Contemporary (1980-Present)

Jewelry styles became increasingly bold during the 1980's. Onyx, pave-set diamonds, suites of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets became popular, and multi-gem set pieces were sought after. Later on, polished gold, matte gold, black diamonds, colored diamonds and different metals like titanium and aluminum, as well as different karats of gold, were used to create a bold and new contemporary look in jewelry. Increased costs in materials and labor inspired the use of semi-precious stones, stone slicing and attenuated precious metal use; bridging the gap between precious and costume jewelry.