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.
Cartier Silverplate Milk Jug Cocktail Shaker by Reed & Barton
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A distinctive and highly collectible silverplate cocktail shaker in the form of a classic milk jug, crafted by the renowned American silversmith Reed & Barton and retailed under ...
Silver, Silver Plate
Attica Pampaloni carafe with silver plated and wood bottle tray
By Pampaloni 1
Located in Perugia, IT
Attica Pampaloni carafe with silver plated and wood bottle tray Tray size: (27 x 15 x 2.5) cm Jug size: height 21 cm, base diameter 9 cm Manufactured by Pampaloni Firenze - Made in I...
Silver Plate
Brandimarte decanter in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver decanter for wine Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Weight g 700 Height 28 cm 23 cm base Hammered workmanship has always been a hallmark of the ...
Sterling Silver
Brandimarte wine goblet in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver wine cup glass Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Made entirely by hand Weight g 200 Height 19 cm Base 7.5 cm Hammered workmanship has always bee...
Sterling Silver
Pampaloni taste & drink wine cups silver plated wooden package
By Pampaloni 1
Located in Perugia, IT
Silver-plated Pampaloni taste & drink wine cups with wooden box Manufactured by Pampaloni - Florence - Italy 2 cups + wooden box Weight cups g 328 Height 7 cm Diameter 9 cm Table g...
Silver Plate
Brandimarte wine goblet in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver wine cup glass Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Made entirely by hand Weight g 210 Height 19 cm Base 7.5 cm Hammered workmanship has always bee...
Sterling Silver
Brandimarte 925 sterling silver large tulip wine glass
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver tulip wine glass Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Made entirely by hand Weight g 226 Height 21 cm Base cm 7 Hammered workmanship has always bee...
Sterling Silver
Brandimarte diamond wine glass in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver diamond wine tumbler Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Made entirely by hand Weight g 200 Height 21.5 cm Edge opening cm 6.5 Bevante cm 9 Base cm...
Sterling Silver
Brandimarte grappa glass in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver tulip-shaped grappa glass Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Made entirely by hand Weight g 103 Height cm 16 Opening cm 4.5 Base cm 6 Hammered wo...
Sterling Silver
Brandimarte sphere tumbler in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver ball cup Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Made entirely by hand Weight g 122 Height 7 cm Diameter cm 7 Hammered workmanship has always been a h...
Sterling Silver
$1,336Sale Price / item|30% Off
Whisky Glass, Solid Silver, Moon , 1 Piece, Italy
By K-OVER
Located in Firenze, IT
K-over whisky glass are our latest creation. The value of this whisky glass lies on the innovative techniques that have been used in its production. As it can be clearly seen from the pictures, the surface of the K-OVER shines as the Moon. This innovative texture provides also a technical advantage: when you touch the cover, no fingerprint is left. The glass has been completely handcrafted by Marco Fedi, a Florentine master goldsmith. The production process took few weeks and the techniques used are spinning and engraving. This glass is produced in pure silver 999...
Silver
$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
Whiting Sterling Co. 19th Century Flask
Mid-Century Modern Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Jigger or Measure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver cocktail jigger. By Tiffany & Co. With a gold wash and stepped, conical sides. Model no. 22714 Simply a great Tiffany cocktail jigger! Date: Mid-20th Cen...
Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
George III Sterling Silver Creamer by Robert Hennell I
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A small, George III period, sterling silver creamer by London silversmith Robert Hennel I, with period monogram. The creamer features an intricate monogram under the lip which is lik...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Russian Silver Plate Samovar with Tray Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- The set is made out of silver plate with celluloid/ bone details - The samovar features floral & geometric motifs - The tray stamped with makers marks that are a little worn off (З...
Silver Plate
Puiforcat Art Deco Style Rosewood & Silver Plate Tray
By Puiforcat
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from rosewood and mounted with silver plated handles, this tray was made by Puiforcat in France during the later part of the 20th century. The tray is a reissue by Puiforcat ...
Silver Plate
Art Deco Mappin and Webb Large 2 Pint Cocktail Shaker
Located in New York, NY
A great large vintage Art Deco Mappin and Webb Cocktail Shaker with juicer
Silver Plate
$1,336Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 5.12 in Dm 4.73 in
Whisky Glass, Solid Silver, Moon , 1 Piece, Italy
By K-OVER
Located in Firenze, IT
K-over whisky glass are our latest creation. The value of this whisky glass lies on the innovative techniques that have been used in its production. As it can be clearly seen from the pictures, the surface of the K-OVER shines as the Moon. This innovative texture provides also a technical advantage: when you touch the cover, no fingerprint is left. The glass has been completely handcrafted by Marco Fedi, a Florentine master goldsmith. The production process took few weeks and the techniques used are spinning and engraving. This glass is produced in pure silver 999...
Silver
Judaica Sterling Silver Havdalah Compendium Cup by Swed
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
This Havdalah sterling silver compendium was handcrafted in Jerusalem by Dudek Swed of the Swed Master Workshop in the last century. Each creation i...
Sterling Silver
$3,250 / set
H 3.63 in Dm 2.38 in
Boxed Set of 6 Garrard & Co. Sterling Silver Small Wine or Cordial Goblets
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 small wine or cordial cups or goblets By Garrard & Co. Limited of London, England. In sterling silver. Founded in 1722, Garrard was made the first ever Crown Jewelers for the English throne and held that distinction from 1843 - 2007. Garrard has also made jewelry for royalty and various world cup trophies...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany& co Fork in Sterling Silver 925
Located in New York, NY
Brand Tiffany& co Style: Fork Material Sterling Silver 925 Fork Length:7.5'' long Weight:65.7gr Condition: Excellent
Sterling Silver
Silver Plate Skyscraper Plate or Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver plated plate or tray. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Swid Powell was the highly acclaimed New York City based tableware company founded by Nan Swid...
Silver Plate
Brandimarte 925 sterling silver tulip wine glass
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver tulip wine glass Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Made entirely by hand Weight g 164 Height 18.5 cm Base cm 6 Hammered workmanship has always b...
Sterling Silver
Brandimarte 925 sterling silver tulip wine glass
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver tulip wine glass Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Made entirely by hand Weight g 160 Height 18.5 cm Base cm 6 Hammered workmanship has always b...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Paul Revere Reproduction Sterling Silver Water Pitcher
By Georg Jensen
Located in Baltimore, MD
Georg Jensen Paul Revere Reproduction Sterling Silver Water Pitcher Weight: 21.75 ozt. Length: 7 1/4 inches Diameter: 4.5 inches Composition: .925 Sterling Silver Monogramed
Sterling Silver
Champagne Bottle K-Over, Solid silver, American Eagle B/W, Made in Italy
By K-OVER
Located in Firenze, IT
Presenting "Black&White American Eagle" a stunning champagne K-Over crafted from pure silver 999/°°, an exceptional addition to our K-OVER Design collection. Masterfully handcrafted...
Silver
21st Century Gatsby Solid Pure Italian Silver Champagne Cover
By K-OVER
Located in Firenze, IT
This Champagne K-Over is inspired by the elegance of Art Decò which has influenced the first decades of last century. The distinguishing features of this K-Over are simple, clean sha...
Champagne cover, Solid pure silver, Pine cone, 2019, Italy
By K-OVER
Located in Firenze, IT
This champagne cover is a jewel to enrich your table. Indeed, the artist transformed our pure silver 999/°° K-OVER into a precious pine cone to keep your bottle of champagne chilled....
Silver
21st Century, Champagne cover, Solid pure silver, American Dream, Italy
By K-OVER
Located in Firenze, IT
This champagne cover belongs to our collection “K-over Art”. Indeed, the artist transformed our pure silver 999/°° K-OVER into the United States Capitol. As you can see from the pict...
Silver
Deakin & Francis Polished Skull Head Crystal Decanter
Located in Firenze, IT
Our beautiful decanters feature a crystal glass decanter base, handmade by craftsman in Dartington's Devon based workshops. This decanter is finished with a stunning, silver plated skull head...
Ruby, Silver Plate