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.
Ancient Silver Coin Cufflinks Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique silver coin cufflinks are elegantly set in 18 carat yellow gold. The pair is hand made by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, according to an original ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ruby and Diamond Gold Cufflinks 18k gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond cufflinks feature 2 large decorative ruby beads. The design is complete with 10 round diamonds for a weight of 0.26 carats. The diamonds are of top quality (F/G-...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ancient Silver Coin Cufflinks Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique silver coin cufflinks are elegantly set in 18 carat yellow gold. The pair is hand made by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, according to an original ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks 18k White gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond cufflinks feature 2 oval shaped blue Ceylon sapphires of fiery color for an approximate total weight of 1.80 carats. The design is complete with 0.60 ca...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire Diamond and Onyx Cufflinks Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pink sapphire and diamond cufflinks feature 2 triangular sapphires for a total weight of 4.08 carats. The colored gemstones are of fiery color and crystalline texture. The design...
Diamond, Onyx, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl and Ruby Cufflinks 18k gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl and ruby cufflinks feature two lustrous pearls from the waters of French Polynesia. The untreated pearls have a diameter of 10mm. They rest on a crown of faceted marquise c...
Black Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl and Sapphire Cufflinks 18k gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl and sapphire cufflinks feature two lustrous pearls from the waters of French Polynesia. The untreated pearls have a diameter of 10mm. They rest on a crown of faceted round/...
Black Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Pearl and Jadeite Lady’s Cufflinks 18k Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The lady’s cufflinks feature two lustrous pearls of 11.5 mm diameter. They are surrounded by a crown of custom cut jadeite. All of our pearls are untreated: their natural color and high luster have not been enhanced in any way. The pair is entirely hand made in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, according to an original design by Ella Gafter...
South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ancient Silver Coin Cufflinks Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique silver coin cufflinks are elegantly set in 18 carat yellow gold. The pair is hand made by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, according to an original ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ruby and Diamond Cufflinks Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond cufflinks feature two large cabochon rubies of fiery color weighing a total of 14.47 carats. They are surrounded by a crown of...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Copper Coin Black Jadeite Cufflinks 18k Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafte
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique copper coin cufflinks are set in black jadeite. The pair is hand made in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, by maestro Giuseppe, according ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Copper
Antique Coin and Diamond Cufflinks 18k Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique copper coin and diamond cufflinks are elegantly set in yellow gold with a detail of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS, color clarity and cut) for a total of 0.50 car...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Copper
Ruby Diamond and Onyx Cufflinks Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond 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 to...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Onyx and Diamond Playing Card Cufflinks 18k Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The playing card cufflinks feature diamonds and heart shape yellow sapphires set in custom cut black onyx in a white gold setting, lending the jewel a d...
White Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Coin and Jadeite Cufflinks 18k Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique copper coin cufflinks are set in blue jadeite. The pair is hand made in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, by maestro Giuseppe, according t...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Copper
Onyx and Diamond Dice Cufflinks Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The dice cufflinks feature round diamonds set in custom cut black onyx in a white gold setting, lending the jewel a distinctive art déco look. All our diamonds are of top quality (F/...
White Diamond, Onyx, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl and Emerald Cufflinks 18k gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and pearl cufflinks feature two lustrous pearls from the waters of French Polynesia. The untreated pearls have a diameter of 10mm, and display "peacock green" hues. They ...
Emerald, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Coin and Diamond Cufflinks 18k Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique copper coins are set in a handsome yellow gold setting with a detail of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS, color clarity and cut) for a total of 0.25 carats. The pai...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks 18k gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond cufflinks feature 2 oval shaped blue Ceylon sapphires of fiery color for an approximate total weight of 1.80 carats. The design is complete with 0.60 ca...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Coin and White Jadeite Cufflinks 18k gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique copper coin cufflinks are set in white jadeite. The cufflinks were hand made by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, accordi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Copper
Golden Pearl and Jadeite Lady’s Cufflinks 18k Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The lady’s cufflinks feature two lustrous pearls of 11mm diameter. They are surrounded by a crown of custom cut jadeite. All of our pearls are untreated: their natural color and hig...
South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks 18k gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond cufflinks feature 2 beautiful blue faceted Ceylon sapphires of fiery color for an approximate total weight of 2.25 carats. The design is complete with 0...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Silver Coin Diamond Cufflinks 18k White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique silver coin cufflinks are set in a square frame decorated by a round diamond (F/G-VVS) at each corner. The elegant pair is entirely h...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks 18k White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond cufflinks feature a design with round cut blue, faceted, Ceylon sapphires for an approximate total weight of 5 carats. The design is complete with 0.20 ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire Ruby Diamond and Onyx Cufflinks Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire, ruby and diamond cufflinks feature 2 drop shape rubies and 4 drop shape blue Ceylon sapphires for an approximate total weight of 3.80 carats. The colored gemstones are ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Silver Coin Cufflinks 18k White gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique silver coin cufflinks are elegantly set in white gold. They were hand made in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, according to an origi...
18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Dress Set
Located in Firenze, IT
Each cufflink of circular design with central diamond line detail, three buttons en suite, circa 1950, in beige filt fitted case.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Black Onyx and Diamond White Gold Cufflinks
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive pair of Art Deco black onyx and 0.33 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cufflinks; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. These fine and impressive antique onyx and diamond cufflinks have been crafted in 18k white gold. Each Art Deco design link is composed of a circular cabochon black onyx panel. The onyx panels are each inlaid with a central white gold linear setting, each embellished with ten pavé set mine cut diamonds and a subtle millegrain decoration to the borders. Each cufflink is ornamented with a pierced decorated white gold panel to the reverse, featuring a ring loop to the center and articulating via a long waisted oval connector link. These antique cufflinks have been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18k gold. The cufflinks are supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. Condition These impressive antique Art Deco cufflinks...
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Keshi Pearl Ruby Cufflinks
By AVGVSTA
Located in Milano, IT
These sophisticated cufflinks are timeless and elegant and made with four Keshi pearls in a charming oval shape, two for the front faces and two for the toggles. Each pearl is adorne...
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Art Deco Platinum French Onyx and Diamond Cufflinks - VHK#652A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco Platinum French Onyx and Diamond Cufflinks - VHK#652A Item Details: Year: 1900s Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.2 grams *French hallmarks on...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Tiffany & Co 18k Gold & Sapphire Cufflinks
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co 18k Gold & Sapphire Cufflinks Details: A pair of vintage oval panel 18k yellow gold Tiffany Cufflinks 18 mm x 11 mm, with a center cabochon round sapphire 4 mm diameter...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Art Deco 18K Black Opal & Onyx Old European Cut Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Beautiful cufflinks are a rarity, but these are truly exceptional. Backed in 18K gold, the octagonal onyx sections are inlayed with fiery pieces of natural black opal exhibiting flashes of red, orange, green and blue. Centered in each piece of opal are European cut diamonds being G-H in color and Vs in clarity with an approximate total weight of .40cttw. These are a true find in today’s jewelry...
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,880
W 1.07 in L 0.52 in
Blue Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Oil-Rig Cufflinks Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.15 carats, Ruby 0.93 carat and Diamond 0.23 carat Cufflinks set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.7 cm Length: 1.3 cm Total Weight: 16.28 grams "We first o...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Cartier Platinum Diamond Emerald and Onyx Cufflinks
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Cartier Platinum Diamond Emerald and Onyx Cufflinks. This gorgeous pair of Cartier cufflinks are crafted in platinum. There are rose cut diamonds and squar...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
$5,600
H 0.6 in W 0.3 in D 0.5 in Dm 0.3 in L 0.6 in
Vintage 18K White Gold French Cut Sapphire, Cab Sapphire, and Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Plantation, FL
An exceptional pair of vintage sapphire and diamond cufflinks, masterfully crafted in solid 18K white gold and set with a sophisticated combination of French-cut sapphires, cabochon ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
1920 Art Deco Cufflinks Gold Platinum Diamond Sapphire
Located in Berkeley, CA
These 1920's French cuff-links are laminate made by rolling two sheets of metal together imprinting the beautiful intricate design. Made of 14K white gold and platinum these antique cuff...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold and Ruby set Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Cufflinks, having a Ribbed Bar design, the smaller portion is hinged for easy self on and off, the center sections are set with stepped ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Attractive Design Silver Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Design Silver cufflinks with crosshatched designs and wavy border, slightly French in flavor but German in origin. Toggle backs are decorated with similar design as well. ...
Silver
Ella Gafter Ruby and Diamond Cufflinks
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond cufflinks feature 2 large cabochon rubies weighing a total of 15.47 carats. They are surrounded by a crown of round dia...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ancient Silver Coin Cufflinks Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The antique silver coin cufflinks are elegantly set in 18 carat yellow gold. The pair is hand made by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, according to an original ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
Sold
W 0.63 in L 0.63 in
Ella Gafter Art Deco Style Black Tahitian Pearl Sapphire White Gold Cufflinks
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The cufflinks feature two lustrous pearls from the waters of French Polynesia. The untreated pearls have a diameter of 10mm. They rest on a crown of faceted round cut yellow sapphire...
Black Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold