“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.
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Taurus Zodiac Belt Buckle - VHK#476a
By David Webb
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1980s Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 60.2 grams Maker: David Webb Measurement: 1.5 inch top to bottom Condition: Excellent
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Vintage French 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Lion Brooch - VHK#115a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Vintage French 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Lion Brooch - VHK#115a Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 14.7 grams Pin Measurements: Width...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Victorian Yellow Gold Lion Brooch with Old Mine Diamonds - VHK#972
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Victorian Yellow Gold Lion Brooch with Old Mine Diamonds - VHK#972 Item Details: Metal Type: 10K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] W...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Textured Brooch - VHK#270a
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Textured Brooch - VHK#270a Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 22.5 g...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Leopard Brooch with Diamond and Emeralds - VHK#97B
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Leopard Brooch with Diamond and Emeralds - VHK#97B Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 13.0 grams Pin Measurements: 1....
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 1983 Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Money Clip - VHK#773a
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 1983 Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Money Clip - VHK#773a Item Details: Year: 1900s Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.5 grams Maker: Tiffany & Co...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Gold Lion Belt Buckle
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s 1 7/8 x 2 1/2 x 1/2 inches
18k Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Lion Pendant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Unleash your inner queen with the magnificent David Webb Lion 18K Yellow Gold Brooch. This awe-inspiring piece is a symbol of strength and power, crafted with...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Christopher Ross 1984 Lion Head Belt Buckle 24kt Gold Plate
By Christopher Ross
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A striking and highly collectible statement piece by renowned New York sculptor Christopher Ross, celebrated for his bold, nature-inspired and architectural metalwork. Ross’s work ha...
Vintage 1970s Gold Lion Belt Buckle with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow hammered gold with two Round Brilliant cut Diamonds as the eyes, weighing a total of 0.14 carat. Made in Italy Circa 1970s 2 1/2 inch diameter
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kenneth Lane Large Gilded Gold Vermeil Hardware "Lion with Ring" Pendant/Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Large wonderful large gilded gold vermeil hardware "Lion with Ring" optional pendant and brooch detailed with etching throughout, measures 3 inches in height. The widt...
Oscar Heyman 18k Gold & Fancy Yellow Diamond 'Prowling Lion' Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman 18k yellow gold 'prowling lion' brooch contains a 0.01ct round emerald eye, 22 round diamonds (0.18ct, F-G/VS+), and 154 round fancy yellow diamonds (4.73ct). It is sta...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
