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 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 ...
Gilt Metal
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 ...
Gold Plate
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...
Gilt Metal
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...
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 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...
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...
Estate Large Diamond Floral Platinum Pendant Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The large flower brooch features 12.80 carats of full cut and baguette diamonds. Set in platinum and completed by a pin stem and catch, along with a safety chain. This spectacular b...
Diamond, Platinum
Fine South Sea Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Necklace Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality South Sea Pearl Diamond Necklace 18K Gold 13.4 mm 16.5" Certified $14,200 822106 This is a One of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry! Nothing says, “...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
L 14 in
Marina J. Woven Pearl Choker with Vintage Filigree Centerpiece and Gold Findings
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful One Of A Kind Choker by Marina J. This piece is made using all luxury Pearls intricately woven together into a tight lace like design. A vintage 18k Yellow Gold Plated Vintage Filigree Brooch...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Plain Cross Necklace
Located in Stuart, FL
14k yellow gold plain cross necklace. The length of this necklace is 18 inches, the cross measures 20 x 12.6 mm, has a lobster clasp to open and close, and has a total weight of 3 gr...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Bohemian Garnet And Silver Gilt Necklace Circa 1870's
Located in Firenze, IT
Victorian bohemian garnet necklace. This piece is set in silver gilt with pretty garnet flowers and smaller drop flowers. Circa 1870-80, Mea...
Garnet, Silver, Gilt Metal
Antique 1910s 4.83 Carat Amethyst and Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 4.83 carat amethyst and seed pearl, 18 karat yellow gold pendant and 9 karat yellow gold chain; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive Edwardian amethyst necklace...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Maillon Panthere Diamond Necklace 3 Rows 18K White Gold - Circa 1996
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This Cartier Maillon Panthere 3-row Diamond Necklace is 18 inches in length and weighs 56.20 DWT (approx. 87.4 grams). It contains 240 round diamonds weighing an approximate total of...
Diamond, White Gold
1920s Egyptian Revival Silver Gilt and Enamel Vintage Charms Necklace
Located in Skelmersdale, GB
This beautiful necklace is emblematic of the evocative 1920s Egyptian Revival aesthetic and was made in France. Condition Report: Very Good - A slight kink in the chain and a tiny bend at the base of one of the charms. This is consistent with age and use and does not detract from the appeal of the piece. The Details... Although un-hallmarked, this necklace is most likely constructed from silver gilt. It features a delicate herringbone chain. Suspended from the chain is a selection of Egyptian inspired charms. There are Ankhs, Lotus flowers and Hamsa hand symbols. There are also three postage stamp charms detailed with skiff boats on the Nile and the goddess, Hathor. The necklace fastens with a bolt ring and measures 38cm in length. A Short History... In 1922, Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun and, thereby, ignited a Western fascination with Ancient Egypt which permeated the Arts. Jewellery designers created heavily stylised profiles of people and hieroglyphs taken from tomb walls, as can be seen in this necklace. Reviving Egyptian...
Silver, Enamel
$24,000Sale Price|60% Off
NWT 60, 000 18KT Magnificent Multi Rainbow 45CT Heart Sapphire Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Gorgeous 18KT White Gold Exquisite Glittering Fancy Colored Heart Sapphire Diamond Necklace!!!! Necklace features Outstanding ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gol...
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Brooch or Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous victorian brooch holds a rose cut diamond at the centre and is modelled in 18carat gold. The back of the locket has a pane of glass which created a locket. There is a p...
Diamond, Gold
Dominique Aurientis Necklace & Earrings Gold Gilt Drop New in Box
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another stunning Dominique Aurientis Necklace. Large Crystal Dangle Pendant hanging from a Ribbon with matching earring. New in box from the the late 80s early 90s. Still in the box ...
Gilt Metal
$5,680
H 1.23 in W 1.03 in
Victorian 14k Gold 2.40 Carat Old European and Mine Cut Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a stunning antique brooch or pendant which was crafted in solid 14k yellow gold during the Victorian period. It features a gorgeous, approximately 1.0 carat, super fine ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Judith Leiber Gold Tone & Red Enamel Necklace Never worn - 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Vintage Signed Judith Leiber Enamel Necklace. An American designer known for her elegant handbags. She also created lovely jewelry. Here is new, never worn 1980s iconic choker. Hall...
Gilt Metal, Enamel
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Tone Horse Double Belt Circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Tone Horse Double Belt. This is pure 1980s. There are 2 rows of stretchy tubogas gold with a large galloping textured horse. Amazing belt. WOW! 26" X 1" W...
Judith Leiber Gold Skinny Stretch Waist Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Product Details: Gold skinny stretchy waist belt by Judith Leiber. Rhinestone-embellished clasp closure at front. 25" length. Condition: Pre-owned. Very good. Little to no signs of ...
Judith Leiber Wheel of the Year Gold Choker
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gorgeous vintage Judith Leiber 'wheel of the year' gold plated choker necklace! The pendant is very large and definitely a fun statement piece that will s...
Gold
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Horse Belt Circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Horse Belt Circa 1980s. These belts were so iconic in the 1980s and you saw them on every supermodel. They were worn on everythi...
Judith Leiber 1980s Solar System Symbol Choker
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The incredible 1980s Judith Leiber choker is sure to be your new favorite! This rare choker is gold plated and features the various symbols for the planets in our solar system. The c...
Judith Leiber Massive Bacchus Medallion Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in US
Art to wear Judith Leiber necklace features a massive medallion depicting Bachhus, the Roman God of Wine, with dangling bead balls coming out of the mouth and encrusted with flatback...
Judith Leiber Crystal Egg Locket
By Judith Leiber
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...
Judith Leiber Gold Drop Necklace with Purse Charms
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
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...
Magnificent Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Tassel Necklace Unsigned
By Judith Leiber
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 ...
Goldtone Judith Leiber Purse Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Goldtone purse charm necklace by Judith Leiber. Twist-lock purse charm. Clasp closure.
Judith Leiber Unique Foo Dog Brooch Pendant Necklace ca 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Unique foo dog brooch / pendant necklace The versatile design transitions from an exotic brooch depicting an ornate gilt metal foo dog's...