“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.
Huge Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Henry Dunay Hammered Dome Ring 1 3/8 Inches Long
By Henry Dunay
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This amazing vintage Henry Dunay 18K yellow gold hammered torsade style dome ring measures a full 1 3/8 by 1 1/4 inches, and rises to a full 1 inch above the finger when worn. This u...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Bamboo Motif White Enamel Large Scale Ring
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This massive vintage David Webb Bamboo Shoot Motif cocktail ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold and white enamel, is in a word magnificent. The design area measures 1 1/4 inches by 1 3...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Outstanding Large Hammered David Webb Gold Jade and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Another fabulous creation by David Webb in meticulously hammered, 18K yellow gold, jade and diamonds. David Webb has been regarded as the definitive American fine jewelry designer ...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Three-Row Twisted Rope, Mid Size Statement Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A shrimp style 18 karat yellow gold statement ring comprised of three rows of twisted rope design in a high dome. Tapers in width from 7/8 of an inch at the widest point in front dow...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Huge 14K Yellow Gold High Polish Finish Twisted Rope Style Dome Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This visually powerful and substantial Mid-20th Century three section knot ring is a true statement ring. It will be well loved by all those who believe that "if you've got it, flaun...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Big and Bold 18K Yellow Gold David Webb Bombe Dome Ring
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
There are not many jewelry designers who have created items that are as iconic, recognizable, and palpable as David Webb. His jewels are always unique, distinctive and most often hav...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Hammered Greek Style Ring Size 6
By David Webb
Located in Dallas, TX
David Webb Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Hammered Greek Style Ring Size 6 - A David Webb vintage ring, made of 18k gold, A David Webb ring at its finest: a ...
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold With Bark Finish Estate Step Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Bark Finish Estate Step Ring. This stunning piece features a unique hinged shank mechanism, which includes a discreet hinge on the undersid...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jean Despres Modernist gold ring
By Jean Despres
Located in New York, NY
A gold Modernist ring in the form of a rectangle adorned with further geometric elements, in 18k. Jean Despres, France. Executed in 18k gold, the ring reflects Després’ industrial s...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage David Webb Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent vintage David Webb statement ring is a bold example of American fine jewelry craftsmanship, meticulously crafted in lustrous 18k yellow gold and finished with vibran...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1980's 18k Yellow Gold Bold Bypass Statement Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 18k Yellow Gold Bold Bypass Statement Ring. The 18k yellow gold ring has a textured finish top and measures 1.40" down the length of the finger and 1" wide. The width ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Signed 1970's Modernist 14k Gold & Sterling Silver Cocktail Ring by Resia Schor
By Resia Schor
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Modernist ring. By the New York City Modernist female goldsmith Resia Schor. In sterling silver and 14k gold. Comprised of a cubist or tableau-l...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver
