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.
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 Clip On Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond earrings feature two creamy color 14mm diameter pearls originating from the waters of Northwestern Australia. Please note ...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Diamond Gray South Sea Pearl Platinum Clip-On Stud Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
These jumbo genuine South sea earrings are created in platinum gold. these beautiful gray-color South Sea Pearls High Lusters are very smooth with ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
South Sea Pearl Diamond and Emerald Earrings 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Designer 14mm White South Sea Cultured Pearl Diamond and Colombian Emerald Huggie Clip-on Earrings 18K Primary Stone: Natural South-Sea White Cultured Pearl Pearl Measurements: 14.00...
White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White...
Handcraft Freshwater Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Stud Earrings
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Onyx Topaz Mother of Pearl Flower Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver. These stud earrings are hand set with 4.25 carats black onyx, 1.01 carats Mother of Pearl and sparkling white topaz in center. See other matching pieces. ...
Onyx, Topaz, Sterling Silver
Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite pair of earrings feature 2 matching round golden South Sea pearls. These 12.5mm golden pearls are haloed by 4.04 carats of VS quality round cut diamonds and baguette c...
Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Stud Earrings in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Tahitian Pearl Studs give a little twist to the classic white pearl studs. The Tahitian Pearl Studs are expertly matched in color, luster, and size...
Black Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,718 / set
W 0.31 in L 0.83 in
Black Tahitian Pearl and Pavé Diamond Ribbon Stud Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These sophisticated stud earrings showcase two luminous Tahitian pearls, each displaying a rich iridescent black hue. Their near-round shape and high luster create a luxurious glow, ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K White Gold South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Stunning diamond and South Sea pearl earrings fashioned in 18 K white Gold. The 11 mm South Sea pearls are surrounded by 81 pave set brilliant cut Diamonds. The diamonds weigh approx...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl and Diamond Enhancer Pendant and Clip Earrings Set
Located in beverly hills, CA
Beautifully sculpted flowers of 14-karat white gold and pavé diamond petals highlight luminous South Sea Pearl centers. The clip earrings are set with 11 mm South Sea Pearls...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond 14k Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
MATERIALS: 14k Gold GEMSTONE: Pearl, Diamond WEIGHT: 7.7 Grams MEASUREMENT: Pearl Diameter - 7/16" HALLMARKS: 14K ITEM DETAILS: These 14k white gold stud earrings feature Tahiti...
Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Black and White South Sea Pearl Earrings with Diamonds 0.86 Carat
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Preowned pair of 18K white gold south sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings. The earrings are peg set with a single South Sea pearl. One pearl...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$40,000Sale Price|20% Off
TIFFANY & Co. South Sea Pearl Diamond Platinum Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co 750 Diamonds 1.25ct TW, about F-G and VS1 Pearls measures 14.1mm x 14.0mm Marked: Tiffany & Co PT 950 Earrings are about 20 x 17 x 14mm Total Weight: 14.6 grams
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ella Gafter Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond Stud Earrings
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The two 13.5mm diameter pearls originate from the waters of French Polynesia. They are being delivered to the customer with their natural silvery hues and luster. The design is compl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold