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.
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bangle Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet features 26 calibrated oval cut faceted stones of splendid color for a total of approximately 35 carats. The design is complete w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire and Diamond Bangle Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pink sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet features 30 calibrated oval cut faceted pink sapphires of brilliant hues for a total of...
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
Diamond and Blue Sapphire Bangle Bracelet with Clasp
Located in Nantucket, MA
A lovely bangle bracelet with alternating rosecut diamonds and oval, faceted blue sapphires all bordered on both sides with round, brilliant cut diamonds in a pave` setting. Set in ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
1.27ctw Blue Sapphire Diamond Bangle Bracelet 14k White Gold 7"
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Sapphires - Total Carats - 1.15ctw Cut - Round Color - Dark Blue Treatment - Heated - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.12ctw Cut - Round Brilliant...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Channel Set Rainbow Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Bangle Bracelet 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Shown here is an absolutely gorgeous bypass bracelet bursting with color and sparkle. Crafted with the utmost artistry, this incredible piece is adorned with a captivating combinatio...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$5,097
H 0.12 in W 0.79 in D 0.08 in Dm 2.76 in
18K Gold Blue Sapphires Aquamarine Twisted Bangle Modern Flower Design Bracelet
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the exquisite Rossella Ugolini Design Collection, presenting a true masterpiece of jewelry craftsmanship - the handcrafted and hammered 18 Karats Yellow Gold Aquamarine B...
Aquamarine, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco Style Pink Sapphire and White Diamond Gold Bangle
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An elegant bangle, it features 5 pink sapphires weighing 0.15 carat and 4 white round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.10 carat. The pink sapphires are of vivid colour, with excellent...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, White G...
18 Karat Yellow Gold Golden South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bracelet / Bangle
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This elegant bracelet is set with 5 golden South Sea Pearls, accented with Diamond rondelles; set in 18-karat yellow gold. Flexible with open back. 96 Diamonds weighing 0.75 ct. Sout...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,300
W 0.13 in L 6.5 in
Tiffany & Co. Diamond and Sapphire Hinged Bangle Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in timeless sophistication with this authentic Tiffany & Co. hinged bangle bracelet, beautifully crafted in radiant 18 karat yellow gold. This exquisite piece features a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Cut Sapphire and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold diamond and sapphire bangle, features 7.00 carats of rose cut sapphires and 6.40 carats of diamonds. 28 rose cut sapp...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire & Diamond Bangle Bracelet Handmade Gold Bangle
Located in Jaipur, IN
PLEASE USE THE REFRENCE IMAGE FOR THE BANGLE SIZE STANDADRD SIZE IS 2.4 IF YOU NEED SOMETHING ELSE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US Elegant and refined, this 14K yellow gold bangle showcase...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,500 / item
Enamel Blue Sapphire Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning bracelet handmade in 18K gold & sterling silver features unique hand painted miniature art set. It is set in 8.16 carats blue sapphire & 1.06 carats diamonds. FO...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$4,200Sale Price|30% Off
14k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond "Bangle" Bracelet Weighing 4.00cts.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET Specifications: *Motivated to Sell - Please make a Fair Offer* main stone: 10 Round Sapphires 3.50cts. diamonds: 22 round Diamonds weight: .50pt...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Sapphire Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
made in St. Petersburg between 1882 and 1898 The 14K gold Victorian era bracelet is centered with what can be interpreted as a clover or the...
Diamond, Sapphire
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bangle Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet features 30 calibrated oval cut faceted stones of splendid color for a total of approximately 35 carats. The design is complete w...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold