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.
Barbara Bixby Sterling 18k Yellow Gold Carved Green Chalcedony Pendant #24631
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Barbara Bixby Sterling Silver & 18K Carved Green Chalcedony Pendant - This stunning Barbara Bixby enhancer pendant features an oval carved green chalcedony (13.7 mm x 21.4 mm) set i...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Stunning Double Oval Peridot & Prasiolite Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num Stunning Double Oval Peridot & Prasiolite Vermeil Earrings These stunning pair of earrings features a pair of genuine oval vivid green peridot and pastel green prasiolite...
Quartz, Peridot, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
$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
$200Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Clover Flower Round Cut Moissanite Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These dazzling moissanite stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and features round cut moissanites totaling approximately 0.73 carats. Designed to maximize brilliance, the...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$440Sale Price|20% Off
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
Milgrain Diamond Band in 14k Rose Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Milgrain Diamond Band in 14k Rose Gold This ring is crafted in 14k rose gold and features a delicate seven-stone diamond design. The round diamonds are channel-set across the top of...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Silvorra Marquise & Round Moissanite Four Stone Halo Cluster Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This sparkling cluster ring showcases 0.45 carats of moissanite, handcrafted in 925 sterling silver. Marquise and round cut moissanites are arranged in a graceful leaf inspired desig...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$9,334Sale Price|20% Off
18KT White Gold Heart Shape Diamond Tennis Bracelet – 4.84 Carat
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant 18KT white gold bracelet features 37 heart-shaped brilliant diamonds, each meticulously set to create a timeless symbol of love and luxury. With a total carat weight of ...
Diamond, 18k 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
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
Steven Battelle 1.4 Carats Red Fancy Sapphire 18K Gold Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
A triplet of bright 3mm round faceted red fancy sapphires are set in 18K gold bezels separated by various sized "jawan" granulation in these ancient inspired beauties. A nice spiral...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
17th Century Venice Lion of St Marks Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "1/2 Ducato" coin from Venice depicting the Venetian Lion of St Mark is set within a "wire and jawan" handmade 18K gold (with silver backing behind) setting in th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co Vintage yellow gold Bamboo bangle
Located in Addlestone, GB
Tiffany & Co Vintage Bamboo bangle. Beautifully presented Tiffany & Co Bamboo 18ct yellow gold bangle Circa 1970’s. This rare collectable has become an icon for the Maison. Comes...
Yellow Gold
Certified 7.96 Carat Zambian Heart-Shaped Emerald Diamond Halo Necklace 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
A truly exceptional gemstone, this necklace showcases a certified 7.96 carat heart-shaped Zambian emerald of remarkable quality. Accompanied by a C. Dunaigre Switzerland Gemstone Rep...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,985Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 12ct Emerald and Diamond Geometric Link Tennis Bracelet in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This statement 12 carats emerald tennis bracelet is crafted in 925 sterling silver and features a continuous line of natural emeralds adorned with diamonds. The design includes 26 em...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Classic Platinum Cornflower Blue Oval Sapphire Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 3.62ct
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A timeless platinum cocktail ring centered by a 3.62 carat natural oval-cut sapphire (weighed), displaying a richly saturated blue that is slightly deeper than classic cornflower blu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
14KT White Gold Graduated Miracle-Set Diamond 3.01 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This luxurious 14K white gold Riviera necklace showcases an elegant, graduated row of round brilliant diamonds that increase in size toward a striking center focus. Each stone is cra...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970's Opal and Diamond Halo Ring 14k Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1970's. Beautiful opal surrounded by sparkling white diamonds. The opal shows a lively mix of orange, blue, green and even some purple. The setting is mainly white gold but the...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Natural Lagoon Tourmaline 2.50 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lagoon Natural Afghan Tourmaline Loose Gemstone – Emerald Cut Earth Mined Greenish Lagoon Blue Tourmaline from Kunar, Afghanistan, Premium Faceted Gem for Engagement Ring, Pendant, E...
Tourmaline
$8,625 / item
Tiffany & Co Mint Green Tourmaline & Diamond ring
Located in Addlestone, GB
Tiffany & Co Mint Tourmaline & Diamond ring. This exquisite piece is set in Platinum, featuring a beautiful Green, Mint cushion Tourmaline, approx 1.17ct. Set with Diamond...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Guild 18K 2.99 Ct Zambia Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*Guild 18K 2.99 Ct Zambia Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Engagement Ring* Guild-certified Zambia natural vivid green emerald weighing 2.99 ct set on the 18K white gold band with n...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Guild 18K 3.15 Ct Zambia Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*Guild 18K 3.15 Ct Zambia Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Engagement Ring* Guild-certified Zambia natural vivid green emerald weighing 3.15 ct set on the 18K white gold band with n...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$559Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Snake Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The pendant features a stylized, coiling snake motif. The entire body of the snake is covered in small, round, pavé-set diamonds that maximize sparkle. The snake's eyes are set with ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Pearl Drop Earrings #25337
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Pearl Drop Earrings- These elegant 14K yellow gold earrings feature richly colored oval amethysts framed by a halo of delicate seed pearls. Three pearl ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$275Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Floral Bouquet Emerald Sapphire Tourmaline Brooch Pendant with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This floral bouquet 9.67 carats brooch pendant features a striking mix of natural emeralds, glass filled blue sapphires, and natural tourmalines, crafted in 925 sterling silver.The g...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
$880Sale Price|20% Off
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
14K Yellow Gold Wide Hoop Earrings #25534
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Wide Hoop Earrings - 14k yellow gold chunky hoop earrings designed with a bold, substantial silhouette that makes a confident yet timeless statement. Their smooth, p...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Bulgari pink Tourmaline ring Circa 1980s
By Bulgari
Located in Addlestone, GB
Vintage beautiful BULGARI Vintage Pink Tourmaline ring Circa 1980s 18ct yellow gold, set with an oval cut pink tourmaline of approximately 2.15 carats, signed Bulgari and numbered, ...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
18k Obsidian cat head Pendant w 18k bail
Located in Cohasset, MA
18k Obsidian carved cat head with 18k adjustable bail. Any chain shown is not included
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
Van Cleef and Arpels 6 Motif Sweet Alhambra Bracelet in Rose Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra 6-Motif Bracelet is a timeless emblem of luck, elegance, and legendary French craftsmanship, beautifully rendered in luxurious ...
Rose Gold
Hawaiian Black Coral Slice Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1980's. Slice of Hawaiian black coral bezel set into a sleek and low profile 14k setting. In good condition. Size: Approx. 10.25 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Stones: Black coral ...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950's Carved Coral Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1950's. Beautiful carved coral bracelet set in 14k yellow gold. Has a nice secure clasp. In very good condition. Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Stones: Natural Coral Measurements: L...
Coral, 14k Gold
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...
Purple Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold,...
$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
Steven Battelle 3.7 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
A luminous and flashing 8 x 11 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon is set in an artisan crafted 18K gold setting with "large/small jawan" granulation ornaments at sides and bo...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Point Cut Diamond Ring Size 7.25 #25446
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Point Cut Diamond Ring Size 7.25 This elegant yellow gold ring features a sparkling point cut diamond s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 15K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Ring Size 7.5 #25445
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique 15K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Ring Size 7.5 This lovely solitaire ring features a sparkling rose cut diamond in a timeless 15K yellow gold setting. A lovely piece that br...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Diamond Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Opal Ring featuring a dramatic and elegant design with luminous opals set across the top and bottom, separated by a brilliant center of thirty-two round...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cameo Ring Size 6.25 #25391
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Cameo Ring A graceful nod to vintage elegance, this cameo ring brings timeless artistry to your jewelry collection. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, it features a classic...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$643Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Celestial Radiance Charm Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
A dainty gold-tone cable chain adorned with a central pave-set crescent moon, flanked by alternating starbursts and petite twinkling stars. ach charm is encrusted with brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna 18 Karat Large Yellow Gold Link Chain
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Necklace length 24 inches 18 karat yellow gold lobster clasp Chain can be clasped at any length About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Limited Edition Yellow Gold Jade and Pink Tourmaline Bead Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 18 inch length Jade 140 carats approx. Pink Tourmaline 15 carats approx. 18kyg roundels and ring 18kyg lobster clasp Limited edition About the D...
Jade, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Enamel Copper Fish Brooch Pin Fabulous! 6 Inches
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a fabulous treasure from the personal wardrobe of the legendary style icon Iris Apfel. We have her absolutely fabulous multicolor enamel on copper fish brooch pin that is ...
Copper, Enamel
1.28 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.28 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring Metal: 14 Karat Rose Gold Primary Stones: Natural Ruby Accent Stones: Natural Diamonds Total Carat Weight: 1.2...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 1.6CT Heart Cut Aquamarine Floral Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 1.6 carat heart cut aquamarine stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and designed in a delicate floral motif. Each earring features a 3 x 4 mm heart shaped a...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Oval Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Size 6 #25441
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Oval Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Size 6 This lovely ring showcases a sparkling oval cut diamond (5.7 mm x 5 mm) set in classic 14K yellow gold. Elegant, timele...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA/Guild 18K 2.07 Ct Dual-Used Vivid Lavender Sapphire Engagement Ring&Necklace
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA/Guild 18K 2.07 Ct Madagascar Dual-Used Vivid Lavender Sapphire Engagement Ring&Necklace* GIA/Guild-certified unheated natural vivid vibrant Lavender color Sapphire weighing...
Purple Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Clash de Cartier rose gold medium bangle size 21.
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
One of Cartier’s most iconic collections, Clash de Cartier bracelet set in Rose gold. A strong and powerful collection, which Oozes confidence and charm, playing with the Clou studs...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Halo Ruby & Diamond Necklace in 10k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Halo Ruby & Diamond Necklace in 10k White Gold This necklace is crafted in 10k white gold and features an oval cabochon ruby framed by a halo of round diamonds. The ruby is pron...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Islamic Quran Book Pendant #25211
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Islamic Quran Book Pendant Intricate 18k yellow gold Quran book pendant featuring detailed religious craftsmanship and meaningful symbolism. A beautiful and collecti...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Round Cut Tsavorite Solid Silver Pendant with Openwork Floral Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This shimmering 1.25 carat natural round cut tsavorite floral pendant, crafted in 925 sterling silver. Designed with an openwork flower motif, the vibrant green gemstones create a f...
Tsavorite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Sapphire & Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Sapphire & Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18k White Gold This ring is crafted in 18k white gold and features a vivid oval cut blue sapphire at the center, weighing approximately 4....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sterling Silver and 8K Bamboo Bangle Bracelet 7.5 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful vintage bangle bracelet is sterling silver. Its bamboo design is accented in 8k yellow gold. This bracelet measures 10mm wide. It has an inner circumference of 7 1/2 i...
Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Cartier Paris Foxtrot 18ct yellow gold diamond bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
18k Yellow Gold Foxtrot Diamond Bracelet by Cartier Paris 1984 This stylist piece never goes out of fashion, a real Cartier collectors piece for any deserving buyers. Set with 40 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Wide Ridged Ring Size 9.25 #25511
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Wide Ridged Ring Size 9.25 A 14k yellow gold wide ridged ring featuring a fluid, wave-like design that wraps gracefully around the finger. Its softly undulating surf...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$567Sale Price|75% Off
Chanel B24 Collection Pearl and Enamel Black White CC Choker Necklace
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
This Chanel choker is an elegant and timeless piece that combines classic pearls with the brand’s signature luxury. Featuring a stunning string of cream-colored faux pearls, the neck...
Chopard "Happy Sport" Watch Ltd. Edition with Floating Hearts
By Chopard
Located in Austin, TX
A vibrant pink dial patterned with delicate motifs sets the stage for this playful timepiece. Crafted in stainless steel, the watch features signature floating heart charms—one set w...
Diamond, Ruby, Stainless Steel