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.
BULGARI Parentesi Vintage Clip-On Earrings, 18k Gold, Iolite & Citrine, 1980
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of vintage BVLGARI Parentesi earrings in 18k yellow gold, water sapphires (iolite) and citrine. A rare piece from the late 1980s. Condition: very good condition. Dimensions: 2 x...
Citrine, Iolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire Ruby Round Disc 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earclip Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Ruby & Blue Sapphire Disc Ear Clips featuring an elegant circular design accented with richly colored cabochon rubies and blue sapphires. Expertly crafted...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$35,200Sale Price|37% Off
Oscar Heyman Platinum 8.58tcw Diamond Door Knocker Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman platinum 'door knocker' style earrings contain 8.58tcw of round diamonds, F-G/VS quality. They are individually stamped with the makers mark, IRID PLAT, and serial numbe...
Diamond, Platinum
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar De La Renta Gold Tanzanite Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Clip Earrings
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta 22k gold tanzanite Swarovski crystal chandelier clip earrings. Luxury designer jewelry. 3.75" statement pieces. Made in USA. Oscar de la Renta 22k gold plated tan...
Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Turquoise and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 5.50 carats approx. Diamonds 1 carat approx. Omega clip-backs & posts Limited Edition Crafted from 18 karat yellow gold...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Vine Earrings with Moon Quartz and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon Quartz 7 carats approx. Diamonds 0.30 carat approx. Omega clip-backs & posts Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration from litt...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fratelli Coppini 18k White Gold Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 6.31 ct
Located in Firenze, IT
Elegant, handmade stud earrings in 18-karat white gold. Featuring a rounded shape, they are entirely encrusted with a dense, sparkling micro-pavé setting of 6.31 carats of brilliant-...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Clip-On Earrings, 20g
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Expression of Luxury and Heritage Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Shaped Clip-On Earrings. Steeped in the...
18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Diamond Baroque Pearl Platinum Earclip Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rare Platinum Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Diamond & Baroque Pearl Ear Clip Earrings featuring luminous free-form baroque pearl centers surrounded by a dazzling halo of roun...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Knot Clip-On Earrings #25476
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Knot Clip-On Earrings- These lovely earrings by Tiffany & Co. are crafted in beautifully detailed 18K yellow gold in a sculptural fluted knot de...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Graff Pear shape diamond studs 4.13ct
By Graff
Located in Addlestone, GB
Graff High jewellery white gold diamond pear shape earrings. 4.13ct. These elegant diamond clip studs have an impressive weight and quality, as expected by such a diamond house. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ribbed Clip-On Earrings #25485
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ribbed Clip-On Earrings- Elegant and unmistakably Tiffany & Co., these vintage 18K yellow gold clip-on earrings feature a beautifully sculpted ribbed s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Opal Round Cab Emerald Round Cab 14 Karat Gold Clip-On Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple elegant clip on earrings with round plain Pink Opal cabochons of 16 mm in diameter set in 14 Kt yellow gold with a round Emerald cabochons of 4 mm in diameter,also set in 14 ...
Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$3,976Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage FRED Paris 18K Gold Lapis Mother-of-Pearl Earrings, 1980s
By Fred
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Fusion of Versatility and Iconic French Design Step into the refined world of FRED Paris with these vintage 18K yellow gold earrings, distinguished by removable lapis rings an...
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vinatge 18K White Gold South Sea Pearl Marquise Round Diamond Huggie Earrings
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A glamorous and beautifully made pair of vintage ear clips crafted in 18 karat white gold, designed as dimensional openwork floral motifs suspended above impressive South Sea pearl d...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Rose Quartz Diamond Enamel Earrings in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our "Cabochon Rose Quartz Diamond Enamel Earrings in 18 Karat Rose Gold," a sublime fusion of natural splendor and refined artistry. Central to each earring is a sumptuou...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
18k Gold Ruby Cts 2.76 and Diamond Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted in 18k gold (5.37 grams), they feature 4 oval-shaped rubies totaling 2.76 cts, sourced from the rich mines of Burma, their deep red glow symbolizing passion and vitality. Su...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany and Co. 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Lever-Back Vintage Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Expression of Elegance Experience the enduring sophistication of Tiffany & Co. with these exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Lever-Back Earrings. P...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Blue Topaz and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Blue Topaz 15 carats approx. Diamonds 0.30 carat approx. Omega clip backs Limited edition Crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, these exquisite earrings boast a shimme...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Couture, 18 Karat Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Star Ear Cuff
Located in Troy, MI
The oldest known ear cuff was dated back to 4500 BC, in an ancient burial site in Great Britain. These cuffs were called Kaffas and were fashioned from brass. Around 350 BC in Greece...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Laura Munder Clip-On Earrings in Yellow Gold with Multi-Gemstones.
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Laura Munder Clip-On Earrings in Yellow Gold with Multi-Gemstones. Designed by Laura Munder, these elegant earrings are crafted in yellow gold and showcase a vibrant array of multi-...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Yellow Gold
TIFFANY & CO. Platinum Flower Earrings with Sapphire and Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of Tiffany earrings in platinum, sapphires, and diamonds, styled as a five-petal flower. Condition: very good condition. Year: 1994. 60 sapphires totaling 1.50 carats. 144 br...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$164,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Folie des Prés Diamond Sapphire Tsavorite Suite 18K Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
A magnificent expression of Van Cleef & Arpels’ celebrated floral artistry, this exceptional Folie des Prés jewelry suite captures the beauty of a blossoming spring garden in pre...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$72,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 3 Carat Platinum Round Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
These exceptional Tiffany & Co. diamond stud earrings feature a perfectly matched pair of round brilliant-cut diamonds, each weighing 1.53 carats, for a total carat weight of 3.0...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Clip-On Earrings, Gold-Tone Metal, 1980s
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Yves Saint Laurent clip-on earrings, likely dating to the 1980s. Crafted in gold-tone metal, this striking pair is set with multicolor glass rhinestones f...
Zolotas Vintage Greek 22k Gold Earring Clips Large Earrings made in Greece
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Original Zolotas Large Earrings Clips Hand Made In Greece Circa 1980's Size approx 40 mm x 35 mm Solid Gold: 22k approx 40 grams Pre-owned in excellent condition Marks can ...
22k Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston Pavé Diamond Earrings Platinum, Circa 2000s
Located in Chicago, IL
Magnificent diamond earrings by Harry Winston, exquisitely crafted in 950 platinum and pavé-set with approximately 210 brilliant-cut round diamonds. The diamonds are carefully match...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold 13.30 Cttw Madeira Citrine Clip Earrings
Located in Troy, MI
Madeira citrine is a special variety of citrine that shines with a deep, warm color, much like a fine Madeira wine. This gemstone gets its name from that similarity in color. The cau...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$555Sale Price|25% Off
Gavi Lane Vintage Clip-On Earrings with Gripoix Glass Baroque Style Purple
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Exquisitely crafted, these vintage Gavi Lane clip-on earrings showcase a dramatic Baroque-inspired design accented with authentic Gripoix glass elements. Rich gold-tone metalwork fra...
Diamond Pavé Flower Earrings with Australian Pearls in 18 Karat White Gold, 2006
Located in BILBAO, ES
An elegant pair of contemporary flower earrings handcrafted in 18 karat white gold, dating from 2006. Each earring is designed as a sculptural blossom with delicately textured petals...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold 0.17 Cttw Diamond Ear Cuff
Located in Troy, MI
The oldest known ear cuff was dated back to 4500 BC, in an ancient burial site in Great Britain. These cuffs were called Kaffas and were fashioned from brass. Around 350 BC in Greece...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold, Amethyst, Purple and Pink Sapphires and Diamonds Earrings
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Drawing from the narrative of the “Dewdrops of the Desert,” the Fleur de Sable collection comes to life. Found in arid landscapes, desert rose formations symbolise resilience, silent...
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Go...
14 Karat Yellow Gold Marguerite Stix Double Shell Earrings
Located in Troy, MI
Crafted from 14 karat yellow gold with exotic clam shells with pink / lavender hues, these clip earrings are lovely on your ears. Marguerite Stix is best known for her shell jewelry ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century 14K Yellow Gold Sculptural Hand Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These unique 14K yellow gold earrings, meticulously crafted in the form of sculptural hands. Each earring is modeled in a realistic, open-hand design, capturing expressive detail and...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 3.12 Carat Platinum Round Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
These classic and highly desirable Tiffany & Co. diamond stud earrings feature a perfectly matched pair of round brilliant-cut diamonds, each weighing 1.56 carats, for a total ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti vintage 18k yellow gold clip on earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These elegant vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti clip-on earrings are a beautifully polished design from the 2000’s, crafted in rich 18k yellow gold. Their warm golden finish and scu...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,972 / item
Sooryast Dangler Gold Earring by Kahana Jewels
Located in Geneve, CH
Sooryast Dangler Gold Earring by Kahana Jewels Dimensions: D 9.5 x H 9.5 cm Materials: Gold, diamond Our Sher Earrings pay homage to the mighty Bengal Tiger. To capture the spirit ...
Diamond, Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Moon Quartz and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Moon Quartz 10 carats approx. Diamonds 0.30 carat approx. Omega clip backs Limited edition Crafted from 18K yellow gold, these limited-edition earrings feature a da...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Single Baguette and Brilliant Round Diamond Ear Cuff in 18K White Gold
By BOON
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Single Baguette and Brilliant Round Diamond Ear Cuff in 18K White Gold This ear cuff cannot be resized. Diamond 0.69ct 18K Gold 0.887g
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Sapphire Emerald Diamond Huggie Earrings 13.40ct
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautiful pair of vintage earrings circa the 1990s, crafted in 18K yellow gold with a rich, jewel-toned presence and a wonderfully dimensional design. Each earring is centered by a...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lapis and Chrysocolla Beaded Half Hoop Clip On Earrings 14k/18k
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Colorful lapis and chrysocolla beaded clip on earrings. Great look on the ear with a pop of color, especially if you love blues. The hinge/clip on part is 14k but the rest of the ear...
Lapis Lazuli, Chrysocolla, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond D Color VVS Clarity Dangle Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
These dangle earrings are a stunning expression of timeless elegance, crafted in 18K white gold to enhance brilliance and refined movement. Their design combines delicate sparkle wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Gianni Bulgari Enigma Lips Earrings Gold Diamond Coral Jet 18 Karat Gold
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in Gianni Bulgari's extraordinary Lips Earrings in Coral, Diamonds, 18 Karat Gold and Jet. The clip on lips earrings are a design classic that will only increase in value ov...
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Titanium Natural Diamonds 18KT Rose Gold Made in Italy Petals Earrings
Located in Valenza , IT
The iconic Margherita Burgener Petal earrings in a latest yellow oxidized titanium version. Handmade in titanium, they are extremely light. Color is stable. On request we can ad...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Titanium, White Gold
Din Raat Gold Ear Cuffs, Uncut Diamond, Contemporary Design by Kahana Jewels
Located in Geneve, CH
Din Raat Gold Ear Cuffs by Kahana Jewels Dimensions: D 5.5 x H 5.5 cm Materials: Gold, diamond The color of the enamel can be customized, please contact us. The Din-Raat (Day &...
Diamond, Gold
18KT Gold, 34.3Ct. Amethyst, 3.07Ct. Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These earrings are designed with 18 karat yellow gold heart shapes that have been pave set with diamonds. A single heart shaped bezel set pink tourmaline...
Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond and Cabochon Blue Sapphire Owl Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.23 carats with Diamond 0.26 carat and Cabochon Blue Sapphire 0.21 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.8 cm Total Weight: 9.05 grams "We fi...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
1960's Diamond & Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Earclip Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond & Onyx Disc Ear Clips, circa 1960s. These elegant mid-century earrings feature a striking disc design showcasing polished black onyx beautifully contr...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Emerald with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 3.92 carats, Blue Sapphire 2.53 carats, Cabochon Blue Sapphire 0.40 carat, Cabochon Emerald 0.68 carats and Diamond 0.42 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings W...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Titanium Silver 18 Karat White Gold Made in Italy Sakura Earrings
Located in Valenza , IT
Very light and cool, the Sakura earrings are handmade in Margherita Burgener workshop, Italy, in the unusual titanium which is very light making big ea...
18k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Titanium
Ruby with Tsavorite and Diamond Elephant Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.66 carats with Tsavorite 0.12 carat and Diamond 0.21 carat Elephant Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 2.2 cm Total Weight: 17.25 grams "We first...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Luxurious Tiffany & Co. 18k Platinum Diamond Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
Luxurious Tiffany & Co. 18k Platinum Diamond Earrings Adorn yourself with the exquisite elegance of these Tiffany & Co. diamond earrings, a perfect blend of sophistication an...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Zolotas Lapis Clip On Stud Earrings 22 Karat Yellow Gold 21.6 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Signed Zolotas these clip on stud earrings featuring two round Lapis mounted on 22 Karat yellow gold. Matching Necklace is available.
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Lemon Quartz Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Lemon quartz 12 carats approx. Blue topaz 4.5 carats approx. Omega clip backs Limited edition Exquisitely crafted in 18-karat-gold, these limited-edition earrings f...
Quartz, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Geometric Earclip Vintage Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Ear Clip Earrings, circa 1960s. Beautifully crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, these elegant earrings embody the bold yet refined styling of the 1960s. Featurin...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$264Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta Gold-Plated Amethyst Crystal Lilac Branch Clip Drop Earrings
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Gold-plated Oscar de la Renta earrings with amethyst Swarovski crystals in a floral drop design. These Oscar de la Renta gold-plated clip earrings depict a lilac branch motif adorne...
Brass, Mixed Metal
Estate Platinum 18K South Sea Pearl & Large Trilliant Diamond Huggie Earrings
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A timeless expression of understated luxury, these elegant earrings are handcrafted in platinum with 18 karat white gold swing-up posts and secure omega backs for exceptional comfor...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Roberto Coin Fancy Brown Pavé Diamond Coil Omega Back Huggie Earrings 4ctw
By Roberto Coin
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A contemporary pair of earrings by Roberto Coin done in 18K yellow gold and pavé set with approximately 4ctw in natural fancy brown diamonds. Earrings have omega backs with swing up...
Diamond, 18k Gold
JAR Carnaval a Venise Titanium Murano Glass Earrings
By JAR
Located in New York, NY
A rare and highly sculptural pair of earrings by JAR (Joel Arthur Rosenthal) from the celebrated Carnaval à Venise collection. These striking earrings exemplify JAR’s mastery of unco...
Titanium
Chanel Vintage Sunburst Jumbo CC Earrings Gold plated collection 29
Located in Rowland Heights, CA
These stunning vintage Chanel earrings are from Collection 29, a rare and highly sought-after release. Featuring the iconic interlocking CC logo framed in a bold circular design, the...
Gold Plate