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.
Ancient Greek Bactria 2nd Century BC Elephant Coin 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
A rare and unusual square silver "drachm" coin from one of Alexander the Great's far-flung conquered regions in Central Asia, in what is now Afganistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and i...
18k Gold
White Diamond Teeth Cuff Memento Mori Open Bangle Bracelet J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Teeth Cuff Bracelet White Diamond Black Enamel 14k Gold Plated Memento Mori Open Bangle Designer: J DAUPHIN The Teeth Cuff is a rigid open band in 14k gold plated brass, the band f...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Vintage 1970's Flower Diamond Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1970's. Beautiful flower bracelet with sparkling white diamonds. Wonderful details on the flowers and the clasp is seamless so you can hardly tell where it is. In very good con...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons Baroque White Pearls 14 Karat Yellow Gold Earring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple Chic Earrings with top part made of 2 Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons (11 x 10 mm ) set in 14 Kt yellow from which are attached 2 White Baroque Pearls of 12 mm in diameter In 197...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Byzantine Empire 9th Century AD Bronze Bust Of Christ Coin 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic, sharply struck, large ( 31mm ) bronze coin was issued between 976 to 1025 AD in Constantinople during the realms of the Byzantine Emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII...
18k Gold
$1,087Sale Price|50% Off
Silvorra Oval Cut 10.19ct Emerald Stackable Tennis Bracelet in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 10.19 carat oval cut emerald bracelet is crafted in 925 sterling silver. The gemstone measures 3x4 mm and is prong set. The striking emerald stands as the centerpiece, s...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$247Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Art Deco Inspired Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This bold octagon cut emerald and diamond halo ring is handcrafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing an octagon cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm, with a total gemstone w...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
2.70ct Aquamarine and Diamond Halo Pendant in Platinum
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Bathed in the cool clarity of morning light, this 2.70ct aquamarine reveals a tranquil blue that feels almost weightless. Its emerald cut captures and releases light in clean, mirror...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
0.92 Carat Round Cut Pink Sapphire Band 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.92 Carat Round Cut Pink Sapphire Band 14 Karat Yellow Gold Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Primary Stones: Natural Pink Sapphire Total Carat Weight: 0.92 carats Setting: Prong Ban...
Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Small Blue Topaz and Diamond Studs
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.07 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing insp...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$460Sale Price|50% Off
Silvorra 2.61ct Multi Shape Pear & Round Emerald Bangle Bracelet in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This 2.61 Carat emerald bangle bracelet features a rhythmic arrangement of round and pear shaped gemstones, crafted in 925 sterling silver. It creates a fluid and visually balanced d...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18k White Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Lovely diamond engagement ring with a chunky diamond halo around the center stone. The diamonds are bright and lively. In very good condition. Size: Approx. 6.25 Metal: 18k White G...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 6.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Draw...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Size 6.5 #25330
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Size 6.5 This elegant Tiffany & Co. solitaire ring features a stunning round brilliant cut diamond set in a timele...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
Bijoux Num Hand-engraved Star Pattern Vermeil Bangle Bracelet
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num hand-engraved star pattern vermeil bangle bracelet. This beautiful bracelet features over 340 pcs of oval and round faux diamond cubic zirconia (CZ), handcrafted Italian...
Other, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Chanel B13 Pearl & Rose CC Antique Silver Brooch
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
From Chanel’s playful C24 Collection, this brooch combines whimsy with iconic elegance. Designed as a musical note, it features pink enamel heart accents adorned with the signature C...
Alexandrite & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold- GIA 6237584985
Located in Bloomington, MN
Alexandrite & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold- GIA 6237584985 Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this ring features a GIA-certified oval alexandrite set in a two-tone prong setting. Th...
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight 18K Gold Chain 18 Inch
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 20, 22 and 24 in...
18k Gold
$257Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald and Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring in 925 Silver Open Wrap Design
Located in New York, NY
This bold 1.26 carat emerald and diamond bypass ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver. The vibrant design features seven mixed shape emeralds in a beautifully graduated arrangement ...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pear Shape Faceted Amethysts Gold Bezel Engraved Amethyst Drops Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These simple but elegant handmade earrings have 2 faceted Natural Pear Shape Amethysts measuring 7 x 12 mm and weighing 4,55 carats set in yellow gold bezel at the top to which are s...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Marquise Diamond Hexagonal Bezel Solitaire Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Features a stunning marquise-cut center diamond nestled securely within a modern, structural hexagonal bezel setting. Crafted with a high-polished 14K yellow gold band that tapers ge...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst Diamond Ruby Bird of Paradise Brooch 1988
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. bird of paradise brooch in 18K yellow gold, dated 1988, set with an oval-cut amethyst measuring 10mm x 12mm as the bird's body, accented with round brilliant diamonds t...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT White Gold Graduated Miracle-Set Diamond 7.52 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking 14K white gold Riviera necklace features a beautifully graduated layout of round brilliant diamonds that gracefully maximize in size toward the center. Each diamond is ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
A Post-Modern 21st Century Plastic and Metal Logo Bracelet by Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 21st-century Chanel logo bracelet perfectly captures a sleek, minimalist aesthetic combined with bold high-fashion branding. The bracelet is crafted from a flexible, high-qualit...
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Flower Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 2.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.025 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiratio...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 2.8 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
An extremely bight and flashing 8 x 12 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon is held in a rich 22K gold embrace with sandlike "pasir" granulation surrounding. Crafted by a maste...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
$30,816Sale 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
Ruby And Blue Sapphire Oval Cabochons Baroque Pearls 14K Gold Diamonds Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
The upper part of these earrings, composed of 2 large ruby cabochons and 2 blue sapphire cabochons, with in the middle 2 small full cut diamonds, supports a pair of white baroque pea...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold Single "X" Earring #25281
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Single "X" Earring- This "X" earring by Paloma Picasso is crafted in classic 18K yellow gold in a sleek minimalist design, with Tiffany's timeless mode...
18k Gold, Yellow 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
Emma Chapman Sterling Silver Moonstone Rhodolite Garnet Earrings
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These limited edition statement moonstone and garnet earrings have been handmade in our workshops and were launched at London Fashion Week. Stella means star and represents luminos...
Garnet, Moonstone, Silver
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold 18K Yellow Gold T Smile Pendant Necklace #25239
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold 18K Yellow Gold T Smile Pendant Necklace- This elegant 18K yellow gold smile necklace is from Tiffany's T collection, which is a homage to the House's ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 18K 2.57 Ct Kashmir Unheated Purple Red Ruby Art Deco Design Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 2.57 Ct Kashmir Unheated Purple Red Ruby Art Deco Design Engagement Ring* GIA-certified Kashmir unheated Purple Red Ruby weighing 2.57 ct set on the 18K white gold band wit...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 1837 Bangle Bracelet #25367
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 1837 Bangle Bracelet A classic Tiffany & Co. 1837 Bangle Bracelet crafted in sterling silver and engraved with the iconic Tiffany 1837 hallmark, commemo...
Sterling Silver
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Minimalist Emerald Chain Bracelet Everyday Fine Jewelry in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet contains an Emerald gemstone with a weight of 0.6 carats, set in 925 sterling silver. The 4 x 6 mm octagon shaped stone is placed at the center in a simple setting, sho...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Scattered Diamond Cluster Dome Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This eye-catching 14K yellow gold dome ring features a playful, organic arrangement of diamonds. Rather than a rigid line, the brilliant round and marquise-shaped clusters are scatte...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA/AIGS 18K 2.05 Ct Madagascar Unheated Vibrant Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA/AIGS 18K 2.05 Ct Madagascar Unheated Vibrant Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring* GIA/AIGS-certified natural unheated Madagascar Unheated Vibrant Pink Sapphire weighing 2.05 ct set o...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$23,146Sale 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
GIA Certified 3.99 Carat Pink Purple Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Certified 3.99 Carat Pink Purple Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Primary Stones: Natural Pink Purple Sapphire Accent Stones: Natural Diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
HRD 14K 2.75 Ct Natural Vivid Rhodolite Garnet&Diamonds Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*HRD 14K 2.75 Ct Natural Vivid Rhodolite Garnet&Diamonds Antique Engagement Ring* HRD-certified natural vivid Rhodolite Garnet weighing 2.75 ct set on the 14K white gold halos desig...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
33 Carat Heart Cut Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace Antique
Located in New York, NY
We are so delighted to have this extraordinary 33 Carat antique heart cut natural Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum. The magnificent 33.17 Carat Heart Cu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$200Sale Price / set|50% Off
Sterling Silver Pink Cubic Zirconia Starlit Blossom Stud Earrings For Women
Located in New York, NY
These striking floral stud earrings feature a dazzling cluster of vibrant pink cubic zirconia accented with brilliant clear stones at the center. The mixed shapes are intricately set...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
2002 Rolex Ladies DateJust Two Tone Blue Diamond Dial Watch 79173 #23237
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2002 Rolex Ladies Datejust Watch Model: 79173 Serial: Y611504 This classic Rolex ladies watch is set in stainless steel with 18K gold bezel and gold accents on oyster band 26mm ca...
Stainless Steel
Emerald Star Charm Bangle Black Enamel Bracelet Celestial Twisted Rope J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel Sphere Star Charm 14k Gold Plated Twisted Rope Celestial Cuff Designer: J DAUPHIN The Emerald Star Bangle is a fine twisted rope band in brass ...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
$192Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Three Stone Aquamarine Paperclip Chain Pendant Necklace in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 1.5 carat total weight marquise cut aquamarine necklace is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a refined and minimal design. The piece features three marquise sh...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Handmade 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring Wide Band Size 9 Estate 13g
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Title: Handmade 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring Wide Band Size 9 Estate 13.3g Description This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable...
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Syna Yellow Gold Morganite Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Morganite 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.30 carat approx. 18kyg post backs for pierced ears About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspirati...
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alexandrite & Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14k White Gold – GIA 2225171673
Located in Bloomington, MN
Alexandrite & Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14k White Gold – GIA 2225171673 This cocktail ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features a natural oval alexandrite at the center, sec...
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$197Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 1.9ct Four Stone Emerald & Diamond Cross Cluster Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant emerald and diamond floral cluster ring features 1.9 carats of oval cut emeralds set in 925 sterling silver. Showcasing four vibrant emeralds arranged in a distinctive n...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$760Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 12.2CT Sapphire & White Topaz Statement Tennis Bracelet Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This refined features a 12.25 carats Sapphire & White topaz bracelet crafted in 925 sterling silver. The design showcases 29 carefully set stones in elegant oval shapes, creating a s...
Sapphire, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Tiered Star Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Shine bright with this brilliant star pendant necklace, beautifully crafted in polished 14K white gold. The eye-catching pendant features a tiered design, showcasing a central star b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emma Chapman Gold Plated Silver Moonstone Labradorite Dangle Earrings
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These stylish moonstone and labradorite dangle earrings have been handmade in our workshops. They feature hand-cut teardrop shaped moonstone with labradorite drops and are set in st...
Labradorite, Moonstone, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Contemporary Turkish Luxury 24k Fused Silver Hammered Diamond Bee Coin Cocktail
By Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
Contemporary Turkish Luxury 24k Fused Silver Hammered Diamond Ancient Greek Honey Bee Coin Cocktail Ring, Size 10 By Kurtulan Jewellery Imbued with classical mythology and ancient ar...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Gold
Aquamarine Ruby Snake Ring Serpent Double Head Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aquamarine Ruby Snake Ring Serpent Double Head Gold Plated Silver Ouroboros Double Serpent Ring Aquamarine Ruby Gold Plated Silver Ouroboros Coiled Snake Statement Designer: J DAU...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, Brass
Cartier 18K White Gold and Diamond Love Ring Size 6.25 (53) #25400
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K White Gold and Diamond Love Ring Size 6.25 (53) This iconic band from Cartier's Love collection features six round brilliant cut diamonds set in polished 18K white gold....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 18K 5.55 Ct Natural Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 5.55 Ct Natural Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Antique Engagement Ring* GIA-certified natural vivid green emerald weighing 5.55 ct set on a 18K white gold double halos design...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$382Sale Price|55% Off
Chanel Twisted Band CC Cuff Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Chanel CC Rope Bangle, a sculptural statement piece that showcases the house’s iconic symbolism with a refined, modern edge. Crafted in gold-tone metal, the bangle features twisted r...