“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 1950s David Webb Gold Clutch with 10.00 Carat Ruby and Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k with a carved Ruby weighing approximately 10.00 carats, 44 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 4.00 carats, and a mirror. Signed by D...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Watch Presentation Box, Circa 1930s to 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Rolex watch presentation box dating circa 1930s to 1950s. A genuine period Rolex box, ideal for the display or storage of a vintage Rolex wristwatch. Dimensions External: ...
Other
Vintage Canadian 14 Carat Gold Box, Circa 1935
Located in London, GB
A vintage, 14ct gold box, with four, engine turned sides, alternating with a ribbon and wreath pattern on the cut corners, terminating with reeded bars called "ribbon and reed" patte...
Gold
Enamel Box with Diamond and Rubies Handcrafted in 18 Karat Gold
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
A beautiful box with fine enamel work studded with Diamonds and Rubies. Similar enamel work can be seen in Indian and Mughal jewellery from centuries ag...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Mario Buccellati Vintage Diamond Gold Compact Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
This Mario Buccellati vintage diamond 18K yellow gold compact box from 1940's features a diamond accent closure in 18K white gold with rose-cut diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Tiffany & Co. Ruby Diamond Gold Compact Powder Case
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The compact features square step-cut rubies weighing a total of approximately 1.25 carats, enhanced by single-cut diamonds weighing a total of 0.15 carat, set in 14k gold, marked Tif...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Cartier Vintage Gold Eight Day Desk Clock
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
This aesthetically captivating authentic circa 1950 Cartier eight-day desk clock is made with a solid 14K yellow gold case. It is rendered in artfully textured gold, adding a glitter...
14k Gold, Gold
Cazzaniga 1980's Gold Diamond Sapphire Ruby Locket Box
By Cazzaniga
Located in Roma, RM
An extraordinary and highly decorative locket box by Cazzaniga, dating to the 1980s and showcasing the maison’s unmistakable craftsmanship and artistic identity. This remarkable pie...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Mario Buccellati Silver and Gold Compact with Rubies, Italy, 1940s
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Napoli, NA
An elegant and highly collectible powder compact by Mario Buccellati, crafted in Italy in the 1940s. Executed in solid 800 silver, the case features the maison’s iconic hand-engraved...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co Cufflink Box, 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage cufflink presentation box by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, London, circa 1950s. Slim fitted form designed to hold a pair of cufflinks. The Goldsmiths and Silver...
Silver
1950s Faraone Ruby Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Compact
By Faraone
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A chic 18k gold compact by the Italian company Faraone, studded with high quality rectangular cut rubies, diamonds and sapphires in the colors of the ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond Ruby Gold Case
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The 14k gold case, designed as an envelope, is accented by baguette-cut diamonds and calibré-cut rubies set within the initials "RN". Gross weight 199.0 gram...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mappin & Webb Cufflinks Box, Mid 20th Century
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage cufflinks presentation box by Mappin & Webb, the renowned British silversmiths and jewellers. The box features a dark brown to black leather exterior with a subtle sheen an...