“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.
Henry Dunay Hammered Gold Half Hoop Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Darnestown, MD
Henry Dunay half hoop earrings done in hammered gold, one of the finishes for which he is well known. Henry Dunay began his own jewelry firm in 1956 and continued it until 2008. Dur...
18k Gold
David Webb Large Gold Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Darnestown, MD
Large David Webb earrings with alternating swirls of hammered and gloss finishes. The earrings measure 3/4" wide and 1 1/4 inches long. Clip backs can be converted to posts
Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Gold Ribbed Oval Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Darnestown, MD
Tailored 18 karat gold earrings by Tiffany. The oval earring has a ribbed surface over which a diagonal of the same texture creates added interest. The earrings are half an inch wide...
18k Gold
David Webb Ribbed Gold Earrings with Diamond Shaped Pattern
By David Webb
Located in Darnestown, MD
David Webb gold earrings athat are surprisingly casual for this famed designer. The half dome earrings have a ribbed design with diamond shaped patterning. Backs are clips that can b...
Gold, 18k Gold
John Iversen Oval Domed Gold Earrings
By John Iversen
Located in Darnestown, MD
Gutsy domed earrings by John Iversen. The earrings are half an inch tall and have a wonderful hand scratched surface. Backs are posts and clips but can be modified to either one alo...
18k Gold
Zolotas Two Color Gold Hoop Earrings
By Zolotas
Located in Darnestown, MD
Two features add interest to these hoop earring by Zolotas. They are both yellow and white gold and have two different textures. The white gold centers have a ribbed, swirl design. ...
Gold, 18k Gold
David Webb Hammered Gold Doorknocker Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k hammered gold doorknocker earrings by David Webb. Earrings measure 1 5/8" x 1". Hallmarked Webb and 18k. Weight - 42.3 grams.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Hammered Gold Hoop Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k hammered yellow gold. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s
18k Gold
Orla Oval Hoops
By Pamela Zamore
Located in Boston, MA
A linear pattern of golden ridges enwrap the powerful, elegant lines of Orla. Named after the Irish word for golden princess, the Orla pieces were designed to reign for years to come...
18k Gold
DAVID WEBB 1970 Hammered Hoops Clips Earrings In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
DAVID WEBB 1970 Hammered Hoops Clips Earrings In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold These clip-on earrings designed by David Webb in the 1970s. These rare earrings were designed with three par...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Isla Triple Oval Earrings
By Pamela Zamore
Located in Boston, MA
Isla brings form to Pamela’s love of working with texture and shape. A gleaming finish of polished ridges and sandblasted channels evokes both the nobility...
18k Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Of Lobed Textured Clip Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless allure of the David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Lobed Textured Clip Earrings, a captivating pair designed to enhance your style with sophistication and elegance. **...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
