“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.
Francesca Di Modrone Mabe Pearl Earrings
By Francesca Visconti
Located in New York, NY
From a private estate, rose-grey triangular mabe pearls are set in 18K gold in these convertible clip-on/post earrings set at center with cabochon sapphire. The earrings measure 1-1/4" in diameter, created by Francesca Visconti Di Modrone...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
French Diamond and Sapphire Clip-On Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Diamond, sapphire and 18K white gold winged French-made clip on earrings, circa 1960's, are perfectly soignee in the French manner. Earrings measure 1-1/8" x 1/2".
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Cufflinks
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Antique Tiffany & Co black onyx cufflinks, circa 1915, set round slightly concave onyx in platinum and 14K gold. The cufflinks measure 1/2" in diamete...
Onyx, 14k Gold, Platinum
Les Boucles de Baccarat Ear Cuffs
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Les Boucles de Baccarat black crystal ear cuffs slide on from the top of the ear–the helix– and slide down securely within the ear as hoops. The earrings mea...
Earl Pardon Modernist Brooch
By Earl Pardon
Located in New York, NY
Earl Pardon (1931-1991) is considered one of the foundational artists of the Modernist jewelry movement. Trained as painter and sculptor, he found his niche in precious metal. The br...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Ruby Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18K yellow gold stylized leaf pin features two serrated tropical-style leaves, set with rubies and mixed cut old European, modern and rose-cut diamonds set on the stems and veins of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Oscar Heyman South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings 16.5 mm
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Wailea, HI
Elevate your jewelry collection with these magnificent Platinum, Pearl, and Diamond Earrings by the legendary Oscar Heyman. Renowned as the "Jeweler’s Jeweler," Oscar Heyman has been...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
DAVID WEBB 1977 South Seas Pearls Clips-On Earrings Platinum And 8.84 Cwt
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of clips-on earrings designed by David Webb (1925-1975). This is an extraordinary pair of clips-on earrings created in New York City at the jewelry atelier of David Webb, back ...
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
David Webb Pearl & Rock Crystal Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Pearl & Rock Crystal Earrings A pair of cultured pearls surrounded by faceted rock crystal and round cut diamonds. Circa 1970 Measurements: ...
Pearl, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1950 ca 6.50 Ct Diamond 15.50 mm South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Be a Star! An exceptional pair of high end vintage clip on earrings, date 1950 ca – classy and everlasting style of luxury jewellery Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold to in an outstan...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
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
