“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.
ART-DECO South Sea Pearls & 8.25 Carat Diamond 13 mm Dangle-Drop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
These stunning drop earrings strike a perfect balance between timeless grace and contemporary brilliance. Each earring features a magnificent 13.0 mm South Sea pearl, celebrated for ...
Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Earrings - Platinum 18K White Gold 10.00 CTW Marquise Diamond & 14.8mm South Sea
Located in Miami, FL
This important pair of vintage estate cluster button earrings features two monumental, natural white South Sea cultured pearls, beautifully showcased within a dramatic, sculptural di...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Mid Century Platinum Mabé Pearl Diamond Halo Clip-On Earrings, 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Capturing the tailored glamour of the 1950s, these striking cluster earrings feature two exceptional mabé pearls measuring approximately 12.5mm each. The pearls display a highly refl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
EARRINGS Art Deco 8.40 CTW Old European-Cut Diamond Graduated Drop Earrings in
Located in Miami, FL
This is an exceptional pair of authentic Art Deco drop earrings crafted in solid platinum. Weighing a comfortable 8.0 grams and measuring 1.5 inches in length, the earrings feature a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
DROP-Earrings 18K White Gold 20.50 CTW Sapphires, Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This is an exceptionally vibrant, high-presence pair of classic three-stone linear drop earrings masterfully crafted in solid 18K white gold. Weighing a substantial 12.1 grams, this ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, W...
ART-DECO Cluster Earrings in 18K Platinum With 12.60 CTW Rose-Cut Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
This extraordinary pair of antique-style estate cluster earrings features two monumental old European-cut natural diamonds, weighing a combined total of approximately 6.30 carats (ap...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
David Webb Platinum 9.92 Cttw Diamond and Pearl Day to Night Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb Baroque Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings in platinum exemplify the designer's mastery in creating breathtaking and unique pieces. This exquisite pair of earrings seamle...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage David Webb Platinum Pearl and Diamond Dangle Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This pair of traditional David Webb earrings, created in platinum with diamond and South Sea pearl drops, offers classic beauty and versatility by this iconic American jewelry design...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
David Webb South Sea Pearl and Diamond Flame Earrings in Platinum
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The pair of David Webb diamond flame earrings captivate with their fiery design, accented by detachable pearls that add a touch of elegance and versatility to the stunning ensemble. ...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
David Webb South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Large lustrous platinum-white 12.5mm South Sea pearls are the focal point of David Webb's charming earring, set in platinum with a diamond spray design. 1" long, post and omega back,...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1960s David Webb Pearl and Detachable Bombe Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k white gold with Cultured Pearls measuring 13mm, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s Top part: 1 inch diameter Detach...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vourakis Vintage Platinum Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings, Circa 2000s
By Vourakis
Located in New York, NY
Transformable jewelry is not a new idea, but its variations still feel incredibly innovative. This Vourakis set of earrings echoed convertible modular jewelry that has been widely popular at various times throughout the 20th century, especially in the 1920s-30s and again in the 1950s-60s when even the finest French Maisons produced some of the most innovative and chic transformable jewels. Vourakis, based in Greece, has specialized in custom handmade high jewelry in the French tradition for nearly 100 years since 1926. This world-renowned house, one of the "big three" in Greece, is highly sought-after for its magnificent designs and exceptional workmanship. It is often compared with the work of Van Cleef & Arpels, for whom Vourakis produced jewels in the 1950s and 1960s. These Vourakis Vintage Retro Revival Diamond Pearl Drop...
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Platinum, 14k Gold
