“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.
Multi Cut Diamond Cascade Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Multi Cut Diamond Cascade Necklace & Bracelet Description: This 18k white gold necklace features a massive 54.45 carats of diamonds in a versatile, convertible to bracelet. The ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Graduated Old Mine Diamond Riviere Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Graduated Old Mine Diamond Riviere Necklace is a timeless piece, featuring an array of old mine-cut diamonds set in a graceful six-prong design. The diamonds gradually ...
Diamond, Silver
Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Diamond Floral Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Diamond Floral Necklace Description: An elegant floral-inspired necklace crafted in 18 karat two-tone gold, designed with a sequence of delicate blossoms and ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Round & Pear Cut Diamonds Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Round & Pear Cut Diamonds Necklace A breathtaking display of regal sophistication, this emerald and diamond necklace exudes timeless elegance. The design is adorned with fi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sapphire & Diamond Two Row Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire & Diamond Two Row Necklace This luxurious 18K Yellow and White Gold Necklace dazzles with a spectacular arrangement of 32 sapphires totaling approximately 18.79 carats ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Massoni Sapphire & Diamond Convertible Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Description: An elegant and versatile creation by Massoni, this 18k yellow gold link necklace is adorned with a magnificent array of diamonds and sapphires. Featuring 312 scintillati...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Crystal Pool Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with three cross-hatched Rock Crystals. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s 16 inches long
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Carved Rock Crystal Necklace with Diamond Clasp
Located in London, GB
A carved rock crystal bead necklace, the carved rock crystal beads measuring approximately 13-14mm, with an 18ct white gold pavé set diamond ball clasp, length approximately 33 inches.
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Webb White Enamel and Diamond Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb White Enamel and Diamond Necklace A yellow gold link necklace set with five white geometric enamel panels accented with round diamonds Approximate Length: 18 inches Sign...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
David Webb Hammered Pendant Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1980s, this David Webb pendant necklace is composed of 18K gold and diamonds. The oversize links of Gordian knot form suspend a scrolling flori-form pendant, convertib...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s David Webb 48.00 Carat Diamond Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with Round Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 48.00 carats. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s 15 inches long Comes with i...
Diamond, Platinum
Lucea Gold and Diamond Necklace
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
The elegant grace of Black Gold chain combined with a dazzling fringe of 5 brilliant Rose Cut Diamonds in this eye-catching necklace.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
