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.
Handmade Moonstone Teardrop Ring in Sterling Silver by Emma Chapman
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
A stylish moonstone ring whic has been handmade in our workshops. The gemstones have been hand-cut into teardrop shapes and set in sterling silver. The top of the ring is gold micron...
Moonstone, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Fei Liu 14ct Gold Flower Earrings with Jasper, Ruby & Yellow Sapphire
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
These flower earrings with jasper, ruby and yellow sapphire celebrate natural texture and sculptural gemstone carving. Each petal is carved from richly toned Indian jasper, revealing...
Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Jasper, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$637Sale Price|25% Off
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
$31,497Sale Price|20% Off
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Band Large Diamond Pavée" Ring 18 Karat Gold in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Band Large Diamond Pavée" ring was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax elements. The "O'Ring Band Large Diamond Pavée" ring is part of a timele...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Big Size Pear Shape Cream Color Pearls Oval Ruby Cabochon 14 Karat Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic earrings with a pair of Oval Ruby Cabs measuring 8 x 10 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold on the top and in the lower parts 2 big size and excellent luster Cream Color...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Sterling Silver Olive Leaf Ring Size 6.5 #25072
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Sterling Silver Olive Leaf Ring Size 6.5 This elegant Tiffany & Co. band features delicately sculpted leaves crafted in beautifully detailed sterling si...
Sterling Silver
GIA 18K 1.22 Ct Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 1.22 Ct Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Engagement Ring* GIA-certified Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby weighing 1.22 ct set on the 18K white gold band with natural round brilliant ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Michael Kneebone Lapis Lazuli Baroque Pearl Bead Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
Lapis Lazuli beads are paired with baroque pearls in this classic and versatile necklace. The 10 mm lapis beads are bright blue, well shaped and polished. The white pearls are rand...
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, 14k Gold, Vermeil
Opal & Diamond Drop Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Opal & Diamond Drop Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold This 14k yellow gold pendant features an oval opal set in a polished gold frame, accented by a small arched row of round diamonds ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$23,638Sale Price|20% Off
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Choker Mini Diamond Pavée" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Choker Mini Diamond Pavée" in 18-Karat Gold is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry designs in 1992. The ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI 14K 2.51 Ct Natural Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds 3-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI 14K 2.51 Ct Natural Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds 3-Stone Engagement Ring* An IGI-certified natural vivid green emerald weighing 2.51 ct set on a 14K white gold 3-Stone design b...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
18K Yellow Gold Oval Hoop Earrings #25164
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Oval Hoop Earrings Classic and understated, these beautifully polished 18k yellow gold oval hoops are lightweight and perfect for everyday wear. Hallmark: 18kt Ital...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 18K 1.01 Ct Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 1.01 Ct Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Engagement Ring* GIA-certified Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby weighing 1.01 ct set on the 18K yellow gold band with natural round brilliant...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 4.49 Carat Round Cut Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. 4.49 ct Total Weight Platinum Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring. The ring weighs 8.5 grams, size 6.5 (sizable to most finger size), the center ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2.15 Carat Natural Diamond Yellow Sapphire 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.15 Carat Natural Diamond Yellow Sapphire 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring Metal: 14 Karat White Gold Primary Stones: Yellow Sapphires Accent Stones: Natural Round Cut Diamonds ...
Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Steven Battelle 0.6 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gołd Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two fiery and flashing 5 mm rose cut "Welo mine" Ethiopian opals are surrounded by artisan crafted "large/small twist wire" 18K gold bezels to create these elegant everyday treasures...
Opal, 18k Gold
Statement Blue Topaz Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Statement Blue Topaz Ring in 14k White Gold This ring is crafted in 14k white gold and showcases an impressive 25.87-carat emerald-cut blue topaz in a classic four-prong solitaire s...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver "Notes" Heart Tag Bracelet #25111
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver "Notes" Heart Tag Bracelet- Instantly recognizable, this Tiffany & Co. heart tag bracelet is crafted in beautifully detailed sterling silver. This clas...
Sterling Silver
GIA 18K 6.63 Ct Zambia Intense Green Emerald&Diamond Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 6.63 Ct Zambia Minor-Oiled Intense Green Emerald&Diamonds Antique Engagement Ring* GIA-certified Zambia natural intense green emerald weighing 6.63 ct set on the 18K yellow...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Platinum Diamond Eternity Band Ring with 32 Diamonds
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Pretty stackable platinum diamond eternity band with milgrain around the borders. We have more than one available if you would like to create a stack or have one on each side of an e...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiny Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 3mm Bead Necklace with 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Delicate and refined, this exquisite necklace showcases rare Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads from Arizona’s famous Sleeping Beauty mine. These tiny 3mm round beads display a ...
18k Gold
Leto Lama Certified 2 Ct Colombian Emerald Eye Wire Collar Torque Necklace
Located in London, GB
An everyday talisman with serious presence. The Emerald Eye Necklace features a softly sculpted “eye” pendant in textured yellow gold, finished with an organic, hand-worked surface t...
Emerald, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet #24988
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet- Timeless and effortlessly elegant, this sparkling tennis bracelet features 50 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K yellow gold. R...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald-cut 12ct Lab Blue Sapphire and Freshwater Pearl Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Bijoux Num 12ct Emerald-cut Lab Blue Sapphire & Freshwater Pearl Earrings. The earrings feature 2 beautiful emerald-cut 12ct lab-grown blue sapphire (6ct each stone) a...
Freshwater Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Platinum, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
German Kabirski Enki Singular Edition Gold Plated Silver Ring with Sapphires
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Enki ring is a one-of-a-kind Singular Edition piece by German Kabirski, handmade in sterling silver and plated with 18K gold. Its bold barrel silhouette holds 8 natural rainbow s...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Sterling Silver Onyx Diamond Albion Pendant Necklace w/Pouch #25044
By David Yurman
Located in Washington Depot, CT
David Yurman Sterling Silver Onyx and Diamond Petite Albion Pendant Necklace w/Pouch- This lovely David Yurman pendant features a cushion cut black onyx stone with the designer's si...
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver
9k Yellow Gold St. Michael Tiny Talisman Necklace
Located in London, GB
Invoke strength, protection and timeless style with this solid gold St. Michael Talisman Pendant. Meticulously handcrafted from 9k yellow gold, this precious pendant features the pow...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jade Oval Cabochon Oval Faceted Ruby Yellow Sapphire 18 Kt Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
SHIPPING+CUSTOM DUTY ARE PAID BY SELLER Big Jade Oval Cabochon measuring 25x32 mm set as a Pendant in 18kt yellow gold bezel with in the center a oval faceted Ruby set in 18kt yell...
Jade, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Enamel Bracelet Emerald Star Charm Braided Bangle
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Enamel Bracelet Emerald Star Charm Braided Bangle Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted as a definitive statement piece, this structural bangle is cast in solid brass with a 14k gol...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Cartier LOVE Bracelet Classic Model 18K Yellow Gold 16CM
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier LOVE Bracelet Classic Model The bracelet is 18K Yellow Gold It has original closure of 2 screws The Bracelet is 16 CM and is 6.1 mm wide The Bracelet weighs 30.89 grams Comes...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Parentesi 18K Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Parentesi Necklace Choker The necklace is 18k Yellow Gold The necklace is 3/8 inches wide. The necklace weighs 137 grams The necklace is 15 inches length Comes with original ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pomellato Rose Quartz 18k Rose Gold Cocktail Dome Bombe Ring Sz 6 1/2
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Pomellato Rose Quartz 18k Rose Gold Cocktail Dome Bombe Ring, showcasing the brand's mastery in volume and color. Crafted from 18k rose gold, this ring features a bombe dome silho...
Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Lucy in The Sky Earrings in 18k Gold with Diamonds by Future Fortune Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Lucy in The Sky Earrings in 18k Gold with Diamonds by Future Fortune Jewelry. Dimensions: Available upon request. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold, Bezel-Set Pear-Shaped Diamonds, Burnish-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Juste Un Clou Classic Model Bracelet With Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold 19CM
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet, classic model with diamonds This is the classic Nail Bracelet. The bracelet is 18K Yellow Gold There are 32 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.58 carat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Juste Un Clou Small Model Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold 14CM
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet, small model This is the classic Nail Bracelet. The bracelet is 18K Yellow Gold The width is 2.5mm The bracelet is size 14 CM The bracelet weighs 8.71 ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chimento 18K Rose and White Gold Diamond Stretch Spring Bracelet #25059
By Chimento
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Chimento 18K White and Rose Gold Diamond Stretch Spring Bracelet- Elegant and effortlessly wearable, this Chimento stretch bracelet is crafted in 18K rose gold with the brand's sign...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Cartier Maillon Panthère Triple Row Half-Paved Diamond 18K Gold Ring Band 53
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Maillon Panthère ring band The ring is 18K White Gold This is a triple row half-paved band There are 35 round brilliant-cut white diamonds totaling 0.53Ct E/F VVS The ring is...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Star Collection Large Star 18K Yellow Gold Pendant With Chain Necklace
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
H. Stern Noble Gold Star Collection. The necklace is 18K Yellow Gold. The chain is 19.75 inches long The star is 1.25" x 14/16" The necklace weighs 10.05 grams The necklace is encrus...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Wide Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Wide Huggie Hoop Earrings- These wide huggie hoop 18K yellow gold earrings feature a high-polish finish with a substantial, rounded silhouette that hug...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Band Ring Size 4.25 #25122
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Band Ring Size 4.25 This sparkling band features 12 Asscher cut diamonds set in classic 18K yellow gold. A refined piece with timeless appeal. Approxima...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$129Sale Price|65% Off
Christian Dior Chris 1947 Silver Tone Plate Ribbon Choker Necklace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Christian Dior Y2K choker featuring a sleek black ribbon band and a silver-tone rectangular plaque embossed with “CHRIS 1947.” Finished with an adjustable silver-tone chain a...
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 18K 2.09 Ct Sri Lanka Unheated Color Changed Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 2.09 Ct Sri Lanka Unheated Color Changed Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring* GIA-certified Sri Lanka unheated color changed ( violet changing to purplish pink ) Sapphire weighi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White...
14K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings #25084
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings Classic and versatile, these 14k yellow gold hoop earrings offer a timeless shine that elevates any look. Lightweight and polished, they're perfect for...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's 9k Yellow Gold Fire Horse Tiny Talisman Necklace
Located in London, GB
Navigate life’s journey protected and guided by your own collection of amulets and talismans. We’re welcoming the Year of the Horse - a year in Chinese astrology that symbolises free...
Yellow Gold
GIA 18K 3.08 Ct Kashmir Unheated Purple Red Ruby 3-Stone Design Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 3.08 Ct Kashmir Unheated Purple Red Ruby 3-Stone Design Engagement Ring* GIA-certified Kashmir unheated Purple Red Ruby weighing 3.08 ct set on the 18K white gold band with...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Steven Battelle 3.2 Carats Cabochon Aquamarine 18K Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A limpid blue 8 x 10 mm oval cabochon aquamarine is set in a medieval-inspired Steven Battelle "4 point with jawan" 18K handmade gold setting atop a "double spiral with jawan" shank,...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Ribbed Shell Hinged Pill/Trinket Box #25098
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Ribbed Shell Hinged Pill/Trinket Box- This hinged pill box by Tiffany & Co. is crafted in a sculptural ribbed shell design in classic sterling ...
Sterling Silver
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Diamond Myst Pendant Necklace w/Box #25058
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Diamond Myst Pendant Necklace w/Box- Thes exquisite 18K yellow gold Cartier necklace features a stunning central pendant showcasing brilliant cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Five Stone Emerald Ring in 18k White Gold by Maria Jose Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Five Stone Emerald Ring in 18k White Gold by Maria Jose Jewelry. Dimensions: Ring size 6. Materials: 18kt White Gold, 2.41 Carat Center Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald, 1.24 Carats tot...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,600Sale Price|60% Off
18K White Gold 17.2mm Wide Freeform South Sea Pearl & 1.66ctw Diamond Brooch
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A sculptural floral brooch that celebrates organic elegance and rare materials. Crafted in solid 18k white gold, the piece features two impressive free‑form Golden South Sea pearls, ...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Lunch at The Ritz Red Macaw Parrot Brooch Moveable Enamel Statement Pin
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage Lunch at the Ritz oversized Rainbow Macaw parrot brooch with articulated moveable wings by original designer Esme Hecht. Iconic American wearable art statement jewelry. Drama...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Tiffany & Co High Jewelry Green Tourmaline Diamond Ring Tsavorite 18k Platinum
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned estate Tiffany & Co green tourmaline, diamond & tsavorite garnet cocktail ring crafted in 950 platinum & 18k gold (circa late 1990s to early 2000s). Marquise green tourm...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Tiffany & Co. vintage onyx mother of pearl 18k gold penguin brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This delightful vintage Tiffany & Co. penguin brooch is a whimsical and highly collectible jewel from the 1970’s, crafted in rich 18k yellow gold with elegant mother of pearl and ony...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier vintage 14k yellow gold cigarette cutter pendant
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier cigarette cutter pendant is a wonderfully rare and distinctive jewel from the 1970’s, crafted in 14k yellow gold with enamel detailing. Designed as both a functi...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris vintage gold plated silver tank watch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier Paris Tank watch is an elegant and timeless piece from the 1990’s, crafted in gold plated silver with the unmistakable rectangular form that has made the Tank on...
Gold, Silver
Oscar de la Renta Textured Metal and Crystal Hammered Collar Necklace 16" Long
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Striking and sophisticated, this Oscar de la Renta choker necklace is a true statement piece featuring sculptural openwork links in rich 22k gold plating. The handmade design sparkle...
Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass, Mixed Metal
Michael Kneebone Baroque Pearl Necklace Earring Suite
Located in Austin, TX
Dramatic baroque pearls are featured in this outstanding suite of jewelry. The ginormous pearls (origin: China) come in shades of pink, gray and ivory. They possess rich luster and...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Vermeil, Silver
Silvorra 10.5ct Oval Emerald & Diamond 7 Inch Tennis Bracelet in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This refined 10.05 carats emerlad and diamond tennis bracelet is crafted in 925 sterling silver, this elegant tennis bracelet showcases a refined sequence of vivid oval cut emeralds,...
Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silvorra Handmade Round Cut Emerald Multi Stone Half Eternity Band in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 0.97 carat emerald band ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring nine vibrant round cut emeralds in mixed sizes arranged across a refined half eternity design. ...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver