“Women are tired of jewelry-looking jewelry,” celebrated American designer David Webb once noted. In response, he created a menagerie of whimsical animals rendered as rings, brooches, earrings and, especially, bangle bracelets. This playfulness permeates all Webb’s work, which is characterized by brightly hued enamel and color-saturated semiprecious stones like coral, azurmalachite and turquoise, the notable exception being the clear, elegant rock crystal for which he had an affinity.
The North Carolina native apprenticed with his uncle, a silversmith, before moving to New York, where he established David Webb Inc. in 1948. He had no formal training in jewelry design. Instead, he culled inspiration from the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Americas, as well as the traditions of India and China — influences discernible in such pieces as his collar necklaces and talisman-like sautoirs.
Webb’s first animal bracelet was produced in 1957. His most famous, the zebra, took shape in 1963; its stripes now form the company’s logo. Although Webb died in 1975, his company continues to produce designs drawn from his extensive archives, and every piece is still made in the workshop above its Madison Avenue store.
Find an alluring collection of David Webb jewelry on 1stDibs, including earrings, brooches and other accessories.
Seaman Schepps Cabochon Ruby Diamond Earrings in 18K Gold
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A study in saturation and restraint. These Seaman Schepps earrings from the 1960s center on richly hued cabochon rubies, their softly domed surfaces revealing depth rather than spark...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Lapis Bead and Gold Earrings, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Twilight stones cradled in golden rope. Bold yet elegantly restrained, these Italian earrings from the 1980s marry the richness of lapis lazuli with the warmth of 18k yellow gold. E...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fred Leighton Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Fred Leighton
Located in New York, NY
A jeweled chiaroscuro—shadow, fire, and form. These Fred Leighton earrings conjure drama through contrast: 8.73 carats of richly hued rubies and 6 carats of antique-cut diamonds are...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Hoop Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Continuous Light, Held in Gold A perfect circle, uninterrupted and quietly exact. These earrings distill form to its essence: a clean circular silhouette in 18k yellow gold, fully se...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Burmese Ruby and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A Garland Around Red Fire Platinum gathers into a bright, floral movement around two vivid Burmese rubies. These 1960s earrings center on two no-heat Burmese rubies weighing approxim...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1963 Oscar Heyman Platinum Diamond Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Leaves of Platinum, Finished with Falling Light Diamond-set curves rise and cross with a delicate mid-century tension. These Oscar Heyman earrings were manufactured in November 1963 ...
Diamond, Platinum
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Multi Color Gemstone and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Bright and exciting thispair of clip earrings is designed by David Webb. Mounted with multi gems like sapphires, rubies, emeralds along with round cut diamonds these earrings are a l...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Three Stone Cabochon and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Three Stone Cabochon and Diamond Earrings Description: These bold and colorful earrings by David webb showcase the brand's iconic use of cabochon gemstones and architectu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Gemstone and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Gemstone and Diamond Earrings This pair of earrings has 2 cabochon rubies (2.5 carats total carat weight) and 2 cabochon emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1970s David Webb Gold and Multi-Gemstone Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires. Signed by David Webb Circa 1970s 1 1/4 x 1 inch
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Black Enamel Diamond Sapphire Emerald Ruby Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
These David Webb earrings are a stunning example of the brand's exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Measuring at about 3cm in length, they are crafted in 18k yellow gold...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
"Circa 1970's David Webb yellow gold clip-on earrings mounted with sapphire, rubies and emeralds. Three gemstones per earring. High polished finish. Circa 1970's David Webb Clip On Earrings...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
