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.
$64,000Sale Price|20% Off
Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace 22 Carats
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chicago, IL
A spectacular and highly collectible diamond necklace by renowned designer Kurt Wayne, crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and set with over 22 carats of beautifully matched diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne 6.00ct Diamond Platinum Heart Pendant
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Kurt Wayne heart pendant, masterfully crafted in platinum, showcasing exceptional design and brilliance. The pendant is set with an impressive approximately 6.00 carats ...
Diamond, Platinum
Kurt Wayne 18.50cts Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Oval Link Celebrity Necklace
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
This high polish oversized Kurt Wayne diamond necklace is Crafted in solid hefty 18K yellow gold with a polished finish, with a crossover f...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Umbrella Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds, 1974
By Kurt Wayne
Located in North Miami, FL
Kurt Wayne Umbrella Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds, 1974 Description: This vintage Kurt Wayne Umbrella brooch, created in 1974, is a rare example of the designer’s playful ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,960Sale Price|20% Off
Kurt Wayne Oval Emerald Pendant with Diamond Halo in 18K Yellow Gold
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant by Kurt Wayne is a refined celebration of color and classic design. At its center is a richly hued 0.56 carat oval emerald, prized for its vibrant green tone and...
Emerald, 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
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Kurt Wayne Starburst Diamond Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This charming and unique piece by Kurt Wayne features a 0.10ct round diamond and nine straight baguettes that form a graceful asymmetrical starburst design. The setting and chain are...
Diamond, 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
Victorian 1.00ct Diamond Heart Pendant, c.1860s
Located in London, GB
A charmingly sweet heart shaped pendant dates back to the Victorian era. It is composed of grain set rose cut diamonds scattered over the silver setting, totalling to 0.90 carat, inc...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
2.36 Carat Diamond Collar Necklace 18K Yellow Gold, Adjustable Length
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Simple, clean and timeless. This 18K yellow gold collar necklace is set with round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of 2.36 cara...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$980Sale Price|30% Off
W 0.41 in L 0.78 in
18K Yellow Gold Octagon-Cut Natural Emerald Pendant with Ruby Halo and Diamond
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, this pendant showcases a vivid 1.59 carat emerald-cut green gemstone, beautifully framed by a halo of striking red stones for a bold contrast. A...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,785Sale Price|30% Off
W 0.77 in L 1.21 in
Statement Emerald & Triple Diamond Halo Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold Luxury Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Make a striking impression with this stunning pendant featuring a captivating 1.87 carat oval-cut emerald at its center. Encircled by four radiant halos of diamonds totaling 0.92 car...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds, Rubys, Silver & 18K Gold Butterfly Necklace
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Diamonds, Ruby, Silver & 18K Gold Butterfly Necklace MATERIALS ◘ Necklace Weight: 0.62 grams ◘ Silver Weight: 15.60 grams ◘ Gold Weight:...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
$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
5.42 Carat Natural Emerald Pendant Necklace with Yellow Diamond Halo in 18k Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
CIT Certified emerald cut natural 5.42 carat emerald pendant necklace, elegantly designed in 18K yellow gold basket setting. The pendant's centerpiece boasts a stunning 5.42-carat em...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Estate Black, Starr & Frost 18K Yellow Gold Torque Necklace
By Black, Starr & Frost
Located in New York, NY
Estate Black, Starr & Frost 18K yellow gold torque necklace. 20th Century Classic spiral twist design with a wonderful double hinged closure. Substantial, fine heirloom quality synon...
18k 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
Kurt Wayne 1990's Diamond Rubellite Tourmaline 18 Karat White Gold Heart Necklae
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a rose cut heart shaped rubellite tourmaline weighing 8.5 carats total. Transparent pinkish red in color with medium saturation and natural in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Kurt Wayne 1990's Diamond Rubellite Tourmaline 18 Karat White Gold Heart Necklae
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a rose cut heart shaped rubellite tourmaline weighing 8.5 carats total. Transparent pinkish red in color with medium saturation and natural in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Kurt Wayne 60.08 Carat Diamond Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular Kurt Wayne necklace and bracelet set crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring round brilliant and baguette cut diamonds weighing approximately 60.08 carats total, F-G c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond Necklace 34CTW
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Dallas, TX
Kurt Wayne diamond necklace in 18K yellow gold. The necklace feature 34 carat total weight of brilliant cut round diamonds. Stamped 10832 7...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond South Sea Pearls 18K Gold Choker Necklace
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
980'S Kurt Wayne Diamond South Sea Pearls 18K Gold Choker Necklace This Elegant Diamond and Grey south sea Pearls Necklace is the perfect gift for a...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace This sparkling diamond heart pendant necklace is set in 18K Yell...
Diamond, Yellow 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 South Sea Pearl Diamond gold Necklace
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This captivating 18kt yellow gold wheat chain necklace is part of the Kurt Wayne collection. It features two diamond accented oval shaped gold beads joined by a round brilliant diamo...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful 18kt yellow gold Kurt Wayne signed pendant features a stunning deep bluish green step cut tourmaline weighing 7.22cts with a row of 7 graduating prong-set round brilli...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This classic 14kt yellow gold Kurt Wayne pendant features an 11.0mm creamy white pearl drop and a bail encrusted with 0.17ctw of pave set round brilliant diamonds suspended from a 16...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Kurt Wayne Emerald Diamond Gold Necklace
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A gorgeous emerald and diamond necklace designed by Kurt Wayne. There are three round cut emeralds with an estimated total weight of 1.00cts...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne Princess Diamond Platinum Cross Pendant
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful necklace is part of the Kurt Wayne collection. This heavyweight platinum cross pendant features rows of channel set princess cut di...
Diamond, Platinum