“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.
Fred Paris Diamond & Pearl Necklace, Circa 2000
By Fred
Located in New York, NY
Like moonlight suspended in motion. An extraordinary creation from Fred Paris, this spectacular necklace transforms pearls and diamonds into a composition of pure rhythm and light. G...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Agate, Quartz, Diamond and Gold Demi-Parure
Located in New York, NY
Like a fragment of a moonlit landscape suspended in gold. Created in France during the 1970s, this exceptional demi-parure captures the artistic spirit of the era through its harmoni...
Agate, Diamond, Quartz, Gold
Daniel K Platinum Geometrical Diamond Pendant, GIA 0.84ct F/SI, Contemporary
By Daniel K
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of contemporary architectural jewelry, this platinum diamond pendant by Daniel K embodies precision, proportion, and refined brilliance. Designed as a sequence of ...
Diamond, Platinum
Italian Lapis Lazuli and Gold Bead Necklace, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A strand of midnight sky, hand-knotted in gold. This exquisite Italian necklace from the 1960s intersperses deep blue lapis lazuli beads with richly textured 18k yellow gold filigre...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Geometric Onyx, Mother-of-Pearl & Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
18k gold · United States, circa 1880 This refined antique pendant is distinguished by a bold geometric composition, emblematic of late 19th-century experimentation with form and con...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Amethyst Bead Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A quiet wash of violet at the collarbone. This vintage necklace from the 1980s is composed of finely graduated amethyst beads, their soft translucence lending the strand a gentle, a...
Amethyst, Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage 1970s David Webb Pearl Choker with Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with pearls ranging from 8.5mm - 9mm and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 5.00 carats set on a platinum clasp. The piece is 1 1/4 inches ...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Diana M. 18 kt white gold pearl necklace adorned with black pearls and clip
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18 kt white gold pearl necklace adorned with black pearls and a clip containing 1.80 cts tw of diamonds Diana M. is a leading supplier of top-quality fine jewelry for over 35 years. ...
Black Pearl, White Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold Pearl Diamond Necklace
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Pearl necklace adorned with Australian south sea pearls
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century 2.15 carat diamond pearl platinum necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This remarkable Mid Century necklace is a luxurious and beautifully balanced composition, combining the timeless softness of pearls with the brilliance of diamonds in a bold platinum...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Multi-Hued Pearl Necklace in Sterling Silver
By Stephen Dweck
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Elevate your ensemble with the enchanting allure of the Multi-Hued Pearl Necklace in Sterling Silver by Stephen Dweck. This exquisite piece features a stunning array of pearls in var...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
David Webb Platinum & 18k White Gold Coral, Diamond and Pearl Bead Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Experience the exceptional allure of the David Webb Coral and Pearl Diamond Bead Necklace, a unique and captivating piece that combines cora...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
