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.
Contemporary Paste Turquoise Amethyst 9K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Marcianise, IT
These vibrant earrings are a feast for the eyes, expertly crafted from 9-karat yellow gold. The body of each earring is composed of turquoise paste, fashioned into an alluring geomet...
Amethyst, Turquoise Matrix, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faye Kim Contemporary Matte Platinum Hinged Chiclet Earrings, USA
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's Platinum Hinged Chiclet Earrings are an effortless everyday go-to for your jewelry box. The hinged ear wire allows gentle movement, and the matte finish gives the earrings...
Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Transformer Earrings with Natural Long Green Tourmalines
Located in Berlin, DE
These contemporary transformer drop earrings are crafted from 18 karat yellow gold with detachable natural green tourmalines (18 mm /0.7 inches long or longer, drop cut) and topazes ...
Beryl, Tourmaline, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gol...
Sunita Nahata Rhodolite 3.60ct. Drop Earring in 18KRG with White Diamond
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Celebrating Magenta as the color of the year for 2023, we present our exclusive Radiating Rhodolite collection. The magnificent magenta hues in these gems are brought to life in a cl...
White Diamond, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Yellow Gold 0.35 Cttw. Diamond Feather Dangle Earrings
Located in Troy, MI
Humans have worn feathers on their bodies as accents for millennia, transcending cultures with their ethereal beauty & symbolism. Whether you are drawn to them for your love of natur...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata London Blue Topaz 1.75ct. Drop Earring in 18KYG With Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing a new earring pair design that embodies luxury, fashion, and personal style. One establishing piece is a London blue topaz earrings set with stunning diamonds. This earri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,761Sale Price / item|24% Off
Semi-Precious and South Sea Earrings 18K Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
London Blue Topaz 3.28 ct Green Tourmaline 0.51 ct Aquamarine 3.45 ct Diamond 0.05 ct South Sea Pearls 11-12 mm 18K Rose Gold
Aquamarine, Diamond, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal & Mix Sapphires 4.53 ct. drop Earrings in 18KYG with Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita nahata presents elegant a multicolor gemstone earrings featuring luminous Ethiopian opals accented by pink sapphire, orange sapphires, yellow sapphires and green sapphires. Fr...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Transformer Earrings with Natural Sapphires and Tourmalines
Located in Berlin, DE
These contemporary transformer drop earrings are crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, featuring detachable natural greyish green transperent long tourmalines (drop cut) and natural dar...
Emerald, Quartz, Topaz, Tourmaline, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k G...
$2,480Sale Price / item|20% Off
Customizable Round Brilliant Cut Linear Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
These elegant drop earrings showcase a refined linear design that brings timeless sophistication to any look. Five round brilliant-cut diamonds are set in a graceful vertical arrange...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold,...
Bielka 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine, Diamond and Peridot Earrings #18858
By Bielka
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Bielka 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine, Diamond and Peridot Earrings These stunning stud earrings each feature one round brilliant cut diamond, four round peridot stones and four roun...
Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold Calibre Cut Citrine Baguette Diamond Dangle Doorknocker Earrings
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Art, color and culture all come together to inspire this signature calibre cut citrine taper baguette with diamond top dangle doorknocker earrings in 14 karat gold, where dégradé (gradient) hues of citrine exudes happiness and optimism while dictating the movement of eye. Meticulous hand-picked selections of 30 lustrous citrines out of many are set individually complimented by pave set diamonds. Each citrine is caliber cut by our expert lapidary artist to meet the design specifications in various sizes of tapered baguettes, enhancing the fire in each gemstone. The pair of earrings features a diamond studded pear shaped top and a suspended pear shape with 8.64 carats of high quality citrine baguettes...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Alex Jona Carved White Jade White Diamond White Gold Pendant Earrings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18k white gold drop earrings suspending two white carved jade drops, surrounded by 271 white diam...
White Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sunita Nahata London Blue Topaz 5.42ct. Drop Earring in 14KYG with Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sophisticated and captivating, these drop earrings feature oval-shaped London blue topaz gemstones, elegantly paired with shimmering white diamonds. Crafted in 14K yellow gold, they ...
White Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Opal Diamond Drop Earrings, 7.9ct Opal
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful drop earrings are handcrafted in 14K gold. It is hand set in 7.9 carats opals & .76 carats diamonds. This Opal earring has been sold, but we would be happy to source...
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Eboris Sculptural Recycled Gold Pavé Link Earrings by MAZARIN
Located in Geneve, CH
Recycled Yellow Gold Eboris Link Paved Earrings by MAZARIN Dimensions: W 1.1 x L 1.2 cm. Chain length : 2.6 cm Materials: 2.4 g of recycled yellow gold 750/1000 and diamonds. A pair...
Yellow Gold
Diamond Gold Earrings by Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
These 18kt Yellow Gold and Diamond dagger post earrings will make you feel fierce. Finished in Lauren Harper's signature matte gold, these earrings are perfect for both day and even...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Alex Jona Carved White Jade White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Drop Earrings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold drop earrings set with 0.25 carats of white diamonds, suspending two Burmese white jade carved drops. Dark rho...
White Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.20 carats with Diamond 1.02 carats Earrings set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 2.8 cm Total Weight: 7.82 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was th...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Faye Kim 18K Gold Raw Diamond Daisy Earrings with White South Sea Pearl Drops
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's signature 18 Karat Gold Raw Diamond Daisy Earrings and White South Sea Pearl Drops create a versatile set for any jewelry collection. The White South Sea Pearl Drops, atta...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Italian Granulated Gold Basket Earrings
Located in Como, IT
A Replication of Early Medieval Basket Earring in 22 kt yellow gold. The earrings are completely hand made in our atelier in Italy Como with a rigorous...
22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Grande Yoko Earrings in Silk & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni
Located in Geneve, CH
Grande Yoko Earrings in Silk & 24k Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni. Dimensions: Diameter 8 cm. Materials: Bronze, 24kt Vermeil Gold, Silk, and Sterling Silver 925 Fastenings...
Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Bronze
Alex Jona White Jade & Blue Sapphire White Gold Dangle Earrings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, drop earrings featuring two carved white jades weighing in total 11.98 carats, set on 18k white gold adorned by 0.86 carats of lig...
Jade, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
$3,585Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Drop/Huggie Earrings 0.77 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls 13-14 MM WITH 188 round brilliants 0.77 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
2.10 Carat Diamond Flower Dangle Drop 18k White Gold Earrings
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Dangle Earrings Feature Articulating Large Floral Drops Attached to Smaller Floral Drops Stud/Butterfly Back (NOTE: One stud slightly bent) Total Length of Drop = Approximat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Briolette Emerald & Diamond Earrings TDW = .04 ct TEW = 25.00 ct
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
One pair electronically tested 14KT yellow gold ladies cast & assembled emerald and diamond earrings with standard backs. Bright polish finish Condition is good Containing: Two b...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Green Tourmaline Omega Clip Post Earrings with White Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
These fabulous, substantial and scrupulously crafted earrings were probably made in the 1980s, and they seem to have originally been clip-ons (ouch!). They've been converted to omeg...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Long 0.77 Cttw Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Troy, MI
Holiday sparkle? Check! These lovely diamond earrings are eye catching with 140 diamonds = 0.77 cttw swaying and catching the light with your every move! Earrings are drop style with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roseark 14k Yellow Gold Butterfly Drop Earrings with Diamond Accents Box
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Butterfly Drop Earrings by Roseark Feature Beautiful Wire Work 14k Yellow Gold Earrings with Diamond Accents Total Length of Drop =67 mm Total Mass = 6.7 grams Includes Orig...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Sapphire Drop Earrings
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
This 18K rose gold elegant drop earrings are from our Riad collection. These drop earrings are made oval shape sapphires in total of 3.01 Carat and white diamonds in total of 0.23 Ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k G...
2010's Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Contemporary Square Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as j-hoop surmounts suspending cushion shaped drops Featuring round brilliant cut diamonds prong set throughout Weighing approximately 1.14 carat total - G color with VS2 cl...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20 & 18 Karat Gold Peach Moonstone Drop Mercer Earrings by Michael Bondanza
Located in Troy, MI
Mercer drop earrings by Michael Bondanza. His collections are a tribute to the Art World and to New York City’s inspiring designs since 1976. All jewelry pieces are carefully crafted...
Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,935Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Pave Disc Earring Made In 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Stunning and evergreen this diamond pave disc earring with black rhodium is good for any occasion and to go with any outfit. 14k: 1.42gms S...
Diamond, Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
4.50 Carat Fancy Brown Diamond and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A beautiful and chic pair of drop earrings showcasing a cluster of brilliant mixed-cut diamonds, and Cushion Cut brilliant brown diamonds set in an i...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sunita Nahata London Blue Topaz 2.09ct. Drop Earring in 14KWG with Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sophisticated and captivating, these drop earrings feature oval-shaped London blue topaz gemstones, elegantly paired with shimmering white diamonds. Crafted in 14K white gold, they o...
White Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
TJD 0.18 Carat Round Diamond Swirl Drop Dangle Earrings 14K White Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Round diamond swirl drop earrings crafted in 14 karat white gold, designed with a graceful flowing silhouette that enhances light and movement. Set with 30 natural round diamonds in ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Arena Earrings in Sterling Silver 925 by Alejandra Campos Taylor
Located in Geneve, CH
Arena Earrings in Sterling Silver 925 by Alejandra Campos Taylor. Dimensions: W 2 x D 2 x H 5 cm (size of the largest piece of the pair). Materials: Sterling silver with fine silver ...
Sterling Silver
$10,800 / item
Round Cluster Diamonds and South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold 14-15 MM South Sea Pearls Round diamonds 1.65 Cts. The earrings are 1" long
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Yellow & White Diamond South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings 0.87 Carats 18KT 15-16 MM
Located in New York, NY
This stunning one of a kind Earring features: Yellow Diamond: 0.64 Cts T/W White Diamond: 0.23 Cts. T/W South Sea Pearl: 15-16 mm 18K White Gold More Styles in Stock Pictures Attached
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White...
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Gold 10.4g, 11 Diamonds, 0.22 Carat, Citrine Cabochon Cut Earrings
Located in Santarcangelo Di Romagna, IT
Inspired by the concept of time, Anna Maccieri Rossi's 'ORA Earrings' feature a mismatched pair with circular hoop and linear drop, both with citrine cabochons. The 11 white diamonds...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Contemporary Coral Onyx Diamond Emerald Garnet 14K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Marcianise, IT
These exquisite earrings, crafted in 14-karat yellow gold, are a vibrant showcase of luxurious gemstones and intricate design. Each earring features a sophisticated arrangement of em...
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Emerald, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,553Sale Price|20% Off
Drop Earring White Diamonds Baroque South Sea Pearl White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
The baroque South Sea pearl, a timeless symbol of sophistication, is renowned for its shimmering hues and unique organic shapes. As each pearl is a creation of nature, no two are ide...
Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Diamond White Coral Granulation Hinge Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18k Gold Diamond White Coral Granulation Hinge Earrings feature a stunning combination of diamonds and white coral. Diamonds .11 tcw Length 1.5" Handmade in the USA
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Pink Freshwater Pearl Diamond Cluster Leaf Earrings 1.05 Carat 11-12MM 18KT
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold floral drop earrings featuring 92 round brilliants weighing 1.05 Carats and two Pink Freshwater Pearls measuring 11-12 MM. Color G-H Clarity SI Can be ordered in...
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Black Rhodium Heart Aquamarine and Black Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant pair of 18-karat gold earrings featuring heart-shaped aquamarines totaling 3.50 carats, complemented by two lustrous black pearls with beautiful green, gray, and aubergine...
Aquamarine, Black Pearl, Rhodium
Weingrill Vintage Cord Spiral Torpedo pearl earrings 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
Weingrill vintage earrings in a creative torpedo shape design, skillful art work hand made from the past times expressing the vision of the Weingrill maison for timeless elegance Set...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Green Onyx Pebble & Pearl Drop Earrings In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
Combining natural forms with contemporary design, these sterling silver earrings are adorned with green onyx gemstones and white baroque pearls. Gemstone size - approx. 10 x 14mm To...
Onyx, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Grey Agate Pebble & Pearl Drop Earrings In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
Combining natural forms with contemporary design, these sterling silver earrings are adorned with grey agate gemstones and white baroque pearls. Gemstone size - approx. 10 x 14mm To...
Agate, Pearl, Sterling Silver
J. Birnbach 1.47 Carat Total Mixed Fancy Shape Diamond Earring Jackets
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
These versatile platinum earring jackets from J. Birnbach offer a sophisticated way to transform your favorite diamond studs into a dramatic, ...
Diamond, Platinum
Brown Sapphire, Brown Diamond with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Set
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brown Sapphire 2.05 carats, Brown Diamond 7.70 carats with Diamond 0.63 carat Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 2.4 cm Total Weight: 6.81 grams "We firs...
Brown Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sunita Nahata 5.87ct Green Tourmaline Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamond
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elegant and timeless, these drop earrings feature vibrant round green tourmalines set in rich 18K yellow gold. The design is accented with delicate diamonds on the top disc, adding a...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Shaped Diamond Pendulum Drop Earrings in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A marquise-shaped diamond swings freely at the center of each of these elegant drop earrings, suspended within an open marquise frame outlined in sparkling diamonds. As the center st...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
Floral Emerald Dangle Earrings with Diamonds in 14k Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This charming Floral Designer Emerald And Diamond Dangle Earring in Gold and Silver super pretty. 14kt gold: 11.87gms Diamond: 3.55cts Silver: 10.54gms Emerald: 5.21cts
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Pearl and Marquise Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These vintage pearl and diamond earrings are a refined expression of balance, softness, and classic elegance. At their center rest generously sized pearls, prized for their luminous ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Piero Milano 18K White Gold and Diamond Cuff Earrings #19914
By PIERO MILANO
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Piero Milano 18K White Gold and Diamond Cuff Earrings These stunning hinged cuff earrings by Piero Milano each feature 53 round brilliant cut diamonds set in beautifully detailed 18...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dower & Hall 14k Gold & Diamond North Star Ear-Drops with Tahitian Pearl
Located in London, GB
Delicate North Star ear-drops with elegant baroque Tahitian pearls hanging below. Hung on fine ear-wires, these handmade 14k yellow gold earrings are from a new collection of Guiding...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Dower & Hall 14k Gold & Diamond North Star Ear-Drops with Tahitian Pearl
Located in London, GB
Our fine North Star range is a new collection of 14k Gold and Diamond guiding stars inspired by our ever-popular 'True North' Talisman designs. Delicate North Star ear-drops with el...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Dower & Hall 14k Gold & Diamond North Star Long Ear Drops
Located in London, GB
Our fine North Star range is a new collection of 14k Gold and Diamond guiding stars inspired by our ever-popular 'True North' Talisman designs. Delicate North Star ear-drops with el...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gorgeous JJ Marco 18k Yellow Gold Pearl and Pink Sapphire Etruscan Drop Earrings
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Pearl Earrings by JJ Marco Part of Etruscan Series (Released in Early 90s) Feature 12.5 mm Bezel-Set Pearls in 18k Yellow Gold Settings Include 2 Princess Cut Pink Sapphire ...
Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Sapphire Earrings With Diamonds 0.82 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Blue Sapphire: 0.74 Carats Diamond: 0.08 Carats Metal: 14K White Gold Dimensions: 23 x 8 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold