Verdura Black Jade Ruby Sapphire Pearl Diamond Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
View Similar Items
Verdura Black Jade Ruby Sapphire Pearl Diamond Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Dimensions:Width: 1.75 in (44.45 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:21st century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Bal Harbour, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1625187302
Verdura
Fulco di Verdura (1898–1978) is not exactly a household name, except for those who know a thing or two about highly original, often eccentric handcrafted jewelry and, even more so, for those fortunate enough to own some. In that exclusive group, Verdura is regarded as the most gifted and coveted designer of his time.
Verdura was born in Sicily in 1898, the scion of a noble family related to the Lampedusas. (His cousin, Giuseppe di Lampedusa, wrote the great Italian saga The Leopard). His life was charmed from birth. Raised in his family’s villa, he grew up during a time when Sicily, and Palermo in particular, were meccas for well-born and highly cultured European travelers.
A bona fide duke with no clear ambitions but creative leanings aplenty (he could draw and paint), the young Verdura was part of the wandering social circuit — the so-called beau monde — that went from capital to capital, resort to resort.
Verdura, though small in stature, had that indefinable quality called charm. As a result, he was the life of every party he attended. When he finally started designing jewelry under Coco Chanel in the late 1920s, many of his friends became his clients (or received the pieces as gifts). Elsa Maxwell took him under her ample wing when she was hired to do public relations for the Lido in Venice and introduced him to the local and visiting cognoscenti. Chanel, whom he met in Venice, hired him to work in the textiles division of her fashion house. But it was his flair for jewelry that soon caught Coco’s eye. Eventually, he rose to become her personal designer of fine jewelry.
In 2002’s Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler (Thames & Hudson), Vanity Fair’s Amy Fine Collins describes the sensation of wearing pieces by Verdura, who drew inspiration from nature for his signature gem-studded seashell brooches and honeybee earrings. “They were ingeniously calculated to flatter the wearer,” writes Collins. “Earrings undulated to complement the convolutions of an earlobe, rings seductively followed the phalanges of a finger, and necklaces gracefully traced the anatomy of the throat.”
In 1934, Verdura left Chanel and together with two friends, aspiring actress Princess Natalia Pavlovna Paley and Baron Nicholas de Gunzburg, moved to the U.S. After several stops, he found a job through Diana Vreeland in Hollywood with Paul Flato, then the “jeweler to the stars.” Soon he was signing his work and helping Flato cultivate the crème de la creme of the silver screen — those both on it and behind it.
Verdura left Los Angeles for New York and opened his own salon, first on Fifth Avenue in 1939, just as World War II was beginning in Europe. His backers were Vincent Astor and Cole Porter, for whom he made bejeweled boxes and cigarette cases — gifts from Porter’s wife, Linda — to commemorate the opening nights of several musicals. Verdura began to expand both his repertoire — he became much more daring and flamboyant — and his clientele. The Duchess of Windsor, Daisy Fellowes, Greta Garbo and others routinely gave him commissions. In 1941, Verdura collaborated on a collection of six pieces with Salvador Dalí to accompany a Dalí exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. Verdura retired in 1972 and left the care of the company to his partner, Joseph Alfano. He later moved to London, where he died in 1978 at the age of 79.
Among the most prized pieces on display in a 2014 Verdura jewelry exhibition in New York were Greta Garbo’s curb-link bracelet watch, which Verdura designed for her in 1939; Coco Chanel’s pair of Maltese Cross cuff bracelets (she wore one on each wrist); and Diana Vreeland’s duo of Byzantine brooches.
Find a range of authentic Verdura jewelry today on 1stDibs.
Kanners
- Michael Kanners Icy Jade Sapphire Diamond Gold Drop EarringsBy Michael KannersLocated in Bal Harbour, FLDramatic and bold 18kt gold carved icy gray jade earrings, meticulously handcrafted in Italy. The unique design features vibrant orange sapphires and scintillating diamonds, delicate...Category
2010s Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Jade, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
- David Webb Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond EarclipsBy David WebbLocated in Bal Harbour, FLBold and colorful David Webb earclips featuring ruby, emerald and sapphire cabochons accented with white diamonds. From a family of jewelers dat...Category
Vintage 1970s American Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
- Mouawad Ruby Diamond Necklace Bracelet Ring Earrings SuiteBy MouawadLocated in Bal Harbour, FLThe highly important complete set features a necklace with detachable pendant, a flexible bracelet, hanging earrings and a ring. Each of the pieces is set with numerous rubies and d...Category
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Important Natural No Heat Burma Ruby and Diamond BraceletLocated in Bal Harbour, FLThis red carpet worthy bracelet is one of the finest that you will ever see. The combination of round rubies and oval diamonds represents an exquisite taste level and the wonderfull...Category
Early 2000s American Contemporary Modern Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
- Michael Kanners Jade and Diamond Knot CufflinksBy Michael KannersLocated in Bal Harbour, FLThe classic knot cufflink, reinterpreted in carved jade and discretely embellished with gold and diamonds. Knot cufflinks date back to the early 20th century and the originals were made of silk by the French shirt maker Charvet. Since then, silver and gold versions have been produced by Tiffany, Cartier and nearly every classical maker of cufflinks. Few, however, have ventured forth to create them from gemstones. The reason for this is the technical challenge of carving into deep and tight spaces to realize the finest details. This beautiful apple green jade has been handled by an expert artisan resulting in the perfect knot. Passing along the fine carvings to the goldsmith, the next step requires extreme precision in order to set diamonds in the center and insert gold wires into the carved grooves. The finished knots are then connected to a bezel set matching jade cabochon to complete the elegant design. Stone carving: Germany Mounting: Italy Always delivered in the finest Italian suede and leather...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cufflinks
MaterialsDiamond, Jade, 18k Gold
- Michael Titanium Jade and Diamond Drop EarringsBy Michael KannersLocated in Bal Harbour, FLIntroducing an exquisite pair of carved jade and diamond earrings, mounted in anodized green titanium. These stunning earrings featur...Category
2010s Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Jade, Titanium
- Verdura Green Jade Maltese Cross Cuff BraceletsBy VerduraLocated in New York, NYPair of carved green jade cuffs featuring a 18K yellow gold Maltese crosses with a cabochon ruby at the center surrounded by pear-shaped cabochon amethysts, round-cut citrines and cu...Category
1990s American Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsAmethyst, Citrine, Jade, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Price Upon Request - Verdura Cacholong Maltese Cross Cuff BraceletBy VerduraLocated in New York, NYFinely crafted in carved cacholong featuring a 18K yellow gold maltese crosses with a cabochon Coral, round-cut citrines, and cultured pearls. Signed by Verdura. Comes with certifica...Category
Early 2000s American Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsCitrine, Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold
Price Upon Request - Red Coral Maltese Black Enamel Diamond Sapphire Cuff BraceletBy Valentin MagroLocated in New York, NYDaring colors of gems give this bracelet a striking design. An 18k yellow gold cuff is covered with black enamel, allowing the gold to glint on the top and bottom. In the middle, pre...Category
2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsSapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Coral, Yellow Gold, Gol...
- PHILIPPE FERRANDIS Vintage Maltese Cross Cuff BraceletBy Philippe FerrandisLocated in Nice, FRPHILLIPE FERRANDIS vintage textured gold tone Maltese cross cuff bracelet featuring multicolor glass and resin beads. Push clasp closure. Marked ...Category
20th Century French Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsGilt Metal
- Diamond, Ruby & Sapphire Flex Cuff BraceletLocated in Webster, NYStunning Diamond, Cabochon Ruby, and Cabochon Sapphire flex cuff bracelet crafted in 18k yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond, Ruby, & Sapphire Diamond Carat Wei...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
- Verdura Criss Cross Wide Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle BraceletBy VerduraLocated in Holland, PA18k Yellow Gold Criss Cross Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet by Verdura. Details: Weight: 66.3 grams Width: 1.5" Length: 6.25" Stamped Hallmarks: VERDURA 750 Your Price: $20,500 *Free Shi...Category
2010s American Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsYellow Gold