“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.
8.80 Carat Diamond Gold Bead Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite hammered 18k yellow gold necklace exemplifies modern elegance, adorned with 422 pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds. The diamonds, totaling approximately 8.80 carats...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
Located in New Orleans, LA
Bold yet refined, this classic bracelet displays a traditional flattened curb link design crafted in 18K yellow gold. The high-polish finish enhances the fluid geometry of each inter...
Yellow Gold
13–16mm Yangtze Fireball Pearl Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
Twenty-five multi-colored Yangtze River pearls drape gracefully around the neck in this classic necklace. These iridescent, Baroque pearls are known as "fireball pearls" for their ca...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Pre-Columbian Sinú Gold Bead Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
This striking and rare Pre-Columbian gold necklace was crafted by the Sinu people of Colombia. The figural beads represent coatimundi, a much adored pet in many Pre-Columbian societi...
Gold
Convertible Gold Bracelets
Located in New Orleans, LA
This 19th-century 18K gold bracelet set showcases an ingenious convertible design, offering multitudes of styling options. Exquisitely crafted, t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 45.64 Carat Diamond Lavalier Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Six diamond-encrusted fans are suspended from a pearl and diamond bead chain in this elegant lavalier necklace from Tiffany & Co. Round diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold link chain necklace. Dimension : L 17.32 in X W 0.36 in - L 44 cm X W 9.2 mm - Weight 20.7 gr Alex Jona jew...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold, 17.7 inch-45cm long, link chain necklace. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design an...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold 36 Inches Long Chain Link Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A bold and substantial David Webb necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold, measuring an impressive 36 inches in length and weighing approximately 227 grams. The design features the house...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold alternating long and short link necklace. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold, 18.11 in / 46 cm long, link chain necklace. Dimensions : L 18.11 in / 46 cm X W 0.31 in / 7.90 mm X D 0.065...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari 18k Solid Yellow Gold Necklace 36" 215.50 grams
By Bulgari
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Features a solid 18k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace with a figure-8 safety latch Gross Weight: 215.50 grams Length: 36 inches Width: 5/8 inches Featured in Heritage Auctions December 7, ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
