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.
14 Karat Gold Agate Chalcedony Hand-Carved Butterfly Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
14 karat gold hand-carved agate black butterfly diamond pendant necklace brooch. The process of making this pendant set in 14k gold with sparkling diamonds, started just like that ...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Agate, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Herbert Rosenthal Bumble Bee Diamond & Ruby Large Brooch Pin
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A vintage Bumble Bee brooch by Herbert Rosenthal, crafted in 18k yellow gold. This exquisite piece features a bee design adorned with brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$4,900Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.17 TCW Certified Diamond Zambian Emerald Pin Brooch 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
CARTIER 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Elephant Animal Vintage Brooch, Circa 1990
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
CARTIER brooch featuring two elephants, a mother and her calf, in 18k yellow gold and emeralds. Dimensions: 3 × 1.6 cm. Weight: 11.36 grams. Manufacturer's hallmark and eagle's head ...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century 1.04tcw Diamond 14k White Gold Spray Brooch 1950s
Located in Towson, MD
This Mid Century diamond spray brooch is fashioned in 14 karat white gold and dates to the 1950s, a period when jewelers favored sculptural, naturalistic silhouettes rendered in lumi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. 14k Yellow Gold Rope-Style Brooch, Vintage 20th Century
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a round Tiffany & Co. 14k Yellow Gold Brooch in a style reminiscent of a length of rope. It appears to be vintage. 35mm Diameter x 1cm thick Total Weigh - 6g
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K 750 Solid Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Eyes & Green Gemstones Cat Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Eyes & Green Gemstones Cat Pin Brooch Metal Type: 18K Solid Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 4.8 Grams Primary Stone: Natural Ruby Ruby Color: R...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century Sapphire and Pearl 14k Yellow Gold Circle Brooch 1960s
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow gold circle brooch set with round cut blue sapphires and cultured pearls, Mid Century, circa 1960s. Dating to the 1960s, the brooch features 10 round cut blue sap...
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 14K Gold Diamond Bow Love Knot Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Emblem of Elegance and Grace Indulge in the enduring beauty of this Tiffany & Co. Vintage Diamond Bow Love Knot Brooch, crafted in 14K yellow gold and set with three s...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$22,500Sale Price|29% Off
Oscar Heyman Sapphire Diamond Pansy Brooch 18 Karat
By Oscar Heyman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Oscar Heyman Pansy is one of the most coveted brooches to own. It set with calibrated blue Sapphires brilliant cut, colorless Diamonds and brilliant cut treated yellow Diamonds. It measures 36mm x 32mm and weighs 20 grams. I suggest making a chain specific for this brooch so you can also wear it on a chain. Oscar Heyman was a main manufacturer for Tiffany, Cartier and Van Cleef in...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Nathalie Jean Palmeira & Citrine Quartz 18k Gold Mercure Brooch Pendant Necklace
Located in Milan, Lombardia
Made by hand in Nathalie Jean's Milan atelier in limited edition, Mercure Brooch is in 18 karat rosé gold, a warm, sophisticated color close to yellow gold. This contemporary piece c...
Citrine, Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
2.50 Ct Natural Sapphire .70 Ct Diamond Fly Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
Mesmerizing Fly This stunning mid century fly brooch is 1960 ca Utterly beautiful quality, superbly designed, hand crafted as unique of solid 18 kt gold Main body is overwhelmed by r...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
BROOCH- Modern Diamonds and Tsavorite Garnet Panther in 18 kt Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A captivating example of fine animalier craftsmanship, this majestic panther brooch captures the strength, grace, and fluid movement of the exotic big cat. Cast in solid 18K white go...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tsavorite, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip # 24486
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip - This genuine Tiffany & Co. solid sterling silver money clip with classic rectangular bend design. Size: 2 1/4" x 1 3/4" Weight: ...
Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Crown Pin/Brooch #24381
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Crown Pin/Brooch- This sparkling crown pin features 17 round brilliant cut diamonds set in meticulously detailed 14K yellow gold. A beautifully crafted piece...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cat on a Branch Brooch/Pin #23491
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch- Whimsical and beautifully detailed, this lovely brooch features a sculpted cat resting on a textured branch crafted in 14K yellow gold. The cat's eyes ar...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Diamond Parrot Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Amethyst 53.20 carats, Ruby 18.88 carats, Onyx, Blue Sapphire 9.11 carats, Tsavorite 7.80 carats and Diamond 3.60 carats Brooch set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 4.0 cm L...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960's Diamond Emerald and Ruby Butterfly Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
This vintage butterfly brooch was all handmade which is pretty incredible. It is adorned with natural rubies, emeralds and diamonds. You could also slip a chain through the top and i...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jean Vitau 18KT Yellow Gold Bird Brooch with .19 Carat Diamonds and Gemstones
By Jean Vitau
Located in New York, NY
Designed by the famed French designer Jean Vitau for Gemveto. Jean Vitau was a pioneer jewelry designer . He was known for patenting the Gemlok setting ,a secure and snag proof way of setting diamonds and colored stones. This lovely brooch is the perfect example using the expert setting techniques. Diamonds, rubies, and tsavorites are the stones that make up the body, along with a black onyx tail. The brooch measures 1.5" x 1.1/8". Diamond weight 0.19 carats Ruby weight 0.98 carats Tsavorite weight 1.85 carats Signed Jean Vitau 18K
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co 14K Yellow Gold Money Clip #25285
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co 14K Yellow Gold Money Clip Organize your pockets in style with this 14k yellow gold Tiffany & Co Money Clip. Great quality and understated sophistication. Hallmark: Ti...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,560Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luxury 2.24Ct Diamond Panther Brooch Pendant in 14k White Gold with Emerald Eyes
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This luxury panther brooch pendant is crafted in 14k white gold, set with 2.24 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds that shimmer across the sleek body. The eyes feature 0.74 carats...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
BROOCH - David Webb 17.80 Ctw Burma Ruby and 11.40 Ctw Diamonds in 18 kt Gold.
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
A monumental achievement in American high jewelry, this authentic David Webb statement piece is a breathtaking study in vibrant color, kinetic texture, and magnificent volume. Design...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Cameo Pendant/Pin #23787
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Cameo Pendant/Pin Classy and elegant, this 14k yellow gold Cameo is sure to make a statement. Wear it on a necklace or pin it to your blouse, either way this piece i...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 3D Frog Brooch with Green Enamel, Vintage Charm
Located in New York, NY
A Playful Nod to Nature’s Charm Bring a dash of whimsy and bright color to your wardrobe with this 3D Frog Brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold, adorned with green spotted enamel detail...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, White Sapphire and Ruby Pendant/Brooch set in Silver
Located in Dusit, 10
Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, White Sapphire and Ruby Pendant/Brooch set in Silver Settings (chain not included) Width: 5.0 cm Length: 5.0 cm Total Weight: 25.46 grams *Please note t...
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold & Sapphire Flying Duck Brooch 1970s
Located in Towson, MD
One vintage 1970s flying duck brooch crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, set with one round 1.5mm blue sapphire weighing approximately 0.02 carat, serving as the bird’s eye. The design ...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$117Sale Price|40% Off
Pair of Gold Metal Dragon and Phoenix Chinese Hair Pins
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Embrace the beauty and symbolism of traditional Chinese culture with this stunning pair of gold metal hair pins featuring the iconic Dragon and Phoeni...
14K Yellow Gold Star of David and Evil Eye Pin #25465
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Star of David and Evil Eye Pin Meaningful and beautifully crafted, this 14K yellow gold pin features a classic Star of David accented by a delicate dangling evil eye...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Sea Urchin Pin/Brooch #24504
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Sea Urchin Pin/Brooch- This striking Tiffany brooch is sculpted as a dimensional sea urchin, covered in fine radiating spikes that catch light from...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rhodolite Garnet, Diamond, and Pearl Brooch/Pendant 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This ornate brooch is a richly detailed piece crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. At its heart are vivid purplish-red rhodolite garnets in both oval and round cuts, creating an elegant ...
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
13K Yellow Gold Diamond Owl Stick Pin #25692
Located in Washington Depot, CT
13K Yellow Gold Diamond Owl Stick Pin - Hallmark: XRF Weight: 2.4 g/ 1.5 dwt Size: 2.5 inches in length Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: I1 Carat Weight: .02 cts , old single ...
Yellow Gold
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Scorpion Brooch Italian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Emerald
Located in Austin, TX
This whimsical scorpion brooch created in Italy of 18k yellow gold with multicolored enamel, pave diamonds and emerald eyes is full of character and ch...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K Yellow Gold Blessed Mother Medal on Pin #25193
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Blessed Mother Medal on Pin This 18k yellow gold Blessed Mother pin hung from 18K gold safety pin features a refined design that reflects timeless faith and devotion...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 1950s Gold & Ruby Brutalist Walter Schleup Brooch
Located in Maywood, NJ
Bruatlist jewelery design is fully embodied in this 14k gold and ruby brooch, meticulously crafted by Walter Schleup in his Montreal studio. "Walter Schluep, who trained as a jewel...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$33,600Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond & Sapphire Turtle Pin Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming and collectible Tiffany & Co. turtle pin brooch, crafted in platinum (Pt950) and dating to 1996, exemplifying the house’s celebrated animal-themed designs. This larger-format turtle brooch measures approximately 46.8 mm from head to tail and 31.1 mm fin to fin, offering strong presence and finely balanced proportions. The brooch is pavé-set with 158 round brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 4.00 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, delivering bright, clean brilliance throughout the design. The turtle’s eyes are accented with two blue sapphires, totaling approximately 0.03 carats, adding a subtle yet expressive touch of color. The total gemstone weight of the brooch is approximately 4.03 carats. The piece is crafted in platinum Pt950, weighs 25.5 grams, and is stamped “1996 Tiffany & Co. PT950”, confirming authenticity and period of manufacture. The brooch is presented in excellent condition, retaining crisp detail and strong visual impact. A delightful yet sophisticated signed jewel, this Tiffany turtle...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Coro 10K Yellow Gold Bow Multi Color Stone Pin #25313
By Coro
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Coro 10K Yellow Gold Bow Multi Color Stone Pin Charming vintage 10k yellow gold bow pin by Coro, featuring an elegant ribbon-inspired design with blue and red stones throughout, tim...
10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jadeite Yellow Briolette Diamond Rose Cut Diamond Flower Brooch in 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This brooch is a luxurious amalgamation of nature-inspired elements and opulent materials. Crafted in 18-karat white and yellow gold, it features six pieces of jade, combining to a ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond-Cut Circular Pin #25146
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond-Cut Circular Pin Elegant 14k two-tone circular pin featuring shimmering diamond-cut detailing for added brilliance. Milgrain edging. A timeless and...
14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
12 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Floral Brooch #22420
Located in Washington Depot, CT
12 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Floral Brooch- Bursting with natural elegance, this vintage brooch is crafted in 12K yellow gold and showcases a botanical branch design adorned with 1...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 4 Ct. Platinum Diamond Fireworks South Sea Pearl Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and collectible Tiffany & Co. Fireworks pin brooch, masterfully crafted in platinum (Pt950) and accented with a luminous South Sea pearl. Designed in the iconic Firew...
Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold Bullfrog Brooch with Cabochon Green Tourmaline Eyes
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold satin finished bullfrog brooch. His eyes are set with cabochon green tourmaline stones. Perfect for the frog collector. The brooch measures 1.25 x 1.25 Stamped 1...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vhernier 2000's Chrysoprase Diamond 18 Karat Gold Palloncino Balloon Brooch
By Vhernier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized balloon terminating with articulating white gold ribbon tails Featuring pear-shaped crystal quartz cabochon measuring 20.0 x 17.0 mm Transparent colorless - ba...
Chrysophrase, White Diamond, Pearl, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold...
Vintage Revisit 0.30ct Natural Ruby Diamond Brooch Pin 3D Still Life 12552
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
0.30ct natural round rubies vivid reds / clean clarity and transparent 18kt yellow gold 12 grams 44mm x 22mm
Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Single Wave Brooch 18k Yellow Gold
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso single wave brooch crafted out of 18k yellow gold. In very good condition. Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Measurements: Brooch is approx. 2.25 inches wide and ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Madeleine Albright's Lizard Pin Brooch 7.5" Articulated And "Read My Pins" Book
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a piece of American History with Madeleine Albright's Lizard Pin Brooch, along with a copy of her book "Read My Pins: Stories From A Diplomat's Jewel Box." The lizard bro...
10K Yellow Gold Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity Pin #25708
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10K Yellow Gold Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity Pin - Show your fraternity pride with this 10K yellow gold Delta Sigma Pi pin. Crafted in genuine gold with a classic design, this distingu...
10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nao Brooch in 950 Silver & Recycled Muirapiranga Wood by Lucía Rovira
Located in Geneve, CH
Nao Brooch in 950 Silver & Recycled Muirapiranga Wood by Lucía Rovira Unique Piece Dimensions: W 7,5 x H 8,5 cm. Materials: Silver and recycled Muirapiranga wood. Lucía Rovira (...
Silver
Cartier Abstract Form Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Darnestown, MD
Cartier abstract form brooch with striated lobes going in different directions. It is nicely three dimensional. The brooch can be worn either vertically or horizontally. It measures ...
18k Gold
Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Star in Gold, Pin Brooch, Clear Crystals
By Kenneth Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add a touch of ocean-inspired elegance to your collection with this stunning Kenneth Jay Lane Starfish Brooch. Crafted with a luxurious gold-...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Hydrangea Blossom 9.75ctw Turquoise Aquamarine Diamond Brooch/Pendant
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A poetic ode to the lush fullness of hydrangeas, this convertible brooch and pendant captures the charm of a summer garden in full bloom. Petals of smooth turquoise radiate outward i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$736Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch with 4mm Cultured Pearl, Artisan Signed
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite Blend of Nature's Beauty and Timeless Elegance Elevate your style with this enchanting 14K Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch, artfully designed with intricate etched accents and a...
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k pin. Horse head reverse crystal, hand painted, antiqued
Located in Cohasset, MA
a beautiful 14k horse pin. Hand painted on mother of pearl, reverse crystal. One of a kind.
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Business Card Case with Box and Pouch #25470
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Business Card Case with Box and Pouch This authentic Tiffany card case features a smooth polished background wi...
Sterling Silver
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Brooch with Green Sapphire and Diamond
Located in Berlin, DE
This Contemporary Brooch is made of 18 karat yellow gold with natural green sapphire (oval cut), cabochon citrine and round diamond. We work with german gems company, that is in the ...
Beryl, Diamond, Garnet, Quartz, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gr...
Heidi Daus Feline and Fierce Tiger Pin Brooch, Crystal Emerald, Topaz, Hematite
By Heidi Daus
Located in Milford, DE
Fierce, flashy pin by Heidi Daus! Sparkling topaz, emerald, and hematite crystals decorate this sparkling cat. Antique brass tone finish. Hallmarks: Heidi Daus, China
Crystal
Danecraft Sterling Silver Maple Leaf Brooch Pin #24593
By Danecraft
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Danecraft Sterling Silver Maple Leaf Brooch Pin - This vintage Danecraft sterling silver brooch features a beautifully detailed maple leaf design with dimensional texture and natura...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Seed Pearl & Diamond Iridescent Enameled Flower Brooch in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This charming vintage flower pin is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold with delicate enameled petals in warm shades of yellow and peach. At the center blooms a brilliant diamond, surrou...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18k Yellow Gold Herbert Rosenthal Ruby Eyes Large Bee Pin/Brooch
Located in Lexington, KY
This 18k yellow gold Herbert Rosenthal bee is stunning. The piece is in excellent estate condition and ready to wear. It is signed on the wing 18K and the HR inside a diamond makers ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Two-Tone Gold and Diamond Ski and Pole Stick Pin #25749
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Two-Tone Gold and Diamond Ski and Ski Pole Stick Pin This charming 18K yellow and white gold stick pin features a sleek ski paired with a crossed ski pole and accented with four...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Brooch with Sapphire
Located in Berlin, DE
This Tobacco Flower contemporary brooch will be made of 18 karat yellow gold with natural tourmaline and sapphire, about 4 carats in total. The collections is designed by german oil ...
Rubelite, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Tourmaline, Purple Sa...