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.
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 16 carats. The design is complete wi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multicolor Bracelet Sapphire Ruby Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet features 6 sections set with custom cut calibrated square rubies, and princess cut cabochon blue and yellow sapphires. The connecting bridges feature round faceted rubie...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, ...
Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Ruby Flower Design by Ella Gafter
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 fancy ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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 22 carats. The design is complete with 2.10 cara...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden yellow sapphire and diamond bracelet features 8 oval cut faceted golden sapphires of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 27 carats. The des...
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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 22 carats. The design is complete with 2.10 cara...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multicolor Bracelet Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The multicolor link bracelet features 6 rectangular sections set with custom cut square calibrated blue sapphires and rubies, as well as princess cut yellow sapphires...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, S...
Ruby and Diamond Flexible 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 2.60 carats of top quality diamonds (F-G/VVS)...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ella Gafter 1.10ct Diamond and Onyx Tennis Bracelet, 18k Gold, Italy
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond bracelet features gold sections set with custom cut black onyx, lending the jewel a distinctive art déco look. They are interleaved with sections set with round diamonds for a total weight of 1.10 carats. All our diamonds are of top quality (F/G-VVS, color, clarity and cut). The bracelet is entirely hand made in Italy by maestro Salvatore in our own workshop according to an original design by Ella Gafter...
White Diamond, Onyx, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond bracelet was handmade by maestro Pierpaolo in 18 carat white gold in our own workshop in Italy, according to an original design by Ella Gafter...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multicolor Link Bracelet Sapphire Ruby Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This multicolor tennis bracelet features 6 sections set with custom cut square calibrated rubies and blue sapphires as well as princess cut ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, ...
Pink Sapphire 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
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 and marquise shape faceted sapphires of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of 18.20 carats. The design is com...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Bracelet Onyx Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond bracelet features 8 gold sections set with custom cut black onyx, lending the jewel a distinctive art déco look. They are connected by bridges set with round diamonds for...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multicolor Bracelet Sapphire Ruby and Diamond Link Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This flexible multicolor bracelet features 6 sections set with custom cut square calibrated blue sapphire and ruby, as well as princess cut yellow ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, ...
Ella Gafter 18K White Gold Ruby Diamond Line 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
Multicolor Bracelet Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The multicolor line bracelet features 6 rectangular sections set with custom cut square calibrated blue sapphires and rubies, as well as princess cut yellow sapphires. The connecting...
Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White ...
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 golden sapphire baguettes flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The clasp consists of a flower design with...
Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yello...
Ruby Diamond Tennis Bracelet White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
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
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 emerald cut faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant hues for a total of 4.40 carats. The design is complete with 1.40 ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Diamond Bracelet Flower Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and diamond bracelet features a row of especially calibrated square Zambian emeralds (approximately 9 carats) flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The emeralds ar...
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet Flower 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Yellow Sapphire Diamond Bracelet Flower Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire bracelet features a row of especially calibrated baguette princess-cut yellow sapphires (approximately 19 carats) flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The...
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold,...
Multicolor Link Bracelet Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The multicolor tennis bracelet features 6 sections set with custom cut square calibrated rubies, blue sapphires and emeralds, as well as pri...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, S...
Pink Sapphire 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
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
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
Ruby and Diamond Tennis 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 10 carats. The design is complete with bridges set with 1.50 carats of t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden yellow sapphire and diamond bracelet features 8 oval cut faceted golden sapphires of brilliant color and crystalline texture for a total of 27.62 carats. The design is com...
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Diamond Bracelet Tennis Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and diamond bracelet features 8 sections with oval cut faceted emeralds of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of 3.89 carats. The design is complete with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire Diamond Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pink sapphire bracelet features a row of especially calibrated princess-cut pink sapphires (17.60 carats) flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The clasp consists of an ov...
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Y...
Yellow and Blue Sapphire Diamond Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire bracelet features a row of especially calibrated princess-cut yellow sapphires (12 carats) flanked by a bridge set with r...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Go...
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
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 a total weight of 1.10 carats. All our diamonds are of top quality (F/G-VVS, color, clarity and cut). The bracelet is entirely hand made in Italy by maestro Salvatore in our own workshop according to an original design by Ella Gafter...
White Diamond, Diamond, 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
Ruby Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18k White Gold design by Ella Gafter
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
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 princess cut golden sapphires flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The clasp consists of a flower design ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White...
Multicolor Bracelet Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The multicolor link bracelet features 6 rectangular sections set with custom cut square calibrated blue sapphires and rubies, as well as princess cut yellow sapphires. The connecting...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, S...
Golden Yellow Sapphire and Diamonds Bracelet Flower Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire bracelet features a row of especially calibrated princess-cut yellow sapphires flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The clasp consists of a flower design ...
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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 22 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 and crystalline texture for a total of 4.32 carats. The design is compl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18k White Gold
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
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond bracelet features oval cut faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 16 carats. The design is comp...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 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 and crystalline texture for a total of 5.32 carats. The design is ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 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
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
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
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
Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 18k Gold Design by Ella Gafter
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
Orange Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The orange sapphire and diamond bracelet features 32 calibrated oval cut faceted sapphires of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 29 carats. The desig...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Diamond, 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 16 carats. The design is complete wi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond and Onyx Tennis Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond bracelet features gold sections set with custom cut black onyx, lending the jewel a distinctive art déco look. They are interleaved with sections set with round diamonds for a total weight of 1.10 carats. All our diamonds are of top quality (F/G-VVS, color, clarity and cut). The bracelet is entirely hand made in Italy by maestro Salvatore in our own workshop according to an original design by Ella Gafter...
White Diamond, Onyx, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Bracelet Onyx Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond bracelet features 8 gold sections set with custom cut black onyx -lending the jewel a distinctive art déco look- connected by bridges set with round diamonds for a total ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Yellow Sapphire and Diamonds Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire bracelet features a row of especially calibrated princess-cut yellow sapphires flanked by a bridge set with round diamonds. The clasp consists of a flower design ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, 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 and marquise shape faceted sapphires of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of 15.20 carats. The design is com...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 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 oval cut faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant hues and crystalline texture for a total of approximately 16 carats. The design is comp...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond and Onyx Tennis Bracelet, 18k Gold, Italy, Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond bracelet features gold sections set with custom cut black onyx, lending the jewel a distinctive art déco look. These motifs are interleaved with sections set with round d...
White Diamond, Onyx, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ella Gafter 12.70ct Multicolor Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bracelet, Italy
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet features 6 sections set with custom cut calibrated princess cut cabochon blue and yellow sapphires. The connecting bridges feature round faceted rubies. The total weight...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, ...
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
Ella Gafter 4.80ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 18k White Gold
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond bracelet features 8 sections with emerald cut diamonds for a total of 2.90 carats. The design is complete with 1.90 carats of round diamonds. All our diamonds are of top ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold