“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 Emerald and Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Emerald and Diamond Chandelier Earrings Description: A majestic pair of vintage emerald and diamond chandelier earrings, exquisi...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Cascading Diamond and Emerald Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
An embodiment of timeless sophistication, these remarkable earrings feature a stunning cascade of diamonds culminating in two striking emerald-cut emerald drops. The emeralds, totali...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald and Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings Description: Elegant and timeless, these drop earrings feature a vibrant pair of pear-shaped emeralds, each framed in a double halo of bril...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Convertible Diamond and Jade Bead Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Jade Bead Drop Earrings Description: These versatile earrings are crafted in 18 karat white gold and designed for both elegance and adaptability. The upper portion is fu...
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Antique Cut Diamond & Enamel Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Antique Cut Diamond & Enamel Earrings These captivating earrings, crafted from 18-karat yellow gold with delicate enamel detailing, embody the timeless elegance of circa 1...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
David Webb Three Stone Cabochon and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Three Stone Cabochon and Diamond Earrings Description: These bold and colorful earrings by David webb showcase the brand's iconic use of cabochon gemstones and architectu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage David Webb Earrings Emerald Diamond 18k Gold Day and Night Cross River
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning Day & Night Cross River earrings. Feature elongated pear cut emeralds surrounded with diamonds set in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. The emeralds are approximately 3.05...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Emerald Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k gold and platinum with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 4.50 carats and Round cut Emeralds weighing a total of approximately 8.50 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
David Webb Emerald and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Emerald and Diamond Earrings These David Webb drop earrings showcase a circular motif at the top, adorned with round and baguette-cut diamonds. Three vertical rows of di...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1970s David Webb Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k gold with Cabochon Emeralds weighing a total of approximately 18.00 carats and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 8.00 carats. Signe...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
David Webb Fancy Emerald Earrings Vintage 18k Gold Day or Night Clip on Earring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Statement Large Emerald Earring Clips Vintage approx circa 1980's Cabochons and Pear Shape Emeralds approx 30 to 35 carats Upper stones are 11x9mm lower stones are 20x43 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French 1980s Impressive Emerald Diamond Gold Ear Pendants
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully designed and masterfully handcrafted these French 18 karat gold ear pendants feature 2 perfectly matched deep forest green pear shape emeralds weighing 14.15 carats and 14.19 carats set in a bezel of yellow gold and surrounded by bright white and lively brilliant cut diamonds. Flexibly connected to a section with a shield shaped emerald with 2 marquis...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
