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.
Victor Mayer Cufflinks Dorian Orange Enamel 18k Yellow Gold 72 Diamonds 0.72 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Dorian Orange Enamel Cufflinks in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds Cufflinks, 18k yellow gold, vitreous enamel, 72 brilliant-cut diamonds total 0.72 ct, G VS Reference: V1...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victor Mayer Globetrotter Round Cufflinks 18k White Gold with Diamonds & Enamel
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Globetrotter Round Cufflinks 18k White Gold with Diamonds & Enamel Cufflinks, 18k white gold, vitreous enamel, 2 brilliant-cut diamonds total 0.26 ct, G VS Reference: V...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Victor Mayer Enamel Cufflinks 18k WG Grey Vitreous Enamel Diamonds 0.20 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Enamel Cufflinks, 18k WG, vitreous enamel, 2 diamonds total 0.20 ct, G VS brilliant cut Reference:V1062/GU/00/00/101 Material: 18k wh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victor Mayer Cufflinks Dorian Blue Enamel 18k White Gold 72 Diamonds 0.72 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Dorian blue enamel cufflinks in 18k white gold with diamonds Cufflinks, 18k WG, vitreous enamel, 72 brilliant-cut diamonds total 0.72 ct, G VS Reference: V1418/PE/00/00...
Diamond, Enamel, White Gold, 18k Gold
Victor Mayer Hallmark Cufflinks In Silver 925 Ø Approx. 15 mm
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Hallmark 15 mm Round Cufflinks in Sterling Silver Handcrafted in Germany with a solid and longlasting mechanism. High quality finish and rhodium plated to avoid tarnishing. Comes with a Victor Mayer box and convenient pouch. Reference: 49235/00/00/00/500 Material: 925 / - silver Dimensions: Ø approx. 15 mm About Victor Mayer Sensual, exotic, urbane and confident, Victor Mayer continues a 130 year tradition of classically themed modern jewellery for women around the world. Stylistically cosmopolitan, Victor Mayer jewellery...
Silver
18 K White Gold Amethyst and Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A pair of very attractive 1and extravagant 18 K white Gold cufflinks featuring 10 Amethysts and 18 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.20 ct. The texture of the surface is delicately b...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold
Colleen B. Rosenblat White Gold Cufflinks Blackened
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rosenblat cufflinks 18 carat white gold blackened.
18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Plated Silver Carved Face Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
White gold plated silver cufflinks with carved stone faces. There are two available options, round moonstone or oval amethyst. The round moonstone cufflinks measure .5" in diameter....
Amethyst, Moonstone, Gold Plate, White Gold
Price Upon Request
Jennifer Liang 14KT Yellow Gold Chinese Zodiac Pig Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Animal Cufflinks are hand carved in wax and cast in 14 kt gold or sterling silver and represent one of the twelve animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Each cufflink is approximately ...
Yellow Gold
Price Upon Request
Jennifer Liang 14 KT Yellow Gold Chinese Zodiac Dog Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Animal Cufflinks are hand carved in wax and cast in 14kt gold or sterling silver and represent one of the twelve animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac. ...
Yellow Gold
Price Upon Request
MOISEIKIN 18K Gold Diamond Cufflinks from "Genio Leonardo" Collection
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Since 2010 Genio Leonardo collection's launching in the French Royal Château du Clos Luce Castle, where famous Leonardo da Vinci ended his life jou...
Diamond, 18k Gold