Even before Ella Gafter founded her namesake jewelry collection in 1982, she was a formidable presence in the jewelry industry.
As a Rome-based gem dealer, Gafter sold pearls and precious stones to retailers and jewelers but was often dissatisfied with how they made use of the rare materials she worked so hard to source. Instead of grousing, she decided to design jewels that would do them justice, focusing primarily on pearls — akoya, Tahitian and South Sea. She explains her fascination with the lustrous marine treasures simply: “Every woman looks better with pearls than without.”
Her daughter Talila Gafter, then an undergrad at Harvard, was her ally in getting the project off the ground. Together, they made the rounds to stores with Ella’s first efforts. “We had a little pouch with eight pieces and we sold everything,” Talila tells 1stDibs. After graduation, she “was involved one hundred percent” in building the company, whose pieces are handmade by master jewelers in Naples.
The designer insists that her unwavering focus is the source of her success. “There’s no compromising for me,” she says. She’s been known to replace the pearls in a single piece time after time until she’s certain she’s achieved her ideal result. “A pearl you have to respect,” she explains. “You have to put it where it wants to sit.”
Ella describes the collaboration with her daughter as a “partnership,” with each having her own domain. “I’m all fantasy; Talila is the concrete one,” she says. The company is now based in New York City, with Talila as its president while Ella is firmly at the helm of creative decisions. “I’ve never made a design suggestion to Ella,” says Talila. “Nobody does.”
That forbearance has been earned, says Talila. “I admire that Ella doesn’t take no for an answer, her tenacity, her extraordinary ambition. She believes as long as there is life, there is a lot of beauty to create. She’s a force of nature.”
Find Ella Gafter earrings, rings, necklaces and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
South Sea Pearl Diamond Onyx Drop Earrings Art Deco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature a geometric design with black onyx and diamonds with a distinct art deco look. The tops suspend two splendid oval shape South Sea pe...
White Diamond, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bow Brooch Pin with Diamonds and Ruby Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and ruby bow brooch features a bow design set with round diamonds en pavé (5.80 carats) and decorated with pear shape faceted Thai rub...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Taurus Zodiac Cocktail Ring Diamonds Ruby Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The zodiac Taurus ring is set with 3.40 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS). The eyes are detailed with faceted rubies. The ring is one-of-a-...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond Clip-On Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and diamond earrings feature two 13mm diameter pearls originating from the waters of French Polynesia. The untreated pearls display strong pinkish hues and a lovel...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 15.5 x 14 mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamond...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Spider Brooch Pin Diamonds South Sea Pearl Onyx Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The spider brooch with diamonds features a voluminous Australian pearl of 18.2mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays fine quality nacre and its natural color and luster hav...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bow Brooch Diamond Ruby Pearl Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and ruby brooch pin features a bow design in black onyx pavé set with round diamonds (0.56 carats) and accented with an oval cut faceted Thai ruby of brilliant color (1.3...
White Diamond, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Wh...
Golden Pearl 15mm Diamond Ring White Gold Crossover Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond ring features a pearl of 15mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enhanced in a...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Black Pearl Diamond Ruby Pendant Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl pendant features a fine, very large Tahitian Pearl of approximately 18mm x 16mm size. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster ...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire Diamond Pearl Pendant Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire, diamond and pearl pendant features a 15mm South Sea pearl with a crown of round diamonds set en pavé (0.45 carats) suspending 5 multicolor sapphire briolettes of lovel...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tahitian Black Pearl Diamond Coral Onyx Necklace Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pendant features a fine, sizable Tahitian Pearl of approximately 19mm x 15.5mm size. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have no...
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Onyx Ring Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond cocktail ring features a large and lovely Australian pearl of 17x18mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays fine quality nacre and its natural...
Pearl, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Onyx, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Golden Pearl Diamond Clip-on Earrings Crown Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond earrings feature two lovely pearls of 16mm diameter topped by a crown of diamonds. The untreated South Sea pearls originate from the seas of Indonesia a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond dome cocktail ring features 28.07 carats of oval-cut fine quality faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant color. The sap...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ella Gafter 18k Gold Yellow Sapphire Diamond Pendant Necklace, Italy
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire and diamond pendant features a spray of marquise shape faceted sapphires spangled with a crown of round diamonds. The jewel suspends a South Sea pearl of the rar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Tennis Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 25 carats. The design is complete with 2.10 cara...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Tennis Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire and diamond bracelet features 8 sections with oval cut faceted sapphires of brilliant hues for a total of 4.32 carats. The design is complete with 1.40 carats of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 29 carats. The design is complete with bridges set with 2.20 carats of top quality d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ella Gafter 18k White Gold Ruby Diamond Tennis Bracelet, 15 Carats
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond line bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 15 carats. The design is complete with 1.10...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ella Gafter 18k White Gold Ruby Diamond Tennis Bracelet, 15 Carats
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond line bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 15 carats. The design is complete with 1.10...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pink sapphire and diamond bracelet features oval cut faceted sapphires of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 14 carats. The design is complete wi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiger Ring Diamond Blue Sapphire Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The tiger ring with diamonds and blue sapphire carries 1.70 carats of blue Ceylon sapphire of brilliant quality (tiger crown and 2 eyes). The design is complete with 1.32 carats of r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cocktail Ring 18.5mm Pearl Onyx Diamond White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl and diamond cocktail ring features a voluminous South Sea pearl of 18.5mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a fine nacre and its natural color and luster have n...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Onyx, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond cocktail ring features a pearl of 16.5-17mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enhanced in any way. The pearl is perched on a crown of round diamonds with a mother-of-pearl ribbon...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond bracelet features a row of especially calibrated Ceylon blue sapphires flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The clasp consists of a flower desig...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Sapphire Ruby Diamonds Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire bracelet features a row of especially calibrated baguette golden sapphires flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The clasp consists of a flower design with...
White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White...
South Sea Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring Cornucopia Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond ring features a South Sea pearl of 12.5 x 15mm of lovely lustre. The cornucopia gold design is set with a pavé of one c...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire Emerald Bracelet Leather Strap Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire and emerald bracelet features a geometric 18 carat gold design set with top quality calibrated square-cut emeralds and calibrated square-cut pink and blue sapphires. The...
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Flexible Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 39 carats. The design is complete with 2.60 carats of top quality diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Tennis Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond bracelet features 8 sections with oval cut faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant hues for a total of 5.32 carats. The design is complete with 1.40 carat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ella Gafter 18k White Gold Ruby Diamond Tennis Bracelet, 15 Carats
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond line bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 15 carats. The design is complete with 1.10...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Bracelet with Mother of Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond bracelet features gold sections set with custom cut mother of pearl, lending the jewel a distinctive art déco look, interleaved with sections set with round diamonds for ...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Pearl And Diamond Cocktail Ring Onyx Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond ring features a splendid pearl of 15.5/16mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays fine nacre and its...
White Diamond, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Bracelet with Mother of Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond bracelet features gold sections set with custom cut mother of pearl, lending the jewel a distinctive art déco look, interleaved with sections set with round diamonds for ...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Necklace 4.5 strands 9mm Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The 75” Japanese Akoya pearl necklace consists of 205 round pearls (Pinctada Fucata) of 8.5/9mm diameter. The pearls display a lovely nacre, lustre, and iridescence. The necklace is ...
White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Orange Sapphire South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The orange sapphire and South Sea pearl earrings feature a cluster design on the ear with 6.90 carats of marquise cut faceted orange color sapphires of brilliant color, accented with...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k ...
Ruby and Diamond Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond cocktail ring features an oval cut faceted African ruby of brilliant color weighing approximately 3 carats. The center stone is flanked by 2 ribbons set with cus...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ella Gafter 17ct Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet, 18k Gold, Italy
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond bracelet features a row of especially calibrated square rubies flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The clasp consists of a flower design set with oval c...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Golden Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Bangle Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet features 30 calibrated oval cut faceted sapphires of brilliant color and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 35 carats. T...
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Lavender Sapphire South Sea Pearl Clip-On Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The lavender sapphire and pearl earrings feature a flower design on the ear with 6.90 carats of oval shape faceted sapphires. The tops hold two fine ...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Pearl, 18k Gold...
Ella Gafter 17ct Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 18k Gold, Italy
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond bracelet features a row of especially calibrated square rubies flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The clasp consists of a flower design set with oval c...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bee Brooch Pin Blue Sapphire Pearl Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This pearl and diamond bee brooch features a South Sea pearl of 17.5mm diameter. The flexible wings are set with custom cut tinted paua shell topped by transparent crystal, lending t...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Sap...
Blue Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Clip-On Earrings Tremblant Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond earrings en tremblant feature a flower design with oval cut faceted Ceylon sapphires for a total weight of 7.93 carats. The sapphires are set en ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Crystal, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Whit...
Spider Brooch Pin South Sea Pearl 18mm and Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The spider brooch features a voluminous Australian pearl of 18.2mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays fine quality nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enh...
Crystal, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold,...
Diamond Ring Princess Cut Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The princess cut diamond ring features a row of 6 calibrated princess cut diamonds for a total weight of 1.77 carats. All our diamonds are of top quality (F/G-VVS). The ring is one...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake Ring Diamond White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake ring with diamonds features two snakes intertwining in an 18 carat white gold design. Please note the extraordinarily refined workmanship, translated into great flexibilit...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ladybug Brooch Pair Diamond Onyx Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ladybug pair features two designs each executed with diamonds, black onyx and colored quartz. The diamonds are of top quality (color, clarity and cut, F/G-VVS) for a total weight...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Quartz, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and diamond earrings feature a drop-shape design on the ear with mother-of-pearl topped with crystal surrounded by diamonds. Each top suspends a cage-like design w...
Crystal, White Diamond, Onyx, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Whi...
Sapphire Diamond Ring Tutti Frutti Cocktail Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire and diamond tutti frutti ring features a cluster of multicolor sapphire briolettes of brilliant color (26.10 carats total) atop a crown of round diamonds of top quality ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 15mm Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The black Tahitian and diamond earrings feature a comma-like design with diamonds suspending two silver hued Tahitian pearls of 15 x 14mm. They display a beautiful nacre and their na...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multicolor Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The multicolor sapphire cocktail ring features a three-sided geometric design of faceted calibrated square-cut blue, pink, and yellow sapphires of brilliant color (6.47 carats). The ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, S...
Golden Pearl Diamond Clip-on Earrings Stud Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl earrings features two lovely pearls of 14.5mm diameter. The untreated South Sea pearls originate from the seas of Indonesia and display a lovely nacre and intense g...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl 15mm Clip-On Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl earrings feature two 15mm diameter pearls originating from the waters of Northwestern Australia. The design is complete with a white gold flower set with 2 diamon...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Onyx 18k gold Cufflinks Ruby Diamond Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The onyx 18k gold cufflinks feature 6 faceted oval cut rubies of fiery color for an approximate total weight of 4 carats. The design is complete with 0.30 carats of diamonds of top q...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
16mm Pearl Diamond Ruby Drop Earrings Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two large 16mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Tahitian Pearl 13.5mm Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and diamond earrings feature a round design on the ear with a “stick” suspending two pearls of 13.5mm diameter. The untreated pearls display a lovely nacre and the...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl 15.5mm Diamond Hoop Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature a lovely pair of oval (15.5 x 14mm) pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Black Pearl Diamond Hoop Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian black pearl and diamond earrings feature 2 lovely Tahitian pearls of 13.5 x 14mm diameter with high luster and b...
Crystal, White Diamond, Onyx, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Whi...
South Sea Pearl 18.5mm Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature a top with a central flower design set with round diamonds en pavé. The tops suspend a row of large custom cut calibrated baguette di...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire Briolette Diamond Clip-On Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire and diamond drop earrings feature 8 briolette sapphires of different colors ranging from lavender to purple for a total of approximately 11 carats in a playful and flexi...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold