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.
$3,900 / item
Cabochon Aquamarine Necklace With 22k Gold Clasp
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Aquamarine necklace with a toggle clasp. Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family with hardness between 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale which makes it a suitable gem for everyday wear. Aqua...
Aquamarine, 22k Gold
Dalben Emerald Beads Rose Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design hand crafted necklace composed of 36 carat faceted beads emeralds and 18 k rose gold in rosary style. The necklace length is 16,9 inch (43 cm) . Emerald faceted beads...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$11,950Sale Price|25% Off
Hakimoto 14x11 mm 33 White South Sea Pearl & 18K Full Ball Diamonds Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean Suggested Retail Price $36,000 33 White South Sea Pearl 11x14mm 18K White Gold Full Ball Diamonds Clasp 17" Long and 93 Grams
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Faceted Kyanite & Diamond 22 Karat Gold Charm Beaded Necklace
Located in Naples, FL
Beautiful blue faceted Kyanite beads, 22k yellow gold tube spacer beads, and a 22k gold and white, round Diamond pendant charm. Beaded necklace is 17.5 i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Kyanite, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burmese Ruby and Sapphire Beads White Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Intricate and captivating, our Burmese Ruby and Blue Sapphire White Gold Necklace is a testament to nature's treasures. With heated ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Dalben Mixed Natural Stones Yellow Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design hand crafted necklace composed of 45 carat mixed natural stones ( jade, green aventurine, chalcedony, chrysoprase, lapis, quartz, rock crystal, zoisite, lazurite, aga...
Quartz, Amethyst, Opal, Ruby, Jasper, Rhodocrosite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
Emerald Cts 144.96 and South Sea Pearl Beaded Necklace with 18k White Gold Clasp
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This alluring piece features 73 Zambian emerald beads totaling 144.96 carats, renowned for their deep, verdant hue and exceptional clarity. Complemented by 74 South Sea pearls, thi...
Emerald, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hakimoto 15X14 mm White South Baroque Sea Pearl Necklace 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean 18K White Baroque South Sea Strand Necklace 18K Rose Gold With Diamonds Weight (g): 110.8 Cultured White South Sea Baroque Pearl 25 Pearl Size: 15X14mm ...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,640Sale Price / item|20% Off
Floating South Sea Pearls and Golden Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold South sea Pearls 11mm Golden Pearls 15mm
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$2,600Sale Price|21% Off
Authentic Ancient Roman Bronze Key and Gold Pendant on Coral Bead Necklace
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
Ancient Roman bronze key (3rd-4th century AD) and 22k yellow gold pendant on a coral and 18k yellow gold beaded necklace. Necklace is 17 inches in length and finished with an 18k gold lobster clasp. One-of-a-kind pendant necklace has a rich color combination, and features a rare and unique historical...
Coral, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Bronze, Yellow Gold, Gold
Dalben Rough Amber and Australian Opal Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design necklace composed of rough baltic amber big bead , blue-grey Australian opals bead , and a 18 k rose gold clasp. The necklace le...
Amber, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.11 Carat Diamond & Akoya Japanese Pearl Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable necklace, featuring seven Akoya Japanese pearls of 8.5-9 mm in thickness. Accented by diamonds weighing 0.11 carat total. Finely made with 14K yellow gold, 18 inches in...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Stephen Dweck Long Quartz and Blue Coral Brass Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Stephen Dweck Long Necklace The necklace is brass There is Blue Coral, Topaz, Cultured Pearl, Agate, Crystal, Tiger Eye, etc. The necklace is 30" Long The necklace weighs 225.4 grams
Agate, Coral, Cultured Pearl, Rock Crystal, Tiger's Eye, Topaz, Brass
18k Gold Sapphire Emerald Long Beads Cts 373 Necklace with Pearl and Diamond Rou
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite 34-inch necklace, with an additional 4.5-inch drop, combines 373 carats of stunning Burmese sapphires and intricately carved Zambian emeralds with radiant South Sea pe...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Pink Sapphire Carved Emerald Cts 306 South Sea Pearl Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This stunning 37-inch necklace features 306 carats of vibrant pink sapphires and intricately carved Zambian emeralds. Pink sapphires, symbolizing passion and love, are perfectly co...
Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Pink Sapphire
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant on Champagne Topaz Beaded Necklace
Located in Naples, FL
18k yellow gold and champagne diamond (0.03 carat, light brown, SI1) cross pendant on a faceted, champagne Imperial Topaz beaded necklace. Necklace...
Diamond, Topaz, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$656Sale Price|25% Off
Tumbled fluorite nuggets w/ white round baroque crinkle freshwater large pearls
Located in New Orleans, LA
Shimmering smooth tumbled fluorite nuggets with white round baroque crinkle freshwater large pearls. The strand is centered on a large white baroque freshwater pearl. Finished with m...
Freshwater Pearl, Fluorite, Sterling Silver
18k Gold Emerald Cts 25.27 Diamond Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Like a private forest caught in a pendant, this emerald necklace glows with velvet green and cool, liquid light. The 18k Gold Emerald Diamond necklace showcases a 25.27 cts Colombi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Stylish Necklace White Diamonds White Gold Agate Butterfly Decorated Micromosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
White Diamond, Agate, White Gold, 18k Gold
$9,750Sale Price|35% Off
*35% OFF NOW!* Vintage Natural Carved Jade and Coral Necklace with Gold Clasp
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This 20" necklace, crafted in the 1970s, features 24 carved natural, undyed jade beads and 24 carved coral beads, anchored by one large statement jade centerpiece and a gleaming gold...
Coral, Jade, Gold
South Sea Pearl Bead Necklace, 14k White Gold Clasp, 18.5 Inches, USA
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite South Sea Pearl Bead Necklace is crafted with attention to detail, boasting 45 lustrous pearls. Each pearl measures 9mm in diameter, showcasing the luxurious beauty of...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
African Ruby Bead Necklace with 3.31 Carats Diamonds in 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted with meticulous precision, this 98-mm necklace is a vision of refined luxury. Adorning its length are an astounding 3.31 carats of dazzling diamonds, they are a testament t...
Pearl, Ruby, Tanzanite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Baroque Pearl, Blue Topaz and Lemon Citrine Necklace
By The Mazza Company
Located in New York, NY
Elegant 18kt Yellow gold Necklace with 9 Baroque South Sea cultured pearls and 4 Lemon Citrine cabochons stations and 4 Blue Topaz cabochons stations. The Blue Topaz cabochon meas...
Amethyst, Peridot, Topaz, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Pearl Choker Necklace Opal Virgin Mary Medal Silver Chain J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Pearl Choker Necklace Opal Virgin Mary Medal Silver Chain Chain Designer: J DAUPHIN DESCRIPTION: A choker necklace strung with natural black pearls alternating with opals, jo...
Opal, Black Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Black Onyx Necklace in 24k Vermeil Gold & Smoke Quartz by Katerina Makriyianni
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Onyx Necklace in 24k Vermeil Gold & Smoke Quartz by Katerina Makriyianni. Dimensions: Length 43 cm. Materials: 24k Vermeil Gold, Bronze, Black Onyx, and Smoke Quartz. Kat...
Onyx, Quartz, Vermeil, Bronze
Best Seller Ivory Necklace, 24k Vermeil & African Glass by Katerina Makriyianni
Located in Geneve, CH
Best Seller Ivory Necklace, 24k Vermeil & African Glass by Katerina Makriyianni. Dimensions: Length 47 cm. Materials: 24k Vermeil Gold, Bronze, and authentic African Glass beads....
Vermeil, Bronze
Yellow Tourmaline Bead and Sapphire Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique bead necklace with spherical (round) beads of yellow tourmaline with good clarity and perfectly matched; accented with an oxidized gold...
Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold
Best Seller Silda Necklace in Silk & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni
Located in Geneve, CH
Best Seller Silda Necklace in Silk & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni. Dimensions: Length 52 cm. Materials: Brass base with 24k Vermeil Gold plating and handcrafted silk....
Vermeil, Brass
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Choker
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K white gold spectacular necklace is from our Dentelle Collection. This elegant choker has natural white diamonds in total of 3.27 Carat. The total metal weight is 91.3 gr. Necklac...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Peacock Necklace in 18 Karat Gold, Emeralds, Blue Sapphires and Diamonds
By Estaa
Located in Mumbai, IN
“The Peacock Necklace“ 6.99 carats of diamonds, 85.09 carats of Emeralds, and 567.07carats of Blue Sapphires beads 8.70 carats of blue sapphire cab...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Melon-Shaped Emerald Beads Cts 210 with Black Onyx and Crystal Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite 48-inch necklace showcases vibrant melon-shaped emerald beads, totaling 210 carats, sourced from the renowned mines of Colombia. The rich, green hue of the emeralds ...
Emerald, Crystal, Onyx
18k White Gold Peach Pearl Cts 61.08 and Diamond Tassel Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Featuring 1.45 carats of dazzling diamonds, 61.08 carats of peach-colored pearls in the tassel, and a stunning 7.21 carats of pearls adorning the cap and bottom, all set in 18K white...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Natural Yellow Orange Amber Bead Necklace 12416
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified Amber Bead Necklace Report 5231075936 28 x 18 x 15mm 34 inches long
Amber
18k Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Diamond Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted with deep blue lapis lazuli sourced from Afghanistan, this necklace radiates ancient elegance. The lapis, revered since Mesopotamian times, symbolizes wisdom and truth, whi...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
11.21 Carats Total Round Cut Diamond & South Sea Pearl Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful fashion necklace, featuring 6-9 mm yellow South Sea pearls with diamond encrusted caps on each side weighing 11.21 carats total. Pearls are set in a diamond by the yard s...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Beads and Cultured South Sea Pearl 22 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful necklace, it features fiery red ruby beads weighing 54.05 carat, with 14 carat of cultured South Sea white pearls interspersed amongst the rubies. The rubies are of goo...
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Necklace with Multicolor Sapphires 18K Yellow Gold
Located in BILBAO, ES
Vibrant and feminine, this elegant necklace is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and composed of 28 lustrous Akoya pearls, each measuring approximately 9.5 to 10 mm. The design is enh...
Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Citrine Necklace with Hand-Carved Agate Eagle Claw Pendant
By Coach House
Located in Montreal, QC
Awesome Facet-cut Citrine Necklace inter-spaced with Labradorite stones, suspending a hand carved Agate Pendant, depicting an Eagle Claw clutching...
Agate, Citrine, Labradorite, Sterling Silver
White Caribbean Shells with White Topaz Paradizia Necklace N3282
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description This unique, striking and delightful statement necklace expresses your own personal summer flair. An uncommon mix of beautifully lacquered Caribbean Ark shells with large...
Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Dalben Mixed Natural Stones Rose Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design hand crafted necklace composed of 45 carat mixed natural stones ( Apatite, Aquamarine, Aventurine, Chalcedony, Turquoise, Ziosite ) satin finished and 18 k rose gold in...
Chalcedony, Ziosite, Aventurine, Aquamarine, Turquoise, Apatite, Gold, 1...
Vivid Red Ruby Beads and Diamond Briolette White Gold Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A scintillating beaded necklace, it features 37 vivid red rubies weighing 41 carat as well as 37 white diamond briolettes weighing 5.14 carat. The rubies are of vivid red colour, w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Green Prehnite Beads and White Diamond Clasp Gold Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An unusual and beautiful necklace, it features hard-to-find green prehnite beads weighing 945.09 carat, with 50 white round brilliant diamond rondelles interspersed between the gems....
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Other, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Peridot and Morganite Bead Yellow Gold and Diamond Brooch and Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful bead necklace set with perdiot and morganite set in a 18kt yellow gold clasp and brooch centered with a Mabé pearl and cluster of round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Morganite, Pearl, Peridot, Yellow Gold
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Peridot 8 strand necklace with patinated sterling silver hook and eye clasp
Located in New Orleans, LA
16 1/2" long necklace of 8 strands of smooth tumbled and polished peridot beads with beautiful intense kiwi color and terrific clarity. the multiple strands may either lay flat or lu...
Peridot, Sterling Silver
Classic White Cultured Japanese Akoya Pearl Luxury Glow Necklace 48 inches Long
Located in Tysons, VA
Japanese Akoya White Pearls 9-10 MM Pearl Size 48 Inches Long
Pearl
Clarissa Bronfman Multi Strand Peridot Lapis 14k Gold Sapphire Beaded Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18" length total lapis beads 14k gold beads peridot beads 2-4 mm AAA+ quality 14k gold unique closing clasp with sapphire stones Please Note: Some of our jewelry photos, inclu...
Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, Sapphire, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Emerald Bead Black Diamond Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Featuring vibrant emerald beads from Zambia, each stone radiates a rich green hue, symbolizing renewal, growth, and prosperity. Emeralds are known for their calming energy and are ...
Black Diamond, Emerald
Aquamarine Beads 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Spacers 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp
By Joon Han
Located in New York, NY
Faceted aquamarine bead necklace with five diamond spacers in 14 karat yellow gold and a clasp in 18 karat yellow gold, length of 24.5...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burmese No Heat Sapphire Beads and Cultured South Sea Pearl 18K Gold Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful necklace, it features luscious unheated Burmese blue sapphire beads weighing 147.40 carat, with 9.26 carat of cultured South Sea white pearls interspersed amongst the rub...
Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold...
18K White Gold Pearl and Tanzanite Beaded Tassel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Masterpiece beyond compare; 18k White Gold Pearl and Tanzanite Beaded Tassel, an unparalleled fusion of enduring elegance and nature's splendor....
Pearl, Tanzanite, White Gold
Pearl Single Strand Necklace with Cluster Diamond Heart Charm Pendant
Located in beverly hills, CA
A very pretty cluster diamond heart charm pendant affixed to a luscious strand of cultured pearls. The heart carries total weight of 1.00 carat round brilliant diamond with G-H color...
Diamond, Pearl
72" Long Pearl Amethyst and Citrine Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Sabrina Balsky Jewelry One of a Kind beautiful 72" long Necklace Baroque Lustrous Freshwater Pearls and seed Pearls with Faceted custom cut Zambian Amethyst and Citrine...
Amethyst, Citrine, Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
Stylish Necklace White Gold White & Black Diamonds Pearls Decorated Nanomosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
White Gold 750‰ White Diamonds Black Diamonds Pearls For any questions please feel free to ask.
White Diamond, Pearl, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Round African Aquamarine and Champagne Diamond Bead Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful pale blue African Aquamarine and Champagne Diamond bead necklace is the perfect addition to your jewelry collection. The African Aqua...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
18k White Gold Blue Sapphire Cts 32.42 Tanzanite with Diamond and Pearl Tassel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Adding a touch of sparkle and glamour to your outfit. Adorning the cap and bale are shimmering diamonds, totaling 1.86 carats. The metallic bulb and chain are set with brilliant b...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hermes. Lacquered horn necklace with colored logo details.
By Hermès
Located in bronshoj, DK
Hermes. Lacquered horn necklace with coloured logo details. Maintenance manual, receipt, original box and bag included. Approx. 2000. In perfect condition Dimensions: L 100 cm.
Lemon Quartz Cts 175.75 and Amethyst Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted with lemon quartz sourced from Brazil, totaling 175.75 cts, each gemstone boasts unique shapes and facets, creating a dazzling display of light and color. Paired with ameth...
Amethyst, Diamond, Quartz, Gold
$3,761
Emerald Necklace
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Cocodrile Green Emerald Necklace mounted in gold plated Silver from the D'art collection - CHARACTERISTICS: ◘ Total weight 47,23gr ( Silver 42,54gr Gold 4,69gr) ◘ Emerald 129,82 ...
Emerald, Silver, Gold Plate
Aquamarine Baroque Pearl Triple Strand Necklace 11mm Beads Chinese Medallion
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning triple strand natural mined Aquamarine and Baroque Pearl necklace. The shortest strand in the necklace is a perfect 18 inches in length. The aquamarine beads...
Aquamarine, Pearl
$540Sale Price|20% Off
Sautoir w/ cultured coin pearls, lapis lazuli, and tumbled crystal rock nuggets
Located in New Orleans, LA
Sautoir with elegant, interesting mélange of freshwater lustrous cultured coin pearls, lapis lazuli beads and large tumbled rock crystal nuggets both smooth and crystalline. The piec...
Lapis Lazuli, Cultured Pearl, Rock Crystal