Luxury 20th century jewellery by David Webb, New York

David Webb was a prominent American jewellery designer who gained popularity in the mid-20th century for his unique and daring designs. His pieces often featured bold, colourful gemstones and intricate metalwork, and he was known for his use of animal motifs and ancient art-inspired designs.

Webb was born in North Carolina in 1925, but he moved to New York City in the 1940s to study at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. He started his career in the jewellery industry working as a designer for other firms before starting his own company, David Webb Inc., in 1948.

Webb's designs quickly gained popularity among the fashion elite of New York, and he became known for his bold and colourful creations. He was particularly renowned for his animal-themed jewellery, which featured lifelike renditions of creatures such as elephants, lions, and snakes.

One of his more... most famous pieces is a necklace he created for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, which featured a gold and enamel frog with emerald eyes. Other notable clients included Elizabeth Taylor, who was a frequent customer, the Duchess of Windsor, who commissioned a gold and enamel bracelet with a Chinese-inspired dragon design and Barbra Streisand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner and Beyonce.

Webb's designs often incorporated unusual materials, such as coral, jade, and turquoise, and he was known for his use of yellow gold. He also drew inspiration from ancient cultures, such as the Aztecs and Egyptians, and his jewellery often featured stylized versions of ancient motifs.

Despite his success in the 1960s and 1970s, Webb's business faced financial difficulties in the 1980s. Webb passed away in 1975 and the business was sold, but still operates stores under the Webb name in New York and Los Angeles. His designs continue to be highly sought after by the elite. less...