Lapis Star And Moon Earrings
2010s Egyptian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterli...
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21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
1990s Thai Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Thai Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
2010s Thai Contemporary Stud Earrings
Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Dangle Earrings
Aquamarine, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Lapis Lazuli, Platinum, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
2010s Turkish Modern Stud Earrings
Ruby, 14k Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
2010s Egyptian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Freshwater Pearl, Zircon, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Art Deco Fashion Rings
Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Early 2000s Hong Kong Art Deco Drop Earrings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Artisan Dangle Earrings
Opal, Bronze
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Hoop Earrings
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Hoop Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Gold, Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s American Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold
A Close Look at contemporary Jewelry
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.