“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.
Vintage Gold, Coral, Turquoise, and Ruby Turtle Brooch
Located in Princeton, NJ
A vintage 18 karat yellow gold, coral, turquoise, and ruby brooch designed as a turtle with articular head and tail, the carved cabochon coral serving as the shell of the turtle outl...
Coral, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Italian 18 Karat Gold Carved Coral Turtle Brooch with Diamond Eyes
Located in Miami, FL
A delightful example of mid-century Italian jewelry design, this charming turtle brooch is crafted in richly polished 18 karat yellow gold and centered by a beautifully carved natura...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$49,500
H 2.29 in D 0.79 in L 2.56 in
NARDI Venice 1960 Articulated Coral Turtle Brooch 18Kt Gold Diamonds & Sapphires
By Nardi
Located in Miami, FL
A gem set turtle-brooch designed by Nardi. A very rare brooch created in Venice, Italy, by the iconic and exclusive Venetian jewelry house Giulio Nardi, circa 1950–1960. This unique...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gol...
1970's Diamond Chalcedony 18K Yellow Gold Turtle Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
For all the collectors, this is a must-have piece. This adorable vintage turtle pin brooch is crafted in 18K yellow gold. Weighing 15.0 grams and measuring 1.5" x 1". The body of t...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Yellow Gold
$2,498
H 1.1 in W 0.74 in
Antique French 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Diamond Ruby Turtle Pin Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Turquoise - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Blue Color - 16x14.3mm (approx.) (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Single Cut - Pave & Bezel Set - H/I Col...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Whimsical Gilded Gold Hardware with Enamel "Turtle" Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This wonderful whimsical polished gilded gold vermeil hardware "Turtle" brooch is accented with bold green enamel as well as faux emerald eyes. The length measures 1...
Turtle brooch circa 1990
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
UNKNOWN - A Collection circa 1990 - Not signed jewelry. Golden-metal turtle brooch decorated with red resin and black enamel. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 6 ...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Two Turtles Persian Turquoise Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Brooch Pins
Located in Miami, FL
Double charming and collectible, two vintage turtle brooches, crafted circa 1960 in solid 18K yellow gold. This delightful piece features a shell adorned with vivid Persian turquoise...
Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
$10,310
W 1.56 in L 2.2 in
18K Yellow Gold Turtle Pin Brooch with 2.5 Carat Diamonds & 48 Carat Citrine
Located in New York, NY
Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Shine like the urban jungle you own with this vintage 18K yellow gold pin brooch. Crafted to perfection, it features a stunning blend of 2.5 c...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,375
W 0.97 in L 1.51 in
1960s Vintage Diamond & Hand-Carved Natural Coral Sea 14K Gold Turtle Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
A charming and beautifully crafted vintage sea turtle brooch, masterfully executed in solid 14-karat yellow gold and natural Mediterranean coral. Exuding the whimsical and stylish ae...
Diamond, Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Coral Turtle with Diamonds on the Shell Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite estate turtle brooch, crafted in 18k yellow gold, is a true gem of fine jewelry. Adorned with sparkling round-cut diamonds and vibrant round-cut green emeralds, this p...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Platinum &18K Yellow Gold 1970's Turquoise And Diamond Foliage Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning turquoise brooch with diamonds and turquoises. Absolutely stunning colors, and quality, only by David Webb. Smooth turquoises all throughout, color consistent on a...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise, Diamond Flower Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Absolutely stunning David Webb turquoise and diamond brooch crafted in a shape of an exotic flower. Double stem pin. Can also be worn as a pendant. Diamonds: F-G color, vs1-VS2 calr...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 1965 Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Coral Rose Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in 1965, is a timeless piece in the shape of a delicate rose. Hand-carved from coral, the rose measures approximately 5cm...
Turquoise, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Gold Multicolor Cabochon Gemstone and Diamond Maltese Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A substantial 18k yellow gold eight pointed combination brooch/pendant with a large center cabochon emerald, and four each of smaller cabochon blue sapphires and cabochon rubies. Brilliant round diamond pave style borders surround each gem. Diamonds: 6.50cttw (approx.) Gemstones: 37.00cttw. By David Webb...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold 1970's Multicolor Gemstone Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular brooch crafted in 1970's by David Webb. This is a multicolor gemstone brooch set with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.Set with 69 White Round Diamonds, 9 Green...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
