“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 Earrings Black Enamel Diamond 18k Gold Vintage Ear Clips
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Vintage David Webb Earrings Clips Black Enamel and Natural Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold approx weight 42 grams Size approx 1 x 1 inch Earring Clip-ons Makers mark can be seen in the imag...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s David Webb Black Enamel and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with black enamel over 18k yellow gold and platinum with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.50 carats. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Buckle Black Enamel Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Large and bold signature buckle design earrings by David Webb are fashioned as clip earrings. Applied with black enamel and set with round cut diamonds these earrings are striking an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
David Webb Earrings Black Enamel Diamond 18k Gold Vintage Ear Clips
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Vintage David Webb Earrings Clips 18k and Platinum. Black Enamel and Natural Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold. approx weight 48 grams Size approx 20mm wide, and 30mm tall Earring Clip-ons Di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
David Webb Black Enamel Round Diamond Clip-On Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The slightly domed earrings centering upon three diamond separated by black enamel stripes, framed by black enamel, in 18K gold and platinum. Dsigned in a circle shape these earrings...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Buckle Diamond Black Enamel Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a striking pair of David Webb signature buckle design earrings, exuding a bold and captivating presence. These unique earrings are crafted as clip-ons, ensuring ease of w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
David Webb Black Enamel Diamond Clip-On and Pierced Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A pair of diamond and enamel earclips, David Webb set with white enamel, accented by articulated shield-shaped panels, pave-set with round brilliant-cu...
Diamond, Enamel
David Webb Black Enamel, Striped and Diamond Tear Drop Clip Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb dome pear shaped clip earrings with signature Zebra stripes and diamonds. David Webb 18kt chic glossy earrings with black enamel and round cut diamonds on platinum plaques...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Black Enamel Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Stunning David Webb shrimp earrings crafted in 18K Yellow Gold with significant black enameling and brilliant round cut diamonds in the center. Large rope like edges complete the loo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
David Webb Crescent Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel & Diamonds Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb black enamel and diamond crescent ear-clips. Make a statement in these oversized bombe clip-earrings. Slick black enamel and a touch of diamonds adds enough glam and make ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
