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 18K 25.09 Carat Total Citrine and Diamond Drop Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
These vibrant Kurt Wayne drop earrings are a striking display of color, brilliance, and refined craftsmanship. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, the design features two impressive cit...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Garnet Citrine Drop Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These exquisite drop earrings from Tiffany & Co., crafted in 18k yellow gold. Each earring features a vibrant bezel-set round citrine above a richly hued round garnet, creating a s...
Citrine, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Pear Rose-Cut Diamond Drop Earrings – 1.02 Carats Total
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These elegant drop earrings blend timeless sparkle with modern minimalism. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, each earring features two slender bars—one at the front and one at the back...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Bulgari 18k Yellow Gold Citrine Cabochon Drop Earrings, 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Classically elegant yet simply chic, these bold earrings by Bvlgari encompass sleek, stepped bezels surrounding the rich, golden citrine cabochons. Vintage 1970s of a modern, minimal...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Zircon and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold, 9.64 Carats Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These beautiful drop earrings feature a gorgeous pair of gem-quality blue zircons set with diamonds in 18k yellow gold. It is rare to find a matched pair of large, round blue zircons...
Diamond, White Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Drop Earrings in Engraved 18k White Gold, .56 Carat Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These hand-engraved lever-back earrings are a real "go-to" style for both day and evening wear. They feature two round, brilliant cut diamonds of fine quality, having "G" color and "...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Contemporary 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Diamond Pavé Drop Earrings, USA
Located in New York, NY
The fluid elegance of these Contemporary Citrine Diamond Pavé Drop Earrings, made in the 21st century, brings to mind the ornamental style that flourished be...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Multicolored Diamond Drop Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Previously owned Kurt Wayne yellow/ brown diamond drop earrings. This pair is made of 18K yellow gold, weighs 3.2 DWT (approx. 4.98 grams) and measures 23mm in length. It contains te...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
$4,264
H 2.68 in L 2.68 in
Long Vintage Earrings 18K Gold Citrine Briolette Diamond Enamel Drop circa 1980
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional pair of contemporary 18 karat white gold drop earrings, designed with an elegant elongated silhouette and suspended with richly coloured faceted citrine briolettes. T...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Vintage Kurt Wayne 18K Gold Diamond Button Earrings
Located in Houston, TX
18K yellow gold button-style diamond earrings marked "KW 750". There are a total of seventy-four (74) round diamonds totaling 3.70 carats; G-H color and VVS-VS clarity. Measure 5/8...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,700
W 1.15 in L 2.52 in
Vintage 6.54 Total Carat Jadeite and Diamond Drop Earring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing the breathtaking "Harmony Gems" Jade Earrings Set in 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold. The Harmony Gems Earrings Set is a stunning ensemble that showcases the perfect harmony of luxurious materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this set features beautiful green jade gemstones...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Blue Topaz and Diamond Halo Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold, 5.41 Carats Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These beautiful drop earrings feature crystal clear sky 5.41 carats of sparkling sky blue topaz set with fine, natural diamonds in 18k yellow gold. The blue topaz "onion-shaped" gems...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Zircon and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold, 10.62 Carats Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning drop earrings feature over 10 carats of gorgeous blue zircon gems set with sparkling diamonds in 18k yellow gold. The oval blue zircons are impressive enough to be cen...
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, White Diamond, Gold, 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
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 Oval Emerald Diamond Gold Omega Clip/Post Back Earrings
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
These magnificent emerald and diamond earrings are set in a handcrafted Kurt Wayne 18kt yellow gold omega clip/post back mountings. Stamped "KW". The emeralds have an estimated tot...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold