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Judith Leiber Necklaces

American, Hungarian, 1921-2018

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.

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Creator: Judith Leiber
Judith Leiber Figural Woman Pendant Necklace c 1970s
Judith Leiber Figural Woman Pendant Necklace c 1970s

Judith Leiber Figural Woman Pendant Necklace c 1970s

By Judith Leiber

Located in University City, MO

Judith Leiber Figural woman pendant necklace c 1970s The unique necklace is designed with a female nude figure on a silver tone metal recessed plaque ...

Category

1970s American Vintage Judith Leiber Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

Judith Lieber Vintage Gilt Necklace
Judith Lieber Vintage Gilt Necklace

Judith Lieber Vintage Gilt Necklace

By Judith Leiber

Located in New York, NY

Rare vintage Judith Lieber 1970's gilt necklace with center oval embossed medallion and insignia panels with metal massels, measures 3-1/2" at the widest...

Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Judith Leiber Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

Judith Leiber 1980s Gold & Pave' Rhinestone Double Link Necklace
Judith Leiber 1980s Gold & Pave' Rhinestone Double Link Necklace

Judith Leiber 1980s Gold & Pave' Rhinestone Double Link Necklace

By Judith Leiber

Located in New York, NY

This striking Judith Leiber statement necklace from the 1980s features alternating high-polish gold-tone links and pavé rhinestone-encrusted links in an interlocking motif. Designed ...

Category

1980s American Vintage Judith Leiber Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate

1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendent Necklace
1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendent Necklace

1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendent Necklace

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The 1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendant Necklace is an exquisite example of vintage costume jewelry that effortlessly combines opulence with artistry. This sta...

Category

Late 20th Century Judith Leiber Necklaces

Judith Leiber Massive Figural Gilt Metal Pendant Brooch Necklace
Judith Leiber Massive Figural Gilt Metal Pendant Brooch Necklace

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...

Category

Late 20th Century American Artisan Judith Leiber Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

Judith Leiber Gold Tone & Black Enamel Necklace Never worn 1990s
Judith Leiber Gold Tone & Black Enamel Necklace Never worn 1990s

Judith Leiber Gold Tone & Black Enamel Necklace Never worn 1990s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Wallkill, NY

Signed Judith Lieber Enamel Necklace. An American designer is known for her elegant handbags. She also created lovely jewelry. Neiman Marcus Price Tag still attached! Hallmarked o...

Category

1990s American Judith Leiber Necklaces

Materials

Enamel, Gilt Metal

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Judith Leiber Crystal Egg Locket
Judith Leiber Crystal Egg Locket

Judith Leiber Crystal Egg Locket

Sold

W 2 in Dm 2.5 in L 12 in

Judith Leiber Crystal Egg Locket

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Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The incredible 1980s Judith Leiber egg locket! This piece is hard to come by- by the prolific jewelry and handbag designer Judith Leiber! Super uniqu...

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Judith Leiber Gold Drop Necklace with Purse Charms

Judith Leiber Gold Drop Necklace with Purse Charms

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This Judith Leiber drop necklace has a thick chain with small coin purse charms all around. It is in excellent condition with minimal wear. Measurements...

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Magnificent Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Tassel Necklace Unsigned

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Located in Boca Raton, FL

Her name is synonymous with bejeweled minaudières—and for good reason. Judith Leiber has designed thousands of variations on the style, since making a name for herself in 1953 when ...

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Judith Leiber Unique Foo Dog Brooch Pendant Necklace ca 1980s

Judith Leiber Unique Foo Dog Brooch Pendant Necklace ca 1980s

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Located in University City, MO

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Judith Leiber necklaces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Judith Leiber necklaces available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gilt metal. We have 9 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider necklaces by Donald Stannard, Jack Boyd, and KIESELSTEIN-CORD. Prices for Judith Leiber necklaces can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $290 and tops out at $1,500, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $695.
Questions About Judith Leiber Necklaces
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Judith Leiber was a designer who specialized in creating imaginative handbags. She was born on January 11, 1921, in Budapest, Hungary, and died on April 28, 2018, in Springs, New York. You'll find a collection of Judith Leiber on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    How you wear a Judith Leiber handbag is a matter of personal preference. Many of the brand's bags have playful shapes that allow them to work as well with jeans as they do with evening attire. Some people prefer to keep their jewelry understated when carrying a Judith Leiber to keep the emphasis on the statement bag. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Judith Leiber.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Models for Judith Leiber change from year to year and season to season. Valentina Sampaio was the face of the brand for photo shoots in 2020. In 2019, Emily DiDonato posed with Judith Leiber bags for the designer's spring campaign. Find a variety of Judith Leiber bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    You have many options for where to buy Judith Leiber. If you prefer to shop virtually, browse the brand's official online store or find the brand's bags on reputable online platforms, including 1stDibs. Numerous brick-and-mortar stores around the country also carry Judith Leiber. You'll find a selection of Judith Leiber handbags and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Judith Leiber is famed for her eclectic clutch bags. Her designs range from crystal-studded flamingos and ice cream cones to standard, sparkling rectangle shapes. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic Judith Leiber clutches from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
    Many fashion lovers believe that Judith Leiber bags are worth it. 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. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Judith Leiber bags is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a range of Judith Leiber bags and other bags on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Judith Leiber handbags are handmade. Skilled artisans hand sew the bags to ensure quality. In addition, the team of craftsmen applies the brand's signature rhinestone and crystal beading by hand. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Judith Leiber handbags.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To clean a Judith Leiber handbag, follow the care instructions printed on the label inside the lining or on the care card that accompanied the bag. Most bags require use of a soft, dry cloth. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Judith Leiber handbags.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Where Judith Leiber sunglasses are made varies. Match Eyewear produces sunglasses for the brand. An in-house factory in Italy manufactures some of the company's eyewear, and third-party factories located throughout the world receive contracts to produce some models. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Judith Leiber sunglasses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The best way to tell if a Judith Leiber bag is original is to check the designer's stamp usually found along the metal frame or above a seam. The style of the stamp varied over the years, but usually included the brand name. On a genuine Judith Leiber bag, the stamp will appear evenly spaced. Find a selection of expertly vetted Judith Leiber handbags on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Generally, the lining of a Judith Leiber Minaudière purse is genuine leather. Skilled artisans craft these statement-making mini bags by hand, and the designs often include rhinestone and crystal beading. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Judith Leiber Minaudière purses.