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.
Ruby and Diamond 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
Blue Sapphire Cufflinks 18k White gold Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The cufflinks feature 8 faceted, calibrated, fan-shaped Ceylon sapphires of pastel blue color. The symmetrical design is complete with 0.52 carats of diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Cufflinks in 18k Gold, Italy, 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
18k Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The 18k gold 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 wit...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coin Cufflinks 18k Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The 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, the hotbed of design for highest quality...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Silver Coin Cufflinks 18k Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The 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, the hotbed of design for highest ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Cufflinks 18k White Gold Silver Coin Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The coin cufflinks are set in a square frame decorated by a round diamond (F/G-VVS) at each corner. The elegant pair is hand made in 18 carat white gold by maestro Giuseppe in our o...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
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 Tahitian pearls from the waters of French Polynesia. The untreated pearls have a diameter of 10mm. They rest on a crown of faceted m...
Black Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Coin Cufflinks Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The 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, the hotbed of design for highest quality...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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
Pink Sapphire Diamond 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, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl and Emerald Cufflinks 18k gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl and emerald cufflinks feature two lustrous Tahitian pearls from the waters of French Polynesia. The untreated pearls have a diameter of 10mm, and display "peacock green" hu...
Emerald, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Cufflinks Blue Sapphire Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The 18k gold 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 carats of diamonds ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dice Cufflinks 18k gold Onyx and Diamond 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
Lady’s Cufflinks 18k Gold Pearl and Green Jadeite Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The lady’s cufflinks feature two champagne-color 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 18 carat gold by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, according to an original design by Ella Gafter...
South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Tahitian pearls from the waters of French Polynesia. The untreated pearls have a diameter of 10mm. They rest on a crown of facet...
Black Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coin and Diamond Cufflinks 18k Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The 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 pair is hand made ...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Copper
Playing Card Cufflinks 18k Gold Onyx and Diamond 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, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White...
Coin Cufflinks 18k White gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The coin cufflinks are elegantly set in 18 carat white gold. The pair is hand made by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, the hotbed of design for highest quality...
18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Blue Sapphire Cufflinks 18k gold Diamond 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
Lady’s Cufflinks 18k Gold Pearl and Jadeite Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The lady’s cufflinks feature two lustrous champagne-color pearls of 11mm diameter. They are surrounded by a crown of custom cut jadeite. All of our pearls are untreated: their natur...
South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Onyx Cufflinks Sapphire Ruby Diamond Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The 18k gold Onyx 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 all of fiery ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, W...
18k gold Coin Cufflinks Black Jadeite Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The coin cufflinks are set in custom cut black jadeite. The pair is hand made in 18k gold by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, the...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Copper
Coin Cufflinks 18k gold White Jadeite Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The coin cufflinks are set in custom cut white jadeite. The pair is hand made in 18 carat gold by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy, the hotbed of design for highest quality men’s fashion, whether clothing, footwear or fine jewelry. The original design is by Ella Gafter and the cufflinks are signed EG. (Dealer has been told by coin purveyor that copper coin...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Copper
18k yellow gold Coin Cufflinks Blue Jadeite Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The coin cufflinks are set in custom cut blue jadeite. The pair is hand made in 18 carat gold by maestro Giuseppe in our own workshop in Naples, Italy,...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Copper
Coin Cufflinks 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The 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 carats. The pair i...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Copper
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
Cartier Yellow Gold 18K Panther Cufflinks
By Cartier
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier yellow gold 18K cufflinks. Panther collection. Signed Cartier, marks and numbered C 80205. Circa 1980 Original Cartier box. Total weight: 16.97 grams.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handsome 18K Gold Cufflinks With Greek Coin Style Insets.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Chanel Gold And Mobe Pearl Earings With Signature Interlocking CC
18k Gold
Blue Sapphire Cufflink Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 0.76 carat Cufflink set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 1.7 cm Total Weight: 20.55 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cufflinks, French Design, Circa 1960, Men's
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive pair of vintage French 18k yellow gold cuff links; part of our diverse French jewelry and estate jewelry collections. These fine and impressive vintage French cuff links...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 18k Yellow Gold Red Enamel Cufflinks
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.2 grams Cufflink Head Measures: .6 x .5 inch Condition: Excellent
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$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
FRED Paris 18k Yellow Gold Cabochon Sapphire Cufflinks
By Fred Paris
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Claris-A offers these Fred 18k yellow gold cabochon sapphire cufflinks, designed with a refined cylindrical form enhanced by finely fluted gold surfaces. Each cufflink is finished wi...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Rare Ruby 2 Tone 18k Gold Tubogas Cufflinks
By Bulgari
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Enhance your attire with the refined elegance of the Bvlgari 18K Gold and Ruby Cufflinks. A testament to Bvlgari's renowned craftsmanship, these cufflinks exude sophistication and lu...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
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
Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver and 18k Yellow Gold Button Cufflinks
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Elevate classic menswear with this refined pair of Tiffany & Co. two-tone button-motif cufflinks—an understated yet distinctive accessory that reflects timeless design and impecc...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold Knot Cufflinks
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. knot cufflinks in 18K yellow gold, signed Tiffany & Co. 750. The knot design is a familiar form, here rendered in solid gold with the loops left plain and polis...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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