchi Milano 1935 small Nuvola bowl in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
De Vecchi Milano 1935 small Nuvola bowl in 925 sterling silver ERE Collection Measurements 10 x 6 x 0.8 cm 20 g weight Reference ERE13 Small bowl - saucer part of a collection call...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Bamboo White Porcelain Square Dessert/Salad Plates - Set of 3
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate your tableware with this elegant Tiffany & Co. Bamboo White Porcelain Square Dessert/Salad Plate Set of 3. Featuring a chic bamboo-inspired rim and a timeless white porcelain...
Tiffany & Co. Bamboo White Porcelain Creamer and Covered Sugar Set Ireland 2007
Located in Dallas, TX
Add timeless sophistication to your table with this authentic Tiffany & Co. Bamboo White Porcelain Creamer and Covered Sugar Set. Crafted from fine white porcelain and featuring Tiff...
Torrini aperitif set with 6 wooden and 925 sterling silver swords
By Torrini
Located in Perugia, IT
Torrini aperitif set with 6 wooden and 925 sterling silver swords Sword holder measurements mm 65 x 65 x 60 Spadine length mm 125 Total height including swords mm 150 Made in Florence - Italy Nice aperitif tableware made of wood and silver in the typical style of the old Torrini goldsmith workshop in Florence. Torrini is the owner of its trademark (Torrini 1369...
Sterling Silver
Attica Pampaloni carafe with silver plated and wood bottle tray
By Pampaloni 1
Located in Perugia, IT
Attica Pampaloni carafe with silver plated and wood bottle tray Tray size: (27 x 15 x 2.5) cm Jug size: height 21 cm, base diameter 9 cm Manufactured by Pampaloni Firenze - Made in I...
Silver Plate
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Butter Spreaders Set Of 5 #24492
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Butter Spreaders Set Of 5 - These vintage set of five Tiffany & Co. sterling silver spreaders i...
Sterling Silver
Windsor Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Windsor Silver Teaspoon Length 4.40in / 11.2cm Width 0.90in / 2.3cm Weight 12.4gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of...
Silver
Las Vegas Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Las Vegas Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 4.29in / 10.9cm Width 0.78in / 2cm Weight 9gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business je...
Silver
Queen Mary Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Queen Mary Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine Length 4.68in / 11.9cm Width 0.86in / 2.2cm Weight 8.1gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of ref...
Silver
Colombian Republic 1916 Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Colombian Republic 1916 Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine Length 4.84in / 12.3cm Width 1.18in / 3cm Weight 16gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of reference in Spain, with a large track record being official distributers of prime European jewelry...
Silver
Antigua Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Antigua Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 3.70in / 9.4cm Width 0.78in / 2cm Weight 12gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewe...
Silver
Boston Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Boston Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 3.54in / 9cm Width 0.78in / 2cm Weight 7.5gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewele...
Silver
Montreal Canada Maple Leaf Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Montreal Canada Maple Leaf Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine Length 3.58in / 9.1cm Width 0.70in / 1.8cm Weight 7.7gr PRADERA is a second g...
Silver
Inverness Collection Souvenir Silver Teaspoon with child in cross
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Inverness Silver Teaspoon Length 3.38in / 8.6cm Width 0.90in / 2.3cm Weight 10.3gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of reference in Spain, with a l...
Silver
Lugano City Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Lugano City Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine Length 3.93in / 10cm Width 0.82in / 2.1cm Weight 9.4gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of reference in Spain, with a large track record being official distributers of prime European jewelry...
Silver