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.
Golden Pearl Drop Earrings Chandelier Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl and diamond chandelier earrings feature a cascade with 4 golden South Sea pearls of 11mm diameter. The untreated South Sea pearls originate from the waters of Northwestern...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Necklace and Chandelier Earrings Set Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond necklace and earrings set features a total of 174.55 carats of oval cut and drop shape faceted Ceylon sapphires of homogeneous splendid color and crysta...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Hoop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 14 x 13 mm pearls of fine quality nacre, beautiful lustre, and lovely pearl-white color. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoo...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake Earrings Diamonds “Basilisk” Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake earrings with diamonds were sculpted from a single piece of 18 carat white gold, resulting in an unbroken, continuous flow. The diamond setting patterns are varied to repre...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Fancy Cut Diamond Drop Earrings Cluster Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This pair of South Sea pearl and diamond earrings features a cluster design on the ear with a spray of pear shape (5.60 carats) and round (1.47) diamonds of top quality (F-G/VVS). Th...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl 18mm Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature a spherical design on the ear set with round diamonds en pavé. The tops suspend a row of round diamonds interleaved with delicate br...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pink sapphire and South Sea pearl earrings features a flower design on the ear with 9 carats of drop shape and baguette pink sapphires of brilliant crystalline color. The tops su...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire,...
South Sea Pearl 16mm Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature a swirl design on the ear with 4.86 carats of round diamonds accented with 4 large custom-cut baguette diamonds weighing 1.24 carats....
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl 17mm Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The black Tahitian and diamond earrings feature a flower design on the ear with 1.98 carats of round diamonds set en pave. The tops suspend two fully exposed spotless silver hued Tah...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Flower Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pink sapphire and South Sea pearl earrings feature a flower design on the ear with 8.82 carats of drop shape pink sapphires of brilliant crystalline color. The tops suspend 2 spl...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire,...
Emerald South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Art Deco Style Design by Ella Gaft
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature a pair of oval cut faceted Zambian emeralds on the ear (1.93 carats total) crowned with round diamonds en pavé. The tops suspend a row of round diamonds interleaved with black onyx detail. The design is complete with two splendid South Sea...
White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White ...
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature two untreated oval shape pearls (14 x 15mm) from the waters of Northwestern Australia. They display fine quality nacre and their natu...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl 16mm Diamond Drop Earrings Leaf Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature a leaf design on the ear with 4.10 carats of round diamonds set en pave. The tops suspend 2 very fine fully exposed South Sea pearls...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Fancy Color Pink Diamond Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and pink diamond earrings feature two splendid South Sea pearls of 16.5mm diameter on the ear. The pearls are accompanied ...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Bow Design Drop Earrings by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This pair of earrings features a bow design on the ear with 1.20 carat of round diamonds. The tops suspend two full exposed spotless South Sea pearls with pinkish hues measuring 14.5...
18k Gold, White Gold
Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond “Stud” Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl earrings feature two 12mm diameter pearls originating from the waters of French Polynesia. The pearl are untreated and are being delivered to the customer with the...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Bow Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature a bow design. A pair of 14mm pearls on the ear suspend three graduating bows set with a total of 5.75 carats of round diamonds. The d...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earcuff Diamonds South Sea Pearl Bird Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The earcuff with diamonds features a bird of paradise design with a trail of feathers descending down the right ear. It is set with 2.75 carats of round diamonds. The pavé is made ri...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Drop Shape 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 drop shape pearls (15 x 13mm) of fine lovely color and lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with r...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Pearl Diamond Coral Drop Earrings Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The black pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two lovely 13mm Tahitian pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round dia...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Necklace Earrings Set Chandelier Design Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond necklace and earrings chandelier set is constituted by faceted heated rubies of homogeneously brilliant quality, especially cut from larger Mozambique rough to o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond earrings feature 4 faceted African rubies of homogeneous brilliance for a total of 21.50 carats. The elegant design is complete with 2.70 carats of round diamond...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Pearl Fancy Color Diamond Earrings Leaf Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl and diamond earrings feature two splendid golden pearls of 15.5mm diameter. The surrounding leaf-like design is set with 2.46 carats of white round diamonds, and 2.44 carat...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold...
Golden Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 12.5mm diameter golden South Sea pearls originating from the waters of Indonesia. They are being delivered to the customer with...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings Diamond Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 15 x 13 mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds ...
Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings White Gold Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature two 12mm diameter golden South Sea pearls originating from the waters of Indonesia. They are being delivered to the customer w...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ruby Drop Earrings Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl diamond and ruby earrings feature two faceted decorative rubies accented with a diamond in the center and set in a crown of round diamonds. The total weight of dia...
White Diamond, Onyx, Black Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White ...
Blue Sapphire Diamond South Sea Pearl Earrings Flower Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This pair of blue sapphire and pearl earrings features a flower design on the ear with 12.71 carats of oval cut faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant blue color. The tops suspend 2 S...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire,...
Ella Gafter 18k White Gold Diamond Earcuff with Tahitian Pearl, Italy
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond earcuff features a sinuous arrangement of individual flowers for the left ear with 4.20 carats of round diamonds. The earcuff suspends a very fine Tahitian pearl of the ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden South Sea Pearl and diamond earrings feature a hoop design set with 0.90 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS). The tops suspend two splendid golden pearls of ...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Necklace Earrings Set Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond necklace and earrings set is constituted by faceted rubies of homogeneously brilliant quality, especial...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire South Sea Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and South Sea pearl earrings feature a spray of 13.50 carats of oval cut and pear shape faceted blue Ceylon sapphires of brilliant color. The tops suspend- via an o...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire,...
Pearl 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 two 15 x 14mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds o...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl 15mm 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 two 15mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds of top...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 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
Earcuff Earrings Diamond Ruby Sapphire Tremblant Flower Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond earrings en tremblant feature an earcuff design with 3 flowers set with 8.49 carats of brilliant color, oval cut, faceted colored stones (rubies, blue and yellow sapphire...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, ...
South Sea Pearl 14.5mm 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 (14.5 x 13.5mm) pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Shape Sapphire South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire and pearl earrings feature two heart shape faceted blue sapphires encrusted into two larger carved heart shape cabochon yellow sapphires, a rare technical feat. (Total w...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond,...
Diamond Ruby Tahitian Pearl Drop Earrings Tassel Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond, ruby and pearl chandelier earrings feature a cascade with 8 South Sea pearls of 12/11mm diameter. The untreated Tahitian pearls display a beautiful nacre and their natur...
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
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 two12mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds of top ...
White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Pearl Diamond Drop Hoop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 15 x 13 mm pearls of fine quality nacre, splendid lustre, and intense golden color. The pearls are suspended from hoops set wit...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 15 x 13 mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds ...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Coral Onyx Drop Earrings Déco Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two drop shape 16 x 13mm pearls of beautiful shape, fine quality nacre, and excellent lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 ho...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Coral, Onyx, 18k Gold, W...
Blue Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Earrings by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond earrings feature a chestnut design with 2 oval cut faceted Ceylon sapphires of splendid color for a total weight of 6.82 carats. The sapphires ar...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Pink Sapphire Diamond Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Tahitian pearl earrings features 2 splendid pearls of 13.5mm diameter and pinkish hues. The design is complete with 2 oval cut faceted pink sapphires of brilliant color ...
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Black Pearl Drop Earrings Diamond Hoop Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian black pearl drop earrings feature 2 lovely Tahitian pearls of 13mm diameter and high luster, in an attractive grey color with slight pink hues. The pearls originate in F...
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Hoop Ruby Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 15 x 14.5mm 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
Pearl 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 two 13mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds of top...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Silver Overtone Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
TheTahitian pearl drop earrings feature a small hoop on the ear set with diamonds and a flexible “stick” suspending two Tahitian pearls of 14mm diameter. The untreated pearls with si...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings Chandelier Tassel Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and pearl chandelier earrings feature a cascade with 8 South Sea pearls of 11mm diameter. The untreated South Sea pearls originate from the waters of Northwestern Austral...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Heart Shape Diamond Pearl Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This pair of blue sapphire heart shape and pearl earrings features a design on the ear with 8.85 carats of oval cut faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant blue color. The tops suspend...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire,...
South Sea Pearl Clip-On Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl earrings feature two 14.5mm diameter South Sea pearls originating from the waters of Northwestern Australia. The design is complete with 2 diamonds (0.16 carats)...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Sapphire Ruby Diamond Clip-On Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire ruby and diamond earrings feature a central flower of faceted rubies (6.08 carats) surrounded by a crown of calibrated yellow sapphires (approximately 10 carats). The co...
White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White...
Blue Sapphire Diamond Pearl Onyx Drop Earrings Déco Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire, diamond and pearl earrings feature a round design set with diamonds set en pave on the ear around a symmetrical spray of black onyx. The tops suspend 2 oval cut fa...
White Diamond, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Sap...
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Hoop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 14 x 13.5 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
Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings Briolette Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire and diamond drop earrings feature 8 briolette sapphires of different pastel colors ranging from lavender to purple for a total of approximately 10 carats in a playful an...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Diamond South Sea Pearl Clip-On Earrings Flower Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and diamond earrings feature a flower cluster design on the ear with 7.21 carats of oval cut faceted emeralds of brilliant crystalline quality originating from Zambia. Th...
White Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White...
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 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
Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings Chandelier Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
These ruby and diamond chandelier earrings feature splendid oval and drop shape faceted rubies for a total of 11.05 carats. The design is enhanced with fancy cut diamonds weighing a ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold