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.
Snake Ring Diamond White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake ring with diamonds features a snake design in 18 carat white gold. Please note the single moving form. The total weight of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS, color, cl...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Blue Ceylon Sapphire Ring 30 Carats GIA Diamond Cocktail Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring features a magnificent oval faceted 30 carat blue Ceylon sapphire of intense and crystalline “blu Madonna” color. (In reference to the marve...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring Two Tone Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ring features 3 emerald cut Zambian emeralds of brilliant color (1.90 carats) and a pavé of round diamond. The emerald and diamond ring features 3 em...
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Capricorn Zodiac Cocktail Ring Diamonds Blue Sapphire Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Capricorn zodiac cocktail ring is set with 3.40 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS). The eyes and corona are detailed with faceted blue Ceylon sapphires. The ring i...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Sapphire Briolette Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and diamond ring features a particularly large and attractive pearl of 17.5/18mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a fine nacre and its natural color a...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Ceylon Sapphire 11.23 Carats Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring features a magnificent oval faceted 11.23 carat blue Ceylon sapphire of intense and crystalline “Madonna blue” color. The stone is set in a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cancer Zodiac Cocktail Ring Diamonds and Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The zodiac Cancer ring is set with 2.11 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS). The eyes are detailed with faceted blue sapphire. The body is se...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold,...
Ruby 9.08 Carats and Diamond Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ring features a splendid faceted oval-cut 9.08 carats Mozambique ruby of brilliant crystalline red color. The ruby is flanked by geometric rows of custom cut baguette diamonds (2...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake Ring Diamonds “Basilisk” Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake ring with diamonds was sculpted from a single piece of 18 carat white gold, resulting in an unbroken, continuous flow from head to tail. This extremely rare and extraordina...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18mm South Sea Pearl Gem and Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond cocktail ring features a voluminous gem quality pearl of 18mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a fine nacre and its ...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl And Diamond Bow Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This South Sea pearl and diamond bow ring features a large untreated pearl of 17.5mm diameter. The pearl displays a splendid nacre and its natural co...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiger Ring Diamond Ruby Onyx Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The tiger ring with diamond ruby and onyx features a sophisticated design in 18 carat white gold with yellow gold accents. The total weight of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS)...
White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl And Diamond Cocktail Ring Floral Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond cocktail ring features a gem quality pearl of pinkish hues and 17.5mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural c...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl And Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond ring features a large pearl of 18mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enha...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter The blue sapphire and diamond dome cocktail ring features 12.97 carats of oval-cut fine quality faceted blue Ceylon sap...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond cocktail ring features a large beautiful pearl of 16.2mm diameter. The pearl is perched on top of a gold design with 2.20 carats of round diamonds set...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Princess Cut Diamond Ring Band Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The princess cut diamond band features symmetrically graduated rows of custom cut princess cut diamonds (7.28 carats). All Our diamonds are of top quality (color, clarity and cut, F/...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl 18mm Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This pearl and diamond ring features a large South Sea pearl of 18mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enh...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond ring features a pearl of 16.5mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enhanced...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Floral Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond dome cocktail ring features 11.97 carats of oval-cut fine quality faceted Ceylon sapphires. The sapphires are artfully set in a sophisticated floral des...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and diamond cocktail ring features a drop shape faceted emerald of brilliant color originating from Zambia (1.64 carats) flanked by a geometric pattern of custom cut squa...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Two Finger Ring South Sea Pearl Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl and diamond two-finger ring features a splendid South Sea pearl of 17.8mm diameter, and an equally splendid Tahitian pearl of 17.5mm...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, W...
Leo Zodiac Cocktail Ring Diamonds Ruby Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The zodiac Leo ring features faceted rubies of brilliant crystalline color for a total of 2.45 carats (eyes and crown). The design is complete with 2.68 carats of diamonds of top qua...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquarius Zodiac Cocktail Ring Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Aquarius zodiac ring features a jug from which flows a stream of water. The ring is set with 1.50 carats of diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS, color, clarity and cut). The ring is...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Shape Ruby Diamond Onyx Cocktail Ring Deco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The heart shape and diamond ruby ring features a faceted heated Mozambique ruby of brilliant color weighing 5.20 carats. The center stone is crowned with custom cut rubies to fit the...
White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Pinky Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This yellow sapphire and diamond pinky ring features a faceted oval-cut sapphire of brilliant color (3.20 carats) surrounded by a crown of round diamonds. The dome-like design is cir...
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold,...
Gemini Zodiac Cocktail Ring Tahitian Pearl Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The zodiac Gemini ring features a Tahitian pearl of 15mm diameter embraced by a male and a female figure, both sculpted in detail. The pearl is untreated. ...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond cocktail ring features an oval cut faceted ruby of brilliant color weighing 2.25 carats. The ruby's origin is Thailand. The center stone is flanked by custom cut...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Leo Zodiac Cocktail Ring Pink Sapphire Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Leo zodiac cocktail ring features faceted pink sapphires of brilliant crystalline color and texture for a total of 2.06 carats (eyes and corona). The design is complete with 1.94...
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Y...
Blue Sapphire Trillion Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and trillion diamond three-stone engagement ring features a splendid blue oval cut faceted sapphire weighing 5.20 carats. The color is deep and velvety. The stone i...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl 16.5mm Diamond Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond ring features a pearl of 16.50mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enhance...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond dome cocktail ring features 8.93 carats of oval-cut fine quality faceted rubies of brilliant color originating from Africa. The rubies are artfully set in a soph...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pink sapphire and diamond dome cocktail ring features 22.96 carats of oval-cut fine quality faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant color. The sapphires are carefully interspersed ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Pearl Diamond Ring White Gold Crossover Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond ring features a pearl of 15mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enhanced in a...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Ceylon Sapphire 8.19 Carats Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring features a splendid oval faceted blue Ceylon sapphire (8.19 carats) surrounded by a crown of especially cut tapered baguette diamonds (1.78 ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Y...
Yellow Sapphire Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire and diamond dome cocktail ring features 31.88 carats of oval-cut fine quality faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant color. The sapphires are carefully intersperse...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The yellow sapphire and diamond cocktail ring features a faceted oval-cut yellow sapphire of brilliant color (3.30 carats) flanked by a row of custom cut baguette diamonds (1.98 cara...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond and Onyx Cocktail Ring Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and onyx ring features 2 rows of large princess cut diamonds (2.50 carats total) set in bombé fashion. The shanks are decorated with custom cut black onyx motifs, lending...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Taurus Zodiac Cocktail Ring Diamonds Ruby Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The zodiac Taurus ring is set with 3.40 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS). The eyes are detailed with faceted rubies. The ring is one-of-a-...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Band Ring Square and Round Cut Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond band ring features a central row of custom cut square cut diamonds (3.15 carats, G-H color/VVS) flanked by, and set above, 1.75 carats of round diamonds. (F-G color/VVS)....
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl 16mm Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond cocktail ring features a large South Sea pearl of 16mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a fine nacre and its natural color and luster hav...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Diamond Band Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and diamond band features a central row of symmetrically graduated marquise-cut Zambian emeralds of brilliant color (1.18 carats) flanke...
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Color and White Diamond Band Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The fancy color and white diamond band features a geometric design of fancy color princess cut diamonds (2.21 carats) against a background of 1.85 carats of round diamonds set en pav...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and diamond engagement ring features an emerald cut emerald of fiery color (1.65 carats) flanked by tapering rows of custom-cut baguette diamonds (1.20 carats). All our d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Gold Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond cocktail ring features a central row of princess-cut diamonds (0.68 carats) flanked by a row of custom-cut tapered ruby baguettes (2.87 carats). The design is co...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Princess Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The princess cut diamond cocktail ring features a central row of custom cut princess cut diamonds (2.44 carats) flanked by 2 rows of round diamonds en pavé (2.71 carats). All Our dia...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ella Gafter 18k White Gold Tiger Ring, 2.48ct Diamond & Onyx, Italy
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This tiger ring carries 2.48 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/VVS) set en pavé in artful fashion. The crown is custom cut black onyx, lending the ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pisces Zodiac Cocktail Ring South Sea Pearl Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The zodiac Pisces ring features an untreated South Sea pearl of 14mm diameter. The pearl displays fine nacre and its natural color and luster have not been...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Virgo Zodiac Cocktail Ring South Sea Pearl Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Virgo zodiac ring features a South Sea pearl of 15.5mm diameter resting on the knees of a female figure sculpted in detail. The pearl is untreated. It displays fine nacre and its...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Yellow Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond ring features a pearl of 14mm diameter. The design consists of one carat of faceted yellow sapphire marquises ...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gol...
Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring White Yellow Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond ring features a faceted oval-cut ruby of brilliant color (4.16 carats) flanked by a design with round diamonds (0.52 carats). The design is complete with 4 rows...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,250Sale Price|25% Off
Ella Gafter Pisces Diamond Pearl Emerald Zodiac Ring in 18K Ring
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
Ella Gafter South Sea Pearl Diamond And Emerald zodiac pisces ring beautifully handcrafted in 18k white gold. The details are as follows: Pearl: 14mm untreated south sea pearl. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
Sagittarius Zodiac Cocktail Ring with Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Sagittarius zodiac cocktail ring features a detailed male figure drawing the bow. The ring is set with 1.46 carats of diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS). The ring is one-of-a-kind...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The blue sapphire and diamond dome cocktail ring features 28.07 carats of oval-cut fine quality faceted Ceylon sapphires of brilliant color. The sap...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond cocktail ring features an oval cut faceted African ruby of brilliant color weighing approximately 3 carats. The center stone is flanked by 2 ribbons set with cus...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake Ring Diamond White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake ring with diamonds features two snakes intertwining in an 18 carat white gold design. Please note the extraordinarily refined workmanship, translated into great flexibilit...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring Tutti Frutti Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire and diamond tutti frutti ring features a cluster of multicolor sapphire briolettes of brilliant color (26.10 carats total) atop a crown of round diamonds of top quality ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sagittarius Zodiac Cocktail Ring Tahitian Pearl Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Sagittarius zodiac ring features a bow and arrow design, the tip of the arrow carrying a faceted ruby of 0.65 carats. The bow supports a Tahitian pearl of 13mm diameter. The pear...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sagittarius Zodiac Cocktail Ring South Sea Pearl Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Sagittarius zodiac cocktail ring features a bow and arrow design, the tip of the arrow carrying a faceted ruby of 0.65 carats. The bow supports a South Sea pearl of 15mm diameter...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cancer Zodiac Cocktail Ring with Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Cancer zodiac cocktail ring is set with 2.61 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS). The eyes are detailed with faceted blue Ceylon sapphires. The ring is one-of-a-kin...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold