“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 Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Diamond Goat Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of David Webb with this whimsical black enamel and diamond brooch featuring a charming ram or goat design. Crafted in 18K yellow gold and pla...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
David Webb Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Elephant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1990 David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch, measuring 2 1/2 inch in length and 2 inches in height this piece of wearable sculpture is very detailed on all sides and weighs...
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Taurus Bull Brooch Pendant
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a bold and colorful pin/pendant crafted by David Webb in the 1970s, this stunning piece exemplifies Webb's renowned inspiration from the animal world. Presenting the Taur...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Diamond Goat Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the whimsical charm of this exquisite goat brooch, a true masterpiece designed by Webb. Crafted in 18-karat gold and platinum, this brooch is a testament to craftsmanship ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Ram Diamond Head Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Step into the enchanting realm of the David Webb "Kingdom Collection" with this extraordinary and rare Ram's Head brooch pendant. Crafted in luxurious 18 KT yellow gold, this piece i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
David Webb Tiger Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Chrysoprave Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Tiger Head Brooch created by David Webb featuring marquise green onyx, cabochon emeralds, approximately 0.99 carats of brilliant-cut diamond...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
David Webb Enamel Elephant Brooch with Ruby and Diamonds in Gold, circa 1980's
By David Webb
Located in Roma, RM
This exceptional animal brooch by David Webb was created in the 1980s, a period marked by the House’s continued exploration of bold forms, sculptural volume, and expressive use of en...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
1980s Pierre Cardin Enameled Indian Elephant Gold Metal Brooch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in London, GB
Large Vintage 1980's Pierre Cardin Brooch in a lovely Elephant design, Black Enamel & Gold Tone, Sparkly stones. Dimensions: 6x5cm Conditio...
Gold, Enamel
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch with Diamond Eye, Circa 1980s
Located in Towson, MD
This beautifully crafted vintage elephant pin dates to circa 1980s and is made in solid 14 karat yellow gold, weighing 11.53 grams. The elephant is rendered with exceptional detail, ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Elephant Brooch Pin Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Finley detailed Cartier diamond elephant brooch crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1980s to 1990s) Pave set diamonds total an estimated 0.50 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Elephant Brooch by George 18K Yellow Gold with Diamond and Ruby
Located in Fairfield, CT
Vintage 18K Elephant Brooch by George 18K Yellow Gold with Diamond and Ruby This vintage elephant brooch by George Lederman is made in 18K yellow ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond elephant Brooch 1.32 Carat WSI, 18K Yellow Gold
By Pomellato
Located in Berlin, BE
This fully set elephant diamond brooch is a masterpiece of sophistication and elegance. With 73 brilliant cut diamonds totaling 1.32 carats, the exquisite craftsmanship and attention...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
