“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.
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Dress/Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold and diamond dress/cocktail ring, circa 1970. Of abstract asymmetric floral design, the textured gold leaves highlighted with 10 brilliant-cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sapphire Cocktail Ring, circa 1970s
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold and sapphire cocktail ring, circa 1970s. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, of bombé design, the dome fully set with numerous sapphire baguettes and tra...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Italian Retro Cocktail Ring, circa 1930s
Located in Zurich, CH
Absolutely iconic 18 karat yellow gold Italian retro cocktail ring, circa 1930s. Eye-catching cocktail ring, entirely crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, the front showcasing a volumin...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Retro Dress Ring, 1940s
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold, platinum and diamond Retro dress ring from the 1940s. Eye-catching bombé band ring of asymmetrical design, crafted in 18 k...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. by Paloma Picasso 18 Karat Gold and Citrine Cocktail Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Zurich, CH
Striking 18 karat yellow gold and citrine cocktail ring by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co., 1980s. Sculpted cocktail ring entirely crafted in 750 yellow gold and bezel-set with...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Bicolor Gold Ring by Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, CH
Sleek and minimalist 18 karat bicolor gold ring by renowned Italian jewelry house Bvlgari. Crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold, this attractive vintage ring consists of three ...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Diamond Cocktail Ring is a stunning and luxurious piece that offers both elegance and a touch of extravagance. Let's explore the details: **De...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Rock Crystal and Hammered Gold Bombé Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Dating from the 1960s-1970s, this hammered 18K gold and rock crystal bombé ring was created by David Webb, New York. The ring is set with a high domed rock crystal cabochon with a faceted pavilion above a hammered gold mount with an obliquely ribbed high-relief surface. Oversize and playful, this bold volumized ring...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sculptural 14k Yellow Gold Rock Crystal & Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Elevate your jewelry collection with this sophisticated and sculptural statement ring, a perfect blend of organic textures and brilliant light. Expertly crafted in 14k yellow gold, ...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Round Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is a modern looking oversized champagne diamond ring by David Webb. It is made in 18K solid gold as all of his rings, diamonds are mounted in platinum. This ring has a signature...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Rock Crystal ByPass Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb beautiful ring featuring faceted rock crystals, set in textured gold, accented by round cut diamonds. Fashionable and translucent. The entire length of the ring from top ...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Dome Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The diamond dome ring designed by David Webb is a true masterpiece of jewelry design. It is crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold, which give the ring a classic and timeless appeal...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
