When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer's lauded vintage minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) were made in the form of crystal-covered swans, cupcakes, lipstick, wads of cash, teddy bears and other delightful objects.
These dazzling objets d’art have been regularly seen in the hands of First Ladies, movie stars on the red carpet and even in the prestigious collections of institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber's purses and minaudières were the result of a happy accident.
In 1967, Leiber began working on her first metal handbag. The piece in question was named the Chatelaine, and the design was a graceful drop-shaped purse in gold-tinted metal. But when the samples came in, Leiber saw that the bottom of the bag looked greenish and discolored as a result of the plating process. She had the ingenious idea of applying crystal rhinestones to the base to cover up the flaws. The fabulous bag was a huge success and would become her trademark.
Born Judith Peto in Budapest, Leiber overcame many hardships before her breakthrough. At the start of World War II, she was working at the Pessl handbag company in Budapest where she quickly climbed the ranks to become a master craftswoman. When the war escalated, she and her Jewish family were forced by the Nazis to live in a cellar of a ghetto, and several of her relatives were killed in concentration camps.
“I designed handbags in my head to get through the misery,” Leiber said.
After the liberation of Budapest, she married Gerson “Gus” Leiber, an American GI, and moved to New York. In 1948, she began working for the fashion house Nettie Rosenstein. One of Leiber's first major pieces was the handbag embroidered with glittering rhinestones and pearls carried by Mamie Eisenhower at the 1953 inaugural ball. In 1963, she finally set up her own company.
Leiber’s whimsical designs embellished with Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones defied traditional notions of luxury handbags. She also created striking clutches and bags with leather and fine textiles from around the world. In her 65-year career, she designed over 3,500 bags, which have been worn by First Ladies including Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush, pop icons like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner (who collects Judith Leiber bags).
In 2005, the Leiber Collection Museum opened in East Hampton, New York, as a permanent space to showcase her work. The minaudières remain coveted objects that are celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find vintage Judith Leiber shoulder bags, crossbody bags, sunglasses and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
Judith Leiber Massive Figural Gilt Metal Pendant Brooch Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Massive figural gilt metal pendant - brooch necklace c 1970s The Asian theme pendant necklace is designed with a huge Japanese style immortal figure suspended from a h...
Gilt Metal
Judith Leiber Hummingbird Bird Brooch and Earrings French Enamel
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
24K gold plated Judith Leiber Hummingbird brooch in the original box. This glorious bird has riveted construction and has wonderful visual depth. The bird's wings are textured to emu...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Judith Leiber Avant-Garde White Enamel Mouse Brooch c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Avant-garde white enamel mouse brooch c 1980s The whimsical brooch is designed with a pair of mice The mother has her small offspring perche...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
JUDITH LEIBER Vintage Lion's Head Brooch Pendant Gold Tone
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Judith Leiber brooch is composed of a gold hue metal and can be worn as a pendant as well. In great vintage condition, shows some signs of we...
Judith Leiber 18k Yellow Gold Red Enamel and Diamond Turtle Brooch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
This Judith Leiber brooch is crafted in 18k yellow gold and designed as a sculptural turtle with a richly detailed red enamel shell. Heart-shaped motifs decorate the shell, while 0.7...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$2,250
H 1.14 in W 1 in
Belle Époque Angel Goddess Maiden Lyre Mistletoe Flower Brooch Pin Art Nouveau
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning Brooch in the form of an Angel Maiden with a Lyre and Mistletoe Flower Buds set with Pearls. The Angel Brooch dates to the Belle Epoque - Art Nouveau period, c...
Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Enamel and 18K Yellow Gold Ladybug Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful pin is little, but loud. A beloved vintage Cartier, this Ladybug was designed with 18K Yellow Gold and Enamel, creating an eye-catching green and black enamel ladybug....
Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Two-Tone Gold Turtle Brooch w/ Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Custom-made Turtle brooch with yellow sapphires, tsavorite garnet, and diamonds in 18k yellow and white gold. Tests 18k and weighs 13.9 grams. The natural yellow sapphires are round ...
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...
CARTIER Diamond Enamel 18k Yellow Gold Bee Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Cartier bee-shaped pin is crafted in 18k yellow gold and accented with black enamel and a brilliant-cut round diamond. Made in France circa 1990s. Measurements: 0.62" (...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Pearl Enameled Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Refined Fusion of Color and Classic Elegance Indulge in the charm of a bygone era with this Antique 18K Yellow Gold Pin Brooch, beautifully accented by a 0.10-carat round diamond, ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Syna Yellow Gold Sunburst Pin with Pink Tourmaline and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Pink Tourmaline 1.40 carats approx. Diamonds 0.55 carat approx. Limited Edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from li...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,895
H 2.5 in W 2.5 in
Victorian Coral Flower Pendant Brooch Hand Carved Circa 1880 Gold Rare Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning antique Victorian Pendant Brooch Pin of hand carved Coral with a bouquet of flowers and leaves with a coral pendant drop wi...
Coral, Gold, Silver
$3,800
W 0.88 in L 1.5 in
Victorian Coral Earrings And Brooch Flower Leaf Motif 14 Karat Gold Circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare pair of museum quality Etruscan Revival Victorian Coral Earrings and Brooch. The parure set has gorgeous hand carved three dim...
Coral, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
William Spratling Conch Shell Earrings Pin Brooch Set 980 Silver Vintage Taxco
By William Spratling
Located in North Attleboro, MA
From the collection of Phyllis M. Goddard, widely respected collector, researcher and author of books on William Spratling's works. She featured the pin in her book "Spratling Silver: A Field Guide", 2003, pg. 40, figure 2-56. A beautiful set of matching earrings and brooch. Crafted of 980 silver using the repousse method into the design of stylized conch shell cross...
Silver
Antique French 18K Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch/Pendant, Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique French 18 karat yellow gold cameo brooch / pendant; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine antique French cameo...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$21,500 / set
H 1.25 in W 1.6 in
Jean Vitau 3 Brooch Pins Flower Humingbird Bird Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold
By Jean Vitau
Located in New York, NY
This is a trio of three signed Jean Vitau Brooch Pins with a Flower and two Birds, Hummingbird, set with Sapphires, Diamonds, Tsavorite Green Garnets...
Diamond, Sapphire, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow S...
$680
W 2.5 in D 0.5 in L 3 in
Gilt metal, fuschia and amethyst paste brooch/earrings, Christian Dior, c. 1954
By Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
An unusual brooch and earrings from Christian Dior by Mitchel Maer, made of articulated twisted gilt rings of various sizes, highlighted with amethyst, light amethyst and fuschia pas...
Gilt Metal
Judith Leiber Honey Brown Enamel on Gold Flower Brooch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully made honey gold brown color enamel petal flower brooch by famous fashion designer Judith Leiber. The craftsmanship is super as all her creations are known to be. Judith...
Gold Plate, Enamel
JUDITH LEIBER 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Fish Brooch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Stunning JUDITH LEIBER 18k yellow gold enamel fish brooch with beautiful colorful enamel in blue & green hues over a lively fish with cabochon ruby eye. The brooch is extremely well ...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Lieber Green Enamel Dragonfly Brooch
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Judith Lieber green enamel and rhinestones jeweled brooch. Comes with velvet pouch.
Judith Leiber Glass Cabochon Enamel Frog Brooch & Earrings Set c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Charming glass cabochon white enamel frog brooch & earrings set c 1980s The set is designed with a trio of endearing creamy white enamel frogs; embellished with small glass cabochons in a myriad of jewel tone colors The trio of frogs makes a fun whimsical accessory...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Judith Leiber Honey Amber Enamel on Gold Flower Brooch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully made honey gold amber color enamel petal flower brooch by famous fashion designer Judith Leiber. The craftsmanship is super as all her creations are known to be. Judith's jewelry pieces were made in limited and small collections. The brooch is three dimensional and domed with the petal curled back ad down. Each petal is enameled and has a gold edge. The top is a spray of rhodium plated and rhinestone stamen of the flower. Additionally, the back is made as beautifully as the front and is inscribed Judith Leiber in script with a copyright symbol. The brooch measures 1.67 inches wide and high and .57 of an inch deep not including the pin back. Excellent and like new condition. After working as a handbag designer for other companies, Leiber founded her own business in 1963. She is known for her crystal minaudières, evening purses made of a metal shell often encrusted with Swarovski crystals, plated with silver or gold and with various forms, such as baby pigs, slices of watermelon, cupcakes, peacocks, penguins, and snakes. Sold at exclusive boutiques around the world, her purses may cost up to several thousand dollars and have become a status symbol for many women, including several Presidential First Ladies to whom she has given them as a present, from Mamie Eisenhower to Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton. Animals are a recurring theme in her designs, and often ornament the most expensive purses...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Judith Lieber Gold with White & Blue Enamel Flower / Bouquet Brooch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully made white with blue enamel domed bouquet of flowers brooch by famous fashion designer Judith Leiber. The craftsmanship is supe...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Judith Leiber Dark Plum Purple Enamel on Gold Flower Pin
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully made dark purple plum enamel on gold flower brooch by famous fashion designer Judith Leiber. The craftsmanship is super as all her creations are known to be. Judith's jewelry pieces were made in limited and small collections. The plum color is very rare. The center of the flower is a rhodium plated and pave' rhinestone set domed button mounted onto the top of the domed flower. All the petal are tear drop shaped purple enamel. The brooch is heavily gold plated measuring 2 inches in diameter and .75 of an inch high. Inscribed on the back in script Judith Leiber with a copyright stamp. Excellent like new condition. After working as a handbag designer for other companies, Leiber founded her own business in 1963. She is known for her crystal minaudières, evening purses made of a metal shell often encrusted with Swarovski crystals, plated with silver or gold and with various forms, such as baby pigs, slices of watermelon, cupcakes, peacocks, penguins, and snakes. Sold at exclusive boutiques around the world, her purses may cost up to several thousand dollars and have become a status symbol for many women, including several Presidential First Ladies to whom she has given them as a present, from Mamie Eisenhower to Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton. Animals are a recurring theme in her designs, and often ornament the most expensive purses...
Gold Plate
Judith Leiber Gilt Metal Diminutive Size Figural Hand Brooch c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Gilt metal diminutive size figural hand brooch c 1980s The unique stylized hand brooch is sheathed with luminous gilt metal The palm of the hand is holding a small size...
JUDITH LEIBER Enamel Figural Dual Teddy Bear Pin In box, Never Worn
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Vintage Signed Judith Lieber Teddy Bear Brooch In original box. They measure 1.50 x 1.00. We have more Lieber pieces listed as well as handbags. This is out of a massive collection o...
Gilt Metal
Judith Lieber Large Teddy Bear Enamel Gold 2 Brooch Set
By Judith Leiber
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Enamel Set of Two Large Teddy Bear Brooches by Judith Leiber. With 2 small sapphire stones in the eyes Details: 1 Brooch: 1 3/4" x 1" x 3/4" 2 Brooch: 1 3/4" x 1" x 3/4" Weight: Total of two brooches 83.2 grams Stamped Hallmarks: Judith Leiber 18k both brooch are stamped *Free Shipping within the United States* YOUR PRICE: $6,000 T742...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Signed JUDITH LEIBER Starfish Brooch Pin
By Judith Leiber
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare Vintage Signed JUDITH LEIBER Starfish Brooch; 2-Tone Gold Silver Plated; outlined with a double row of Pave clear Swarovski Crystals; Faux round...
Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Judith Leiber Rhinestone Gilt Kitty Cat Brooch Pins
By Judith Leiber
Located in Montreal, QC
Adorable designer signed JUDITH LEIBER figural Kitty Cat pins, featuring the front and back. The collar is encrusted with crystal clear rhinestones. The eyes...
Gold Plate