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.
KURT WAYNE Geometric Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.71 Ctw Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric cocktail ring designed by Kurt Wayne (1909-1990). This very bold and unusual cocktail ring was created by the jeweler Kurt Wayne back in the late 1970's. The ring has been...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
KURT WAYNE Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 4.22 Ctw Vivid Rubies And Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric cocktail ring designed by Kurt Wayne (1909-1990). This magnificent gems-set ring was created by the jewelry designer Kurt Wayne, back in the late 1980's. The ring has been...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Vintage Kurt Wayne Designer Gold Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Pearl and Diamond Kurt Wayne Gold Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled 10.8mm Pearl. Artfully surrounded by Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, wei...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne 18 Karat Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful cocktail ring by Kurt Wayne. In 18K yellow gold with a half-twist to the shank. The shank supports a gallery with a central pear-cut ruby and 10 small round cut diamonds. A high-level ring from the famous New York jewelry designer...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Kurt Wayne Approximately 9.8 Carat Natural Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This beautiful and vibrant Kurt Wayne ring features a cabochon Sapphire weighing approximately 9.80 carats, and 52 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 5.70 carats. Di...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 1.78 Carat Oval Tourmaline and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This charming vintage ring is a warm and vibrant piece that brings together classic craftsmanship and rich color. At its center is a 1.78 carat oval green tourmaline with a lush, sat...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne 0.90 ct Emerald & 0.92ct Diamond Designer Signed 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Addison, TX
Emerald / Diamond: ~ 0.90 ct / 0.92 ct Metal: Yellow Gold Metal purity: 18K Condition: Excellent Style: Flower ring Weight: 4.8 grams Markings: “34 4880 750 ©KW”
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne 1.44 Carat Citrine Cabochon 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant ring by Kurt Wayne brings a warm, golden glow to any collection. The center stone is a 1.44 carat cabochon citrine with a luminous, honeyed tone and smooth, polished sur...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 2.75 Carat Total Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This striking 18K yellow gold ring is a bold yet timeless design, perfect for those who appreciate vintage glamour with a refined edge. The band is set with a total of 10 round brill...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne 3.50ct Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This is a fabulous 18k yellow and white ring by Kurt Wayne. The ring is set with sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 3.50ct. The color of these diamonds is E with V...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 0.80 Carat Total Round Ruby Wave 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This playful yet elegant wave ring by Kurt Wayne brings a vibrant splash of color to any jewelry collection. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, the band features a flowing wave motif t...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 2.27 Carat Total Diamond Cocktail 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring by renowned designer Kurt Wayne blends warmth, sparkle, and timeless sophistication. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, the design features 1.00 carat total weight of...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne 18k Yellow Gold 2.50 Carat Diamond Love Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This Kurt Wayne cocktail ring is a striking example of mid-century design and craftsmanship. Created in platinum and 18K yellow gold, the piece spells out the word “Love” in sculpt...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Kurt Wayne 11.42 Carat Oval Rhodolite and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This striking cocktail ring is a bold celebration of color and elegance. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, it features an impressive 11.42 carat oval rhodolite garnet with a rich, raspberr...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 3.35 Carat Rubellite Cabochon 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This bold and elegant ring by renowned designer Kurt Wayne showcases a vivid 3.35 carat rubellite cabochon in a smooth, high-domed cut that glows with rich raspberry tones. The stone...
Rubelite, 18k Gold
KURT WAYNE Cocktail Ring In 18Kt White Gold With 2.14 Cwt. In VVS Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage cocktail ring designed by Kurt Wayne (1909-1990). This is a very unusual cocktail ring created by the jewelry designer Kurt Wayne back in 1971. The ring has been hand-craf...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 2.02 Carat Round Sapphire and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
Timeless and sophisticated, this Kurt Wayne 2.02 Carat Round Sapphire and Diamond Ring is a striking statement of elegance. At its center is a vivid 2.02 carat round sapphire, radiat...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 0.54 Carat Ruby and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This signed Kurt Wayne ring is a timeless treasure that blends classic elegance with vibrant color. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, the design centers around a vivid 0.54 carat ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 1.20 Carat Oval Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This signed Kurt Wayne emerald and diamond ring is a vibrant and elegant piece from a celebrated American designer. At its heart is a richly colored 1.20 carat oval emerald, bezel-se...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,812Sale Price|20% Off
Turquoise, Ruby, and Diamond Cluster Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Exquisite and statement turquoise, ruby, and diamond ring. Center Arizona turquoise surrounded by 4.20ct of round rubies heat and 0.60ct of round brilliant diamonds. 4.80ct total ge...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro 1945 Fluted Ring in 18kt yellow Gold with Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
This striking Retro bombe fluted ring, crafted between the 1945-1950s, is a bold and elegant representation of mid-century jewelry design. Made from 18kt yellow gold, the ring featur...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 1.78 Carat Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Mens Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Natural 0.77 Carat Emerald and 1.01 Carat Diamond 18K Gold Mens Ring Mens Ring boasting an emerald-cut, vivid green emerald center stone. The emerald weighs 0.77 carats and is secur...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Kurt Wayne 18 KT White Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite preowned diamond band by Kurt Wayne is crafted in luxurious 18kt white gold, embodying timeless elegance and sophistication. The band is adorned with 50 sparkling prin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Kurt Wayne Turquoise and Diamond Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.5 grams Diamond Details: .15ct total weight, F-G Color, VS Clarity, ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold, Diamond and Tahitian Pearl Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat White Gold Ring Featuring An 11.5mm Tahitian Cultured Pearl Accented By 38 Round Diamonds Of SI Clarity & H Color. Finger Size 8.5; Purchase Includes One Sizing Service. Fin...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cocktail 18kt white Gold Ring with Onyx & Diamonds 18k Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Aventura, FL
Elevate your style to new heights with this mesmerizing cocktail ring crafted in 18k white gold. A true statement piece, this ring exudes sophistication and allure, drawing inspirati...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18kt Yellow Gold 1940's Ring with Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Yellow Gold Ring With Diamonds And Ruby Diamonds: 6 brilliant cut diamonds Ruby: 6 round cut ruby Material: 18kt yellow & white gold Ring size: 58.9 EU / 8.75 US (can be re...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Natural Fancy Color Diamond Ruby Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Sparkling Open Gilt Fancy color Oval cut Diamond ring. Natural Fancy Light Brown color Center diamond: .55ct. Oval Brilliant Cut 6.4 X 4.3mm Vs-...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Tourmaline & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Pink Tourmaline & Diamond ring crafted in 18k yellow gold. Gemstone: Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Diamond Carat Weight: .60CTW Diamond Cut: Princess Cut Diamonds Diamond Color: F-G Di...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold Natural Cabochon Sapphire Thai Princess Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stacked up with Cabochons sapphires. Intricate detailing on the shank. Set in 14K Yellow Gold. The Ring is a 5.5. However, it can be size by us or you jeweler. This is out of a mass...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Rubies Sapphires and Diamond 18Kt Yellow Gold Vintage Dome Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
Vintage cocktail ring ( circa 1950s to 1960s ) set with a cluster of blue sapphires and rubies in a high rising dome mount and one diamond at the top. Crafted in 18 Kt yellow gold wi...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 3.44 Carat Total Baguette Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This striking 18K yellow gold ring is a bold, architectural statement. Set with 3.44 carats of assorted baguette-cut diamonds, it celebrates clean lines, symmetry, and sparkle. The v...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Kurt Wayne Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in South Pasadena, CA
1980s Kurt Wayne Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring. The 1980s saw a significant evolution in jewelry design, exemplified by the Kurt Wayne diamond yellow gold cluster ring....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist Kurt Wayne Ring with Emeralds and Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Fairfield, CT
Modernist Kurt Wayne ring featuring 1.7 ctw emeralds and 1.9 ctw diamonds. This exquisite ring is designed in the style to make the emeralds the center of attention. The contrast of ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Kurt Wayne Kunzite 2.72ct Diamond Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Jewelry
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Kurt Wayne kunzite & diamond ring (circa 1980s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Faceted pear cut kunzite measures 20mm x 15mm (estimated at 18.50 carats). 32 diamo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Addison, TX
This stunning one of a kind Kurt Wayne ring, is a must have. It has a beautiful design, that brings this ring together. Enhanced with diamonds surrounding the heart shape, following ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Diamond Emerald 18K Yellow Gold 1960s Frog Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
This frog inspired ring from Famous American designer Kurt Wyne is for nature lovers, Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, topped by (24) high grade round cut diamonds, bezel-set, wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Kurt Wayne Five-Stone Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Lexington, KY
This is Kurt Wayne at his absolute best! The three rubies match flawlessly and are perfectly accented by two well cut oval diamonds that are full of fire and life, just screaming hel...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Large Kurt Wayne Whimsical Gem Set Gold Frog Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Frog Ring, measuring 1 1/2 inches in length and 1 inch wide, very nicely detailed and having Cabochon Emerald eyes. Finger size = 6 and can be s...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne South Sea Golden Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond South Sea Golden Pearl Ring by Kurt Wayne. With 28 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds G color, VS1 clarity total weight approximat...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Kurt Wayne Yellow Gold Frog Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Greenwich, CT
Beautiful Frog Ring by Kurt Wayne. An Austrian jeweler, a true animal lover, model maker and jewelry sculptor. This Frog ring is crafted in 18K Yellow Gold with a very naturalistic d...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kurt Wayne Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This unique piece is part of the Kurt Wayne collection. This substantial ribbed platinum ring features a 4.38ct oval cut aquamarine gemstone with 0.33ctw of round brilliant diamond a...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Kurt Wayne 11.50 Carat Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular ring by American designer Kurt Wayne centers around a jaw-dropping 11.50 carat blue opal with flashes of patchwork green and orange fire. This incredible stone is claw-...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum