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.
$7,400 / set
Kurt Wayne Floral Diamond Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning diamond earrings by Kurt Wayne in the shape of a flower. Each earring has 33 round brilliant diamonds for a total weight of 2.5 carats. Twisted gold frames each of the three...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Statement Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and impeccably crafted, these Kurt Wayne pearl and diamond earrings are a beautiful study in balance and refinement. Set in rich 18K yellow gold, each earring features a lumi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Pave Diamond Clip-on Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Dallas, TX
Kurt Wayne Pave Diamond Clip-on Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold. The earrings feature approximately 1.55ctw of brilliant round diamonds. The earrings measure 1" by 7/8" and weigh 30.4 gr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Kurt Wayne Yellow Gold Diamond Hoops
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Dallas, TX
Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Hoops for Pierced Ears. Approximately 3.40ctw.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Kurt Wayne Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Kurt Wayne Stud Earrings Featuring Two 15mm Mabe Pearls. Pierced Post With Omega Clip Back. Post Can Be Removed Upon Request. Finished Weight is 21.8 Grams.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Bypass Oval Clip On Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
These Exquisite Kurt Wayne earrings are the perfect adjectives to describe thises pieces and their wearer. These Kurt Wayne 1980's Earrings are crafted in Solid 18K Yellow Gold, w...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne 3.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Swirl Hoop Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Stamford, CT
Kurt Wayne 3.50ct diamond platinum swirl hoop earrings are a dazzling display of elegance. These exquisite indie out, slightly twisted feature 112 ideal cut diamonds mounted in platinum with platinum earring backs...
Diamond, Platinum
Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Clip On Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
These elegant earrings by Kurt Wayne blend classic refinement with luminous detail. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, each earring centers on a beautifully proportioned 15mm pearl, pr...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond Swirl Yellow Gold Clip Post Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond clip post earrings. 36 Round brilliant cut diamonds set in 14k yellow gold. 36 round brilliant cut diamonds, approx. total weight .45ct F, VS clarity Top to bottom 19.7mm...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Kurt Wayne Platinum and Diamond Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
Charming Earrings crafted in Platinum and featuring Round Brilliant Diamonds for a total weight of 0.75 Carat. Those earrings have an Omega Post. Type: Earrings Creator : Kurt Way...
Diamond, Platinum
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Mabe Pearl Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Mabe Pearl Earrings- These lovely earrings each feature one Mabe pearl (15 mm) set in beautifully detail...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip-on Earrings #16443
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip-on Earrings These gorgeous clip-on earrings are crafted with meticulous detail from 14K yellow gold and feature 2 beautiful Mabe pearls! Pea...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,080Sale Price|20% Off
South Sea Golden Pearl 18k Gold Diamond White Yellow Cluster Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
An extraordinary pair of delightful Golden South Sea Pearl earrings, set in 18k Tri-color gold, this special piece is made with six large 10mm each High Luster Australian South Sea n...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gol...
Stylized 18k Yellow Gold Horseshoe Clip On Earrings, Rubies Sapphires & Diamonds
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Preowned 18K yellow gold ruby, sapphire and diamond earrings. Each earring has one bezel set oval cabochon cut ruby approximately 5.3 x 4.5 millimeters. The rubies are deep pinkish r...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Scroll Top Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This striking pair of 18K yellow gold scroll top earrings are reminiscent of Ionic columns, in design. Set with sixty brilliant cut diamonds weighing an approximate 1.50ct total of o...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1950 Vintage Mabé Pearls Clip-On Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant and wearable pair of ear clips features wonderful and large mabé pearls. The pearls are set in 14 karat yellow gold and decorated with a twisted gold wire border.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Hoop 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This bold pair of 18K yellow gold ribbed hoop earrings from the 1970s exudes luxury, featuring forty round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.20 carats with G color and VS-1 clarity. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$889Sale Price / item|23% Off
W 0.32 in L 0.4 in
1.7 Ct Oval Cut Ruby Stud Earrings with Diamonds Studded in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Studs create a subtle beauty while showcasing the colors of the natural precious gemstones and illuminating diamonds making a statement. Ruby with diamonds stud earrings in 18K gold....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Clip On Earrings Aquamarine Tourmaline Diamonds Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Estate 18K Clip On Earrings Aquamarine Tourmaline Diamonds Yellow Gold These vintage 18k yellow gold earrings from 1980 feature a fan-shaped design with ribbed sections in soft blue...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,293Sale Price / item|22% Off
W 0.75 in L 0.75 in
18K Gold 2.87 Ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Clip on Stud Earrings for Wedding
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Earrings create a subtle beauty while showcasing the colors of the natural precious gemstones and illuminating diamonds making a statement. Octagon and square cut Emerald and Diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$23,040Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Red Enamel Diamond Banana Clip-On 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Red Enamel Diamond Banana Clip On 18k Yellow Gold Earrings SCHLUMBERGER 18K GOLD RED ENAMEL DIAMOND EARRINGS The Banana earrings represent an iconic Schlumberger desi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Stud Mabe Pearl Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Stud Mabe Pearl Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold These classic stud earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature luminous mother-of-pearl mabe pearls, each securely bezel set to h...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Basket Weave 18k Yellow Gold Clip On Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Kurt Wayne Basket Weave 18k Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings Circa 1970s. The Kurt Wayne 18k Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings were made in the 1970s. Designed as a basket weave pattern on ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne 18K Gold Diamond Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Flushing, NY
Kurt Wayne 18K Gold Diamond Earrings Marked: KW 18 Approximate Dimensions: 2.8 cm (Length) 2 cm (Width) Approx. 5.80 carats (Diamond) 25.8 grams in weight.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
KURT WAYNE Modernist Two Tones Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold With VS Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist two tones earrings designed by Kurt Wayne These are a beautiful pair of earrings, created by Kurt Wayne back in the late 20th century. The earrings have been crafted with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
KURT WAYNE Hoops Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 7.94 Ctw VS Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary hoops earrings with diamonds designed by Kurt Wayne. These are fabulous contemporary hoops earrings, crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
KURT WAYNE Sapphire Diamond Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, sapphire and diamond earclips, Kurt Wayne. Each earclip designed as a vertical serpentine line of horizontally set rectangular faceted sapphires, hig...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
KURT WAYNE Oval Gold Diamond Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold and diamond earclips, Kurt Wayne. Each earclip designed as a puffed oval pave set with approximately 88 round brilliant cut diamonds overlaid with a t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond set Hoops
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960, 18k by Kurt Wayne, American. A stylish twist on a classic, this refined pair of diamond pave hoops have sleek, sophisticated silhouettes. Perfect in scale and set with 5...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 7 Carat Diamond Kurt Wayne 18 Karat Gold Earrings Estate Fine Jewelry
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Montreal, QC
Stylish and Simply Beautiful Kurt Wayne Earrings featuring 7 Carat Diamonds; F color; VS2 clarity; Hand crafted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. These earrings are attributed to Kurt Wayne a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold and Diamond Hoops
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Dallas, TX
Channel Set White Gold Hoops. 18K Gold Hoops with .77CTW Diamonds. Pre-Owned. Stamped 110956.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1 in W 1 in D 0.5 in L 1.75 in
Kurt Wayne 14 Karat White Gold, Pearl Cluster and Diamond Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning pair of pearl cluster and pendant drop earrings by Kurt Wayne. Each earring comprised of 14-Karat white gold, diamonds and pearls in a cluster and each supporting a large baroque pearl...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond Gold Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning irregular V shaped diamond earrings by Kurt Wayne. The diamonds are set on multi levels as are the gold spokes terminating in balls around them. There are 43 diamonds weigh...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond Blossom Gold Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular pair of diamond gold earrings by Kurt Wayne, known for his eye-catching designs. These earrings feature 5.00 carats of brilliant VS quality round cut diamonds. This e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold