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.
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Pineapple Place Card Holders Set Of 11 #24494
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Pineapple Place Card Holders Set Of 11 - These vintage Tiffany & Co. sterling silver pineapple place card holders (set of 11) with pouch are pe...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Open Heart Baby Spoon #24940
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Open Heart Baby Spoon An authentic Tiffany small baby/infant feeding spoon featuring Elsa Peretti's iconic Open Heart design. Tiffany b...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & CO. Sterling Silver Baby Spoons (Set of 2) #22642
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Baby Spoons (Set of 2) - These elegant Tiffany & Co. baby spoon set is crafted in sterling silver in the original Tiffany blue box. Size: approx. 4.25...
Sterling Silver
800 silver sugar bowl with dispenser
Located in Perugia, IT
800 silver sugar bowl with dispenser Diameter mm 55 Height mm 80 Weight g 81 Made in Padua - Italy - Handcrafted Peculiar sugar bowl with built-in dispenser, lid, hammered finish, p...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Fireman Helmet & Ladder Baby Spoon w/Pouch #24941
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Fireman Helmet & Ladder Baby Spoon w/Pouch An authentic Tiffany baby/infant/child feeding spoon featuring a ladder up the handle and a fireman's...
Sterling Silver
$442Sale Price|25% Off
Cartier Sterling Silver Child's Fork, .925 Signed, 3.75 Inches Long
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A rare and charming collectible, this Cartier child’s fork is crafted in fine .925 sterling silver, weighing approximately half an ounce and measuring 3.75 inches in length. Elegantly signed on the reverse, it reflects the heritage of Cartier’s master silversmithing, made in the USA with exceptional craftsmanship. Sterling silver baby gifts...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Queen Mary Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Queen Mary Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine Length 4.68in / 11.9cm Width 0.86in / 2.2cm Weight 8.1gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of ref...
Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Denmark Baby Spoon & Food Pusher #22657
By Georg Jensen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Denmark Baby Spoon & Food Pusher - This vintage Georg Jensen baby feeding set made in Denmark features a solid sterling spoon and matching food pusher. ...
Sterling Silver
Torrini aperitif set with 6 wooden and 925 sterling silver swords
By Torrini
Located in Perugia, IT
Torrini aperitif set with 6 wooden and 925 sterling silver swords Sword holder measurements mm 65 x 65 x 60 Spadine length mm 125 Total height including swords mm 150 Made in Florence - Italy Nice aperitif tableware made of wood and silver in the typical style of the old Torrini goldsmith workshop in Florence. Torrini is the owner of its trademark (Torrini 1369...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Sardine Fork & Spoon Serving Set #22641
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling Silver Sardine Fork & Spoon Serving Set - These vintage sterling silver sardine fork & spoon set features sculpted fish handles and whimsical design. Size: Fork approx. 5 ...
Sterling Silver
Pampaloni 925 sterling silver table placeholder
By Pampaloni 1
Located in Perugia, IT
Pampaloni 925 sterling silver table placeholder Manufactured by Pampaloni - Florence - Italy 6 place cards + wooden box Overall weight placeholder g 77 Placeholder measurements mm ...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Butter Spreaders Set Of 5 #24492
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Butter Spreaders Set Of 5 - These vintage set of five Tiffany & Co. sterling silver spreaders i...
Sterling Silver
St. Lucia Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
St Lucia Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 4.37in / 11.1cm Width 0.90in / 2.5cm Weight 15.1gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run busine...
Silver
Windsor Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Windsor Silver Teaspoon Length 4.40in / 11.2cm Width 0.90in / 2.3cm Weight 12.4gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of...
Silver
Montreal Canada Maple Leaf Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Montreal Canada Maple Leaf Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine Length 3.58in / 9.1cm Width 0.70in / 1.8cm Weight 7.7gr PRADERA is a second g...
Silver
Disneyland Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Disneyland Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 4.40in / 11.2cm Width 0.98in / 2.5cm Weight 14.1gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run busin...
Silver
Colombian Republic 1916 Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Colombian Republic 1916 Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine Length 4.84in / 12.3cm Width 1.18in / 3cm Weight 16gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of reference in Spain, with a large track record being official distributers of prime European jewelry...
Silver
Lugano City Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Lugano City Collection Silver Teaspoon with Figurine Length 3.93in / 10cm Width 0.82in / 2.1cm Weight 9.4gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of reference in Spain, with a large track record being official distributers of prime European jewelry...
Silver
Las Vegas Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Las Vegas Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 4.29in / 10.9cm Width 0.78in / 2cm Weight 9gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business je...
Silver
Boston Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Boston Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 3.54in / 9cm Width 0.78in / 2cm Weight 7.5gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewele...
Silver
Inverness Collection Souvenir Silver Teaspoon with child in cross
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Inverness Silver Teaspoon Length 3.38in / 8.6cm Width 0.90in / 2.3cm Weight 10.3gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of reference in Spain, with a l...
Silver
Antigua Collection Silver Teaspoon
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Antigua Collection Silver Teaspoon Length 3.70in / 9.4cm Width 0.78in / 2cm Weight 12gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewe...
Silver
$604Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6.58 in W 0.56 in D 0.24 in
Rare Set of 6 Liberty London Fully Hallmarked Sterling Silver 1929 Desert Knives
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this stunning set of six Liberty London Sterling silver dessert cutlery knives ...
Sterling Silver
$950 / set
H 0.48 in W 0.87 in L 5.83 in
Set of 6 Antique Richard Garten 800 Silver & Dresden Porcelain Dessert Spoons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 antique silver & porcelain dessert (or possibly demitasse) spoons. By Richard Garten. In gilt 800 silver. With raised enamel jeweling to the Dresden porcelain han...
Silver
$1,800
H 0.5 in W 0.88 in L 4.13 in
Set of 12 Whiting Alhambra Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Demitasse Spoons
By Whiting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 engraved Aesthetic Movement demitasse spoons. By Whiting. In the Alhambra pattern. Each with gilt bowls that have varying Aesthetic Movement brite-cut engraved de...
Sterling Silver
Set of Four Victorian Silver Salt Cellars
Located in London, GB
A set of four Victorian silver salt cellars, each designed as scallop shell bearing chased leaf decorations in the rim, with gold gilt interior and foliate design base, made by Danie...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Matchbox Holder & Ashtray Set
Located in Sewickley, PA
This Tiffany & Co. sterling silver matchbox and ashtray set is a refined example of the brand's elegant decorative craftsmanship. The set includes a rectangular matchbox holder and a...
Sterling Silver
$395
H 0.38 in W 1.37 in L 3.15 in
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Shell Tea Caddy Spoon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver tea caddy spoon. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a scalloped shell bowl and a wide tab handle. Fully marked to the reverse. Simply a wonderful Tiffany tea caddy...
Sterling Silver
$14,500 / set
Towle Sterling Silver Set 1970/ 63 Pieces
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Number of pieces: 63 12 knives 11 dinner forks 12 salad forks 6 tablespoons 12 teaspoons 5 solid sterling serving pieces 5 sterling handle serving pieces Total Weight: 4268 grams (...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Antique Continental 12 Loth Silver Sugar Tongs or Nips
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique Continental sugar tongs. In 12 Loth silver. Origin likely Austria or Germany. The tongs operate with scissor action. They have starburst engraved decoration to each side and shell shaped terminals. Marked to one arm with a 12 Loth mark for silver fineness. Simply a wonderful pair of antique tongs...
Silver
$320Sale Price / set|20% Off
L 4.5 in
Marina J. One of A Kind Antique Sterling Silver and Baroque Pearl Spoons
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ultimate One of A Kind Antique Spoon set from Marina J. This set of six spoons features Vintage Sterling Silver and are all stamped on the bottom. Me...
Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Old or Antique Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Baby Teething Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver baby teething ring. By Tiffany & Co. With an internal rattle. Simply a great piece from Tiffany & Co! Date: Mid-20th Century ...
Sterling Silver
$1,000
W 0.26 in D 0.08 in L 0.48 in
1861 British Victorian Spirits Flask solid 925 Sterling Silver / 101 gr
Located in SE
British Victorian period Sterling Silver Spirits Flask container, rectangular with rounded shapes curved to fit the body's contour, designed to fit in a pocket. Engraved with letters...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Rare Gift Box Pill Box Silver 925 Vintage SP1e
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This Authentic Tiffany & Co. Rare Gift Box Pill Box Sterling Silver 925 Vintage SP1e is a highly collectible and elegant piece, expertly crafted from sterling silver. Weighing 60.3 g...
Sterling Silver
Whiting Sterling Silver Openwork Floral Napkin Ring 4291 #24424
By Whiting
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Whiting Sterling Silver Openwork Floral Napkin Ring #4291 This lovely Whiting sterling silver napkin ring features an openwork floral design and a monogrammed center cartouche (appe...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Gold Plated Cocktail Fork #24438
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Fork - This authentic Tiffany & Co. sterling silver with gold plated two-tine cocktail/seafood fork features a decorative handle with ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.12 in W 1.45 in L 1.76 in
Dublin Ireland Sterling Silver Stirrup Napkin Ring Holders Set Of 6 #24491
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Dublin Ireland Sterling Silver Stirrup Napkin Holders Set Of 6 - These vintage set of six sterling silver stirrup napkin ring holders features a sculptural stirrup profile on each p...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Man In The Moon Baby Rattle With Box & Pouch #24938
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Man In The Moon Baby Rattle With Box & Pouch An authentic Tiffany round baby rattle featuring the man in the moon face. Tiffany box is included....
Sterling Silver
Set of 4 Georg Jensen Pyramid Sterling Silver Mocha Spoons #24540
By Georg Jensen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 4 Georg Jensen Pyramid Sterling Silver Mocha Spoons The Pyramid pattern was designed in 1926 by Harold Nielsen. These beautiful spoons are small and dainty. Weighs approx 48...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Denmark Salt Spoon #22659
By Georg Jensen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Denmark Salt Spoon - This vintage Georg Jensen Denmark salt spoon features scroll and fan detailing made of solid sterling silver. Size: approx. 2.5" i...
Sterling Silver
Robert & Belk Sterling Silver Table Bell #22592
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Robert & Belk Sterling Silver Table Bell - This elegant Robert & Belk English sterling silver table bell features classic form with a polished finish and excellent tone. Size: 4.5 ...
Sterling Silver
Buccellati Parma Sterling Silver 10 3/4' Cake Pie Server
By Buccellati
Located in Baltimore, MD
Buccellati Parma Sterling Silver 10 3/4' Cake Pie Server Length: 10 3/4 inches long Weight: 3.55 ozt. Pattern: Parma Composition: .925 Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Contemporary Plain Sterling Silver Round Centerpiece
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Rosior by Manuel Rosas Contemporary Centerpiece Manufactured in Plain Sterling Silver and with approximately 52 cm (20.47 in) of diameter. Un...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Paris Souvenir Collection Silver Teaspoon with enamel Tour Eiffel
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Paris Silver Teaspoon Length 4.29in / 10.9cm Width 0.78in / 2cm Weight 11gr PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of reference in Spain, with a large tr...
Silver
21st Century, Champagne cover, Solid pure silver, Safari, Italy
By K-OVER
Located in Firenze, IT
This champagne cover belongs to our collection K-over Art. Indeed, this pure silver 999/°° K-OVER has been realized taking inspiration from the well-known movie “The Lion King”. The ...
Silver
Tuttle Richelieu Full Sterling Silver Flatware set
Located in Bethesda, MD
This stunningly beautiful sterling silver set is by Tuttle La Preference, which began in Boston. The Tuttle trademark is a Pine Tree Shilling- the first silver coin of the American ...
Sterling Silver