When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer's lauded vintage minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) were made in the form of crystal-covered swans, cupcakes, lipstick, wads of cash, teddy bears and other delightful objects.
These dazzling objets d’art have been regularly seen in the hands of First Ladies, movie stars on the red carpet and even in the prestigious collections of institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber's purses and minaudières were the result of a happy accident.
In 1967, Leiber began working on her first metal handbag. The piece in question was named the Chatelaine, and the design was a graceful drop-shaped purse in gold-tinted metal. But when the samples came in, Leiber saw that the bottom of the bag looked greenish and discolored as a result of the plating process. She had the ingenious idea of applying crystal rhinestones to the base to cover up the flaws. The fabulous bag was a huge success and would become her trademark.
Born Judith Peto in Budapest, Leiber overcame many hardships before her breakthrough. At the start of World War II, she was working at the Pessl handbag company in Budapest where she quickly climbed the ranks to become a master craftswoman. When the war escalated, she and her Jewish family were forced by the Nazis to live in a cellar of a ghetto, and several of her relatives were killed in concentration camps.
“I designed handbags in my head to get through the misery,” Leiber said.
After the liberation of Budapest, she married Gerson “Gus” Leiber, an American GI, and moved to New York. In 1948, she began working for the fashion house Nettie Rosenstein. One of Leiber's first major pieces was the handbag embroidered with glittering rhinestones and pearls carried by Mamie Eisenhower at the 1953 inaugural ball. In 1963, she finally set up her own company.
Leiber’s whimsical designs embellished with Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones defied traditional notions of luxury handbags. She also created striking clutches and bags with leather and fine textiles from around the world. In her 65-year career, she designed over 3,500 bags, which have been worn by First Ladies including Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush, pop icons like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner (who collects Judith Leiber bags).
In 2005, the Leiber Collection Museum opened in East Hampton, New York, as a permanent space to showcase her work. The minaudières remain coveted objects that are celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find vintage Judith Leiber shoulder bags, crossbody bags, sunglasses and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
Judith Leiber Massive Figural Gilt Metal Pendant Brooch Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Massive figural gilt metal pendant - brooch necklace c 1970s The Asian theme pendant necklace is designed with a huge Japanese style immortal figure suspended from a h...
Gilt Metal
Judith Leiber 1980s - 1990s Gold Heart Charm Long Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your collection with this stunning runway ready piece from iconic designer Judith Leiber. Plated in 18 carat gold, this 27.5" necklace features a unique chain of textured spi...
Gold Plate, Metal
Judith Leiber 1980s Gold & Pave' Rhinestone Double Link Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
This striking Judith Leiber statement necklace from the 1980s features alternating high-polish gold-tone links and pavé rhinestone-encrusted links in an interlocking motif. Designed ...
Gold Plate
Judith Leiber Figural Woman Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Figural woman pendant necklace c 1970s The unique necklace is designed with a female nude figure on a silver tone metal recessed plaque ...
Gilt Metal
Judith Leiber Gold Tone & Black Enamel Necklace Never worn 1990s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Signed Judith Lieber Enamel Necklace. An American designer is known for her elegant handbags. She also created lovely jewelry. Neiman Marcus Price Tag still attached! Hallmarked o...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
JUDITH LEIBER Vintage Lion's Head Brooch Pendant Gold Tone
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Judith Leiber brooch is composed of a gold hue metal and can be worn as a pendant as well. In great vintage condition, shows some signs of we...
Vintage Massive JUDITH LEIBER Monkey Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive JUDITH LEIBER Monkey Necklace Measurements: Height: 7.08 inches (18 cm) Width: 3.18 inches (8.1 cm) Wearable Length: 21.06 inches (53....
Adamas 18K White Gold Cornicello Diamond Onyx Necklace, Italy 2020
By Adamas
Located in New York, NY
Everyone could use a little extra good luck, especially when it comes in such a lovely form as a charm necklace. This Adamas Cornicello Diamond Onyx Necklace features 7 cornicelli (singular, cornicello or corno portafortuna), or Italian horns, in various sizes and elegant treatments. The cornicello is an Italian amulet...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Lauren Rubinski Cable-chain XL 14ct Gold Necklace
Located in London, GB
Yellow gold 14K graduated link necklace by Lauren Rubinski finished with a lobster clasp. Hallmarked: London Weight: 28.1g Length: 40.5cm
Gold, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 30cts Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Necklace in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels dazzling collar necklace bursting with brilliance of approximately 19 carats of finest white diamonds which are complemented by 11 carats of vividly-colored blue and yellow Ceylon sapphires (GIA and AGL certified as Ceylon/Sri Lanka geographic origin), all meticulously set in 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace is designed as a seamless series of thirty-two gold panels, each with a gracefully scalloped outer edge and pavé-set with brilliant-cut round diamonds. Each of the seven center-front panels is embellished by a large pear-shaped sapphire of richly saturated hue, alternating between yellow and blue colored sapphires. The panels gently curve from their inner to outer edge, giving maximum exposure to impeccably set diamonds and resulting in exceptional overall necklace brilliance. The sapphires add just the right amount of gem opulence and intrigue to this elegant design. Van Cleef expertly uses each necklace element – its scalloped silhouette, curved panels, and sparkling pavéd diamond surface – to create an appearance of a luminous and dressy lace collar. True to its luxurious French heritage...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Go...
JR 26.07 Carat Diamond Briolette 18 Karat White Gold Dangling Necklace
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 26.07 Carat Diamond Briolette Dangling 18 karat White Gold Necklace Made with a combination of one Hole dangling and two hole briolettes, this necklace is a rare beauty. The int...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold White Opal and Single Cut Diamond Pendant and Pearl Enhancer
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 14kt White Gold White Opal and Single Cut Diamond Pendant and Pearl Enhancer. Excellent Condition. This pendant is 29 mm in diameter accented with bead set single cut diamond...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Sapphire Necklace 14K Gold Choker
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Sapphire Necklace 14K Gold Choker This gorgeous estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold and set with genuine Earth...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.05 Carat Diamond Emerald 14 Karat White Gold Peacock Pendant Brooch
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning convertible pendant and brooch is set in 1.60 carats emerald and 6.05 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
New 14k Yellow Gold Flexible Wire Tatto Choker Neckloace 17.5 inches
Located in Eagan, MN
This is such a cool necklace. It is made of flexible, stretchable 14k Gold wire. Unstretched it measures 13 inches. It averages 19 mm wide. It is marked "14k" and has a hook and...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 12 Brilliant Cut Sapphires Collar Choker Necklace
By Anna Maccieri Rossi
Located in Santarcangelo Di Romagna, IT
Inspired by time, Anna Maccieri Rossi's 'Sunset to Sunrise Collar' tells a story of change through the colors of the natural brilliant cut sapphires...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,601
W 2.37 in L 3.35 in
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Shell Coral Branch White Crystals Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Iconic Classic White Coquillage Shell Coral Crystals Branch Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition. Not sure if it is a sma...
Gold Plate
Vintage Massive YSL Yves Saint Laurent Pearl Rhinestone Swirl Pendant Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive YSL Yves Saint Laurent Pearl Rhinestone Swirl Pendant Brooch Measurements: Height: 2 5/8 inches (6.66 cm) Width: 2 5/8 inches...
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Aquamarine & Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Pendant 9ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 *The chain is sold separately. A beautifully delicate Edwardian era pendant, crafted in 9ct gold and set with a lum...
Aquamarine, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendent Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendant Necklace is an exquisite example of vintage costume jewelry that effortlessly combines opulence with artistry. This sta...
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Tone Horse Double Belt Circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Tone Horse Double Belt. This is pure 1980s. There are 2 rows of stretchy tubogas gold with a large galloping textured horse. Amazing belt. WOW! 26" X 1" W...
Judith Leiber Gold Skinny Stretch Waist Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Product Details: Gold skinny stretchy waist belt by Judith Leiber. Rhinestone-embellished clasp closure at front. 25" length. Condition: Pre-owned. Very good. Little to no signs of ...
Judith Leiber Wheel of the Year Gold Choker
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gorgeous vintage Judith Leiber 'wheel of the year' gold plated choker necklace! The pendant is very large and definitely a fun statement piece that will s...
Gold
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Horse Belt Circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Horse Belt Circa 1980s. These belts were so iconic in the 1980s and you saw them on every supermodel. They were worn on everythi...
Judith Leiber 1980s Solar System Symbol Choker
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The incredible 1980s Judith Leiber choker is sure to be your new favorite! This rare choker is gold plated and features the various symbols for the planets in our solar system. The c...
Judith Leiber Gold Tone & Red Enamel Necklace Never worn - 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Vintage Signed Judith Leiber Enamel Necklace. An American designer known for her elegant handbags. She also created lovely jewelry. Here is new, never worn 1980s iconic choker. Hall...
Gilt Metal, Enamel
Judith Leiber Crystal Egg Locket
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The incredible 1980s Judith Leiber egg locket! This piece is hard to come by- by the prolific jewelry and handbag designer Judith Leiber! Super uniqu...
Judith Leiber Gold Drop Necklace with Purse Charms
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Judith Leiber drop necklace has a thick chain with small coin purse charms all around. It is in excellent condition with minimal wear. Measurements...
Magnificent Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Tassel Necklace Unsigned
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Her name is synonymous with bejeweled minaudières—and for good reason. Judith Leiber has designed thousands of variations on the style, since making a name for herself in 1953 when M...
Goldtone Judith Leiber Purse Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Goldtone purse charm necklace by Judith Leiber. Twist-lock purse charm. Clasp closure.
Judith Leiber Unique Foo Dog Brooch Pendant Necklace ca 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Unique foo dog brooch / pendant necklace The versatile design transitions from an exotic brooch depicting an ornate gilt metal foo dog's...