Kurt Wayne brought an optimistic and playful style to the art of making jewelry. Celebrated by those in the know for his alluring, offbeat creations that feature south sea pearls, emeralds and more, Wayne strayed from conventional jewelry design of the time, making such bold decisions as setting a square-cut diamond in the center of a polished orb of black onyx. The Austrian-born designer produced lively pendants, rings and brooches made to resemble frogs, canaries and owls, and with radiant starbursts and clustered stones, Wayne's style was meant to bedazzle as much as it was to stoke the imagination.
Not much is known about the life of Kurt Wayne. He is believed to have been born in 1909, in Vienna, and was reportedly fostered by a jeweler at the age of ten. Under the jeweler's tutelage, Wayne learned about watchmaking and how to work with gold, silver and precious stones.
At the time, the whiplash lines, vibrant materials and dramatic imagery that had characterized the Art Nouveau style — cemented in Viennese culture by artists such as those in the Wiener Werkstätte collective and others working in the Jugendstil style in Germany and Austria — had given way to Art Deco’s geometric diamond brooches and long pearl necklaces.
In 1937, Wayne emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. He is said to have established his own business in 1945 and found great success in making jewelry. Throughout his career, he developed close ties to the Zale family of Zale jewelers and with Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus.
Wayne created imaginative modernist cocktail rings and other accessories during the 1970s and 1980s that are still widely collected today.
Find vintage Kurt Wayne necklaces, earrings and bracelets on 1stDibs.
Vintage Kurt Wayne Emerald and Owl Brooch in Yellow Gold
By Kurt Wayne
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Kurt Wayne emerald and diamond owl brooch set in 18k yellow gold. The brooch depicts two perching owls and has been beautifully hand-crafted to show its natura...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold KURT WAYNE Emerald Double Owl Textured Brooch c. 1970
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A gorgeously done brooch by Kurt Wayne. Crafted in heavy 18K yellow gold, this beautiful piece depicts two gorgeously textured owls perched on a branch with bright green emerald eyes...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Pin/Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold with 9 Diamonds 1.20 CTW And Pearls
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Naples, FL
Kurt Wayne Diamond And Pearl Pin/ Brooch. This Brooch Features12 Pearls And 9 Diamonds 1.20 CTW Of Round Diamonds H In Color And VS In Clarity.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne Emerald 18karat Yellow Gold Frog Brooch Pin
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
This frog-inspired brooch is from the Famous American designer Kurt Wyne is for nature lovers. A vintage piece from 1969, crafted in solid 18K Yellow gold with a textured finish. T...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond Gold Swirl Pin/Pendant
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
Made of 14k white gold, this pin features sparkling round cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.60ct graded G-H color with VS clarity. The pin can also be worn as a pendant. The chai...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Large Vintage Yellow Gold Enamel and Gem Set Owl Clip Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s 18K Yellow Gold Owl Brooch, measuring 2 1/2 inches from wing end to end, 2 inches tall and weighing 33.2 grams. Finely detailed with Hand Chased Gold work, Enamel Feather...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
$3,380
W 1.15 in L 2.95 in
Vintage Turquoise and Diamond Pin/Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Vintage Turquoise and Diamond Pin/Brooch in 18k Yellow & White Gold Turquoise and Diamond Brooch features 5 Stalks of Wheat made of Round Cabochon Turquoise clusters and sprinkled ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Buccellati 18K Yellow Gold Textured Leaf Collar Button Brooch
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
A Legacy of Exquisite Artistry Discover the timeless elegance of Buccellati, one of Italy’s most revered jewelry houses, renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship, intricate design...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,592Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel Brooch/ Pendant
Located in Addison, TX
Exquisite Enamel design giving the appearance of pearls on the outer edge and beautiful details in the center that give the appearance of bright red rubies. The details on this penda...
14k Gold
$1,250
W 1.38 in L 1.75 in
Art Deco Hand Carved Portrait Shell Cameo Gold Pin Pendant Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Cameo Pin depicting a Beautiful Young Woman posing a striking a Romantic pose. The Hand Carved oval Cameo is securely set in a Handmade 14K yellow Gold bezel and and filigr...
14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,799
W 1.75 in L 1.75 in
Vintage French Snowflake 18K Rose Gold This exquisite Vintag Cluster Diamond Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite Vintage High Quality made Diamond Snowfleks Brooch pin is made of solid 18K Rose gold. This stunning 1960's pin is set with round-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Diamond Brooch, Enhancer, Pendant 18 Karat Gold, in Floral Design
Located in Berlin, DE
Diamond Brooch, 18 Karat Gold, in floral design. Brooch can also be worn as a pendant. The diamonds are of very good quality, color and purity.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein Cord Crown Heart Gold Diamond Pendant Brooch
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in New York, NY
18k gold crown heart brooch pendant, with hidden collapsible bale. Adorned with approx. 0.20ctw in H/VS diamonds. Brooch measures 2" x 1.25". Marked Ki...
Diamond, Gold
Pave Set Diamond Heart Pin Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely gorgeous Vintage diamond heart pin/pendant from the 1960's! This slightly convex shaped heart is made of 14kt white gold and encrusted ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Cartier 18K Turquoise, Emerald, and Diamond Owl Brooch #17761
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Cartier 18K Turquoise, Emerald and Diamond Owl Brooch This exquisite brooch by Cartier features a cabochon turquoise body, cabochon emerald eye...
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.12 Carat Diamond Pearl Rose Gold Star Brooch Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Turn of the century, Antique cushion cut diamond natural pearl brooch pendant. 1 old mine cut center diamond set in 14k rose gold with 66 white and gray accent pearls. circa 1900's ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co France Ruby Emerald Frog Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
20k Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Frog Pin Brooch by Tiffany & Co. The Tiffany & Co. France 20k Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Frog Pin Brooch is an enchanting piece. This whimsical d...
Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.7 in W 1.58 in
KURT WAYNE Articulated Crab Brooch In 14Kt Gold With Onyxes, Rubies & Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Articulated crab brooch designed by Kurt Wayne (1909-1990). This is a very cute articulated crab brooch created by the jewelry designer Kurt Wayne, back in the late 1980's. The elus...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Kurt Wayne Vintage 1970 18 Karat Yellow Gold & Ruby Owl Bird Brooch Pin
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Baltimore, MD
Kurt Wayne Vintage 1970 18 Karat Yellow Gold & Ruby Owl Bird Brooch Pin Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 15.16 grams Dimensions: 32 x 14.5mm Signed: KW 18K ©KW 1970 Gemstone: Natural R...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Diamond And Pearl Flower Brooch
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a true masterpiece of vintage glamour, the Estate Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Flower Brooch encapsulates the epitome of opulence and artistic craftsmanshi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Duck Brooch
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Southampton, PA
Beautiful details make this vintage Kurt Wayne brooch simply unforgettable. A pair of ducks are perched within a woodland setting on this creative ac...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Gold and Ruby Sitting Ducks Brooch
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Kurt Wayne brooch crafted in 18 karat brushed, textured, and high polished yellow gold. The intricately designed scene depicts two ducks w...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Yellow Gold Frog Brooch
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Kurt Wayne 18K yellow Gold Frog Brooch, measuring 1 1/8 X 1 inch and weighing 13.6 Grams, having incredible lifelike detailing and set wit...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Sold
H 2.17 in W 1.85 in D 0.57 in
Large Vintage Kurt Wayne 18k Gold Ruby Detailed Textured Ram Brooch Pin Pendant
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a magnificent, vintage, Kurt Wayne pin/brooch or pendant that was crafted in 1969 from solid 18k yellow gold. This substantial piece features an incredibly detailed desi...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Authentic Three Birds Pin 18 Karat Brooch
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Authentic Kurt Wayne Three Birds Gold pin. 1.5 x 1.3 inch 18kt. yellow gold 32.9 grams Handmade .05ct Natural Emeralds on Eyes
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne 1970 18 Karat Yellow Gold Red Ruby Eye Highly Detailed Owl Brooch
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Montgomery, AL
1970's Kurt Wayne 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Eye Owl Pin 14.6 Grams 1.25 Inches tall .5 inches wide 2 Round red rubies This is a very highly detailed and uniq...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Lady Bug Sapphire Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Gold Pin Brooch
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
This Kurt Wayne designed whimsical pin brooch designed as a bejeweled lady-bag is extremely well made in 18 karat matted yellow gold and weighs 14.5 grams. The widely liked 'messenge...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond Gold Shell Brooch Pin and Necklace
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite and stunning shell necklace is finely crafted by Kurt Wayne in solid 18K yellow gold. The shell pendant is covered in some 291 genuine round cut diamonds approx. 11.00...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne Emerald Gold Naturalistic Grasshopper Brooch Pin
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Cape May, NJ
18K Yellow Gold Emerald Kurt Wayne Naturalistic Grasshopper Brooch Pin. The piece is in excellent estate condition and ready to wear. It is marked with the serial number 54377 on the...
Emerald, 18k Gold