Even before Ella Gafter founded her namesake jewelry collection in 1982, she was a formidable presence in the jewelry industry.
As a Rome-based gem dealer, Gafter sold pearls and precious stones to retailers and jewelers but was often dissatisfied with how they made use of the rare materials she worked so hard to source. Instead of grousing, she decided to design jewels that would do them justice, focusing primarily on pearls — akoya, Tahitian and South Sea. She explains her fascination with the lustrous marine treasures simply: “Every woman looks better with pearls than without.”
Her daughter Talila Gafter, then an undergrad at Harvard, was her ally in getting the project off the ground. Together, they made the rounds to stores with Ella’s first efforts. “We had a little pouch with eight pieces and we sold everything,” Talila tells 1stDibs. After graduation, she “was involved one hundred percent” in building the company, whose pieces are handmade by master jewelers in Naples.
The designer insists that her unwavering focus is the source of her success. “There’s no compromising for me,” she says. She’s been known to replace the pearls in a single piece time after time until she’s certain she’s achieved her ideal result. “A pearl you have to respect,” she explains. “You have to put it where it wants to sit.”
Ella describes the collaboration with her daughter as a “partnership,” with each having her own domain. “I’m all fantasy; Talila is the concrete one,” she says. The company is now based in New York City, with Talila as its president while Ella is firmly at the helm of creative decisions. “I’ve never made a design suggestion to Ella,” says Talila. “Nobody does.”
That forbearance has been earned, says Talila. “I admire that Ella doesn’t take no for an answer, her tenacity, her extraordinary ambition. She believes as long as there is life, there is a lot of beauty to create. She’s a force of nature.”
Find Ella Gafter earrings, rings, necklaces and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Black Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The black Tahitian pearl earrings feature a round swirl design on the ear with diamonds and a “stick” suspending two Tahitian pearls of 13 x 15mm. The untreated pearls display a love...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two12mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds of top ...
White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 15mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds of top...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 15mm Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The black Tahitian and diamond earrings feature a comma-like design with diamonds suspending two silver hued Tahitian pearls of 15 x 14mm. They display a beautiful nacre and their na...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 15.5 x 14 mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamond...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
12.5mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Hoop Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature a lovely pair of pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful skin and lustre. They measure 12.5 x 12mm. The pearls are suspended ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
HARBOR D. Tahitian Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 1.70 Carat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two medium color Tahitians grey pearls measuring 10 mm and two lighter Tahitian pearls measuring 15.9 mm flanked with round brilliants weighing...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.43 Carat 18 Karat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold drop earrings featuring two Tahitian pearls measuring 10-11 mm with a diamond bar weighing 0.43 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Comes in yellow and white gold and can cu...
Pearl, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Deco Inspired Drop Earrings 1.37 Carats 18K White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White gold drop earrings featuring two Tahitian Pearls measuring 12-13 MM and 12 baguettes, 0.78 carats, and 10 round brilliants weighing 0.59 carats. Pearls can be changed ...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Australian and Tahitian Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in BILBAO, ES
An elegant pair of articulated drop earrings crafted in 18 karat white gold, showcasing the refined contrast between luminous Australian South Sea pearls and exotic Tahitian pearls. The design begins with a white South Sea pearl stud, followed by a delicate four-leaf clover motif set with brilliant-cut diamonds, a bezel-connected round brilliant diamond, and a diamond pavé cap embracing each Tahitian pearl. The articulated construction creates graceful movement, while the omega clip backs ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Combining exceptional pearls with sparkling diamonds, these sophisticated earrings offer timeless elegance with a contemporary touch. - Metal: 18K White Gold - Diamonds: 70 Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds - Gemstones: 2 Australian South Sea Pearls - Gemstones: 2 Tahitian Pearls - Diamond pavé caps - Four-leaf clover diamond motif - Omega clip backs - Condition: Excellent Australian South Sea pearl earrings...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Drop Bar Earrings 0.63 Carat 18 Karat White Gold 12-13 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two Tahitian pearls measuring 12-13 mm with a diamond bar containing 32 round brilliants weighing 0.63 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Available i...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.45 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two Grey Tahitian pearls measuring 11-12 mm and 54 round diamonds weighing 0.45 carats.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
