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.
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...
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...
$1,600
H 3.13 in W 1.5 in L 5.5 in
Figural Israel & Son Ltd. Sterling Silver Cow Creamer or Milk Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine figural sterling silver creamer or milk pot by Israel Freeman & Son. In the form of a cow with a loop 'tail' handle, hinged lid to the back, and spout at the mouth. A t...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Gold Bird Ashtray and Pocket Watch Holder
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Gold Bird Pocket Watch Holder circa 1950 18k hammered yellow gold watch holder & ashtray With copy of Cartier sketch Measurements: Leng...
18k Gold
$17,118
W 0.52 in D 0.34 in L 2.73 in
Van Cleef & Arpels 2 in 1 Lipstick Holder and Pocket Watch, Malachite and Onyx
Located in Berlin, DE
Fabulous and extreme rare Van Cleef & Arpels 2 in 1 accessory. Lipstick Holder and Ladies Pocket Watch. Malachite and Onyx Case. Movement: mechanical manual winding. A unique coll...
Malachite, Onyx
Cartier 18k 750 Yellow Gold and Diamond Compact
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage 18K yellow gold Cartier compact powder box with a woven texture and diamond encrusted thumb-piece. Circa 1950's. The compact is stamped with th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Navajo Turquoise and Gold Watch Band, Ring, Bolo and Buckle Set
By Navajo
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Stunning four piece gold bracelet, ring, bolo and buckle set made by Robert and Burnice Leekya. Navajo four-piece set: watch band, ring, bolo, and buckle. 14K gold overlay and turquoise nuggets. Signed "RBL". From the Sleeping Beauty Mine. Zuni husband and wife Robert and Bernice Leekya are known for their bold turquoise nugget jewelry. They have been making unique pieces since 1953. Robert was taught by his father, a master Zuni jeweler Leekya Deyuse...
Turquoise, 14k Gold
Georg Jensen Silver Denmark Acorn Belt Buckle #67
By Georg Jensen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique sterling silver belt buckle from Georg Jensen in the Acorn pattern #67, circa 1915-1927. The Acorn pattern was introduced ...
Sterling Silver
Pearl and Diamond Masbaha Prayer Beads
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Prayer Beads for the traditional and stylish man. Consists of 33 Akoya Light Gray Pearls. Very hard to find Color. Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold w...
Diamond, Pearl
Six-Piece Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Kettle on Cradle W Serving Tray 7.3 Kg
Located in New York, NY
Very Exclusive A Tiffany & Co maker's sterling silver tea set, complete with serving tray. Six Piece Tiffany & Co. Makers Sterling Silver Complete Tea Set Each piece is sign...
Sterling Silver
Archaeological-Revival Coral and Gold Spartan Diadem
Located in London, GB
An archaeological-revival coral and gold Spartan diadem, in the form of a gold band with seven concave discs each set with a cabochon coral, alternating with eight floral motifs each set with a small cabochon coral, all with gold wirework decorations of Etruscan style, made in Naples circa 1840, bearing gold hallmarks N3 with the profile of Parthenope, gross weight 94 grams. A gorgeous and sumptuous Spartan diadem, made in the mid-nineteenth century in Italy. Beginning in the early nineteenth century, jewellery inspired by the Ancient World became very popular. This diadem is made from bright yellow gold in which is set seven glowing orange cabochon-cut coral stones within carved gold discs. Further gold wirework and smaller coral stones add to the beauty of this piece, which is simple and bold. By family repute, this diadem, purchased in England during the early part of the 20th century, was once owned by Empress Eugénie of France. Winterhalter's portrait of the Empress in 1864 depicts her wearing a gold diadem similar in design to this one. Eugénie loved jewels and as well as enjoying the sumptuous French crown jewels...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Ring Iris Flower Buds 18 K Yellow Gold Oriental Pearl France
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This finely modelled and extremely rare French Art Nouveau ring features two entwined irises and two flower buds surrounding a fine white orien...
Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Plated "Lady Bug" Musical Wind-Up
Located in New York, NY
Reed & Barton wonderfully large sterling silver plated "Lady Bug" accented with hammered detailing as well as etching throughout. The "self-wind" musical note plays "You Are My Sunshine...
$2,950Sale Price|39% Off
Archibald Knox Liberty Tudric Pewter Tea Set and Tray, circa 1905
Located in Toronto, ON
Archibald Knox Liberty Tudric pewter Tea set and Tray, C.1905.Teapot, cream jug, sugar and tray, each with relief whiplash curved celtic ornament interl...
Antique Crested Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Tea or Coffee Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique crested tea or coffee service. Comprised of a tall tea or coffee pot with a wooden handle, an open sugar, and a creamer in heavy-gauge sterling silver. Each of the 3...
Sterling Silver
Vintage EDOUARD RAMBAUD Soleil Sunburst Golden Hand Mirror
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage EDOUARD RAMBAUD Soleil Sunburst Golden Hand Mirror Features: - 100% Authentic EDOUARD RAMBAUD. - Textured sunburst "SOLEIL" hand mirror. - Gold tone hardware. - Signed EDOUA...
$240Sale Price|20% Off
L 3.75 in
Marina J 6 Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Tea Spoon Set with Lapis Lazuli Stones
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of 6 rhodium-plated sterling silver teaspoons with lapis lazuli stones are elegant, with spiral handles. These vintage spoons were re-imagined ...
Lapis Lazuli, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silver watering can teapot
Located in Perugia, IT
Watering can-shaped teapot in 800/ooo silver , weight 495 g. Width cm 9 Length 22 cm Height 15 cm Made in Italy and handcrafted. Original Italian-made teapot, from an artisan wor...
Silver
Moiseikin Silver Nephrite Lotus Dessert Plate
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
MOISEIKIN's exquisite LOTUS tea set made with genuine silver and gem quality Ural nephrite, a spiritual and energy stone. Genuine nephrite is rich in minerals and trace elements, has a caring effect on the skin, and relieves stress. The texture is delicate and smooth, releasing a pleasant mood. Jade is a symbol of status and wealth. Water-soaked in jade or nephrite stone can approach or reach the standard of high-quality mineral water within three hours. Traces of selenium released when brewing tea with a jade tea set...
Jade, Silver
Moiseikin Silver Gold Plated Giraffe Cutlery Gift for Baby and Children
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Giraffe Cutlery set of the MOISEIKIN® is made of 925 sterling silver with indium, rhodium and careful gilding. Adding indium preserves the glossy look and its durability and a thin layer of metal from the platinum group - rhodium makes the spoon more shiny. The handle of the spoon is stylised as the shape of an animal’s neck, decorated with a pattern imitating its spotted golden-silver skin and decorated with a silver head of a giraffe. Specially, the tradition of giving a child a silver spoon for the appearance of the first milk tooth has long lived in Russia and other countries. It was considered "investment in a child's future." The set contains a spoon, a fork, and a knife in different giraffe poses, looking like family. Thanks to the healing properties of silver, the set will have an antibacterial effect. “Grow big and tall as a giraffe!.” We say and give the baby the first cutlery in the form of a cute long-necked giraffe. This is the best adorable gift for your own child, grand child or relatives. *Caring our silver gold plated tableware...
Gold Plate, Silver
MOISEIKIN Silver Giraffe Spoon Gift for Baby and Children
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Giraffe spoon of the MOISEIKIN® is made of 925 sterling silver and indium, using gilding and rhodium. Adding indium preserves the glossy look and its durability, and a thin layer of metal from the platinum group - rhodium, makes the spoon more shiny. The handle of the spoon is stylised as the shape of an animal’s neck, decorated with a pattern imitating its spotted golden-silver skin and decorated with a silver head of a giraffe. The tradition of giving a child a silver spoon for the appearance of the first milk tooth has long lived in Russia and other countries. It was considered "investment in a child's future." A spoon is given as a sign that it’s time for the baby to move from mother’s milk to another meal. Usually teeth come out by 6 months, which coincides with the time of the beginning of feeding. The spoon “Giraffe” will help feed the baby a new meal for him, and thanks to the healing properties of silver, the spoon will have an antibacterial effect, it will cool and soothe the pain safely when the first tooth begins to erupt. “Grow big and tall...
Gold Plate, Silver