Skip to main content

Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

American, b. 1938

Less could have been expected from a well-bred society girl like Mary McFadden, who stepped out of the safe confines of the haut monde to create iconic designs for evening dresses, jackets, skirts and other items inspired by ancient and ethnic cultures and traditions. Fashion, in fact, was not initially on her agenda.

“I fell into it backwards,” she told the New York Times in 1979.

Born in New York but raised on a cotton plantation in Memphis, Tennessee, McFadden spent a few months at the Traphagen School of Fashion in 1956 and moved on to study sociology and anthropology at Columbia University. Afterward, she spent a short period of time in public relations at Christian Dior during the early 1960s, but she was unsure exactly what would lie ahead for her. McFadden decided to relocate to South Africa with her first husband, who oversaw production of the De Beers mines. While there, she began to design her own clothing — tunics that featured African prints, made of silk she’d found in Madagascar — because she couldn’t find anything that suited her.

In 1970, following two divorces, McFadden returned to her native New York City and was offered a job as an editor at Vogue magazine. Her colleagues admired the sophisticated garments she made in South Africa and had been wearing to work, and the magazine staffers pleaded to feature her designs, which meant she’d need to go into business in order to make them available to readers. So, in 1973, McFadden took the jump, soon becoming known for refreshing kimono-shaped jackets and richly colored pleated dresses that evoke the freedom of a Greek chiton — a far cry from the dull routine office attire for working women at the time. A collection of jewelry followed, and in 1977, McFadden patented her “marii” fabric, a pleated synthetic charmeuse that fell “like liquid gold on the body, like Chinese silk.”

In 1976, McFadden won her first Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award, and a few years later, she entered the Coty Award Hall of Fame. While her business shuttered in the early 2000s, the beloved designer’s timeless styles endure.

Shop vintage Mary McFadden day dresses, accessories and jewelry on 1stDibs today.

to
2
1
1
1
1

Use search to find more

6
1
3
5
1
6
44
8,117
5,926
4,489
4,442

Use search to find more

1
1
Creator: Mary McFadden
Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware "Scrab" Optional Clip on Brooch
Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware "Scrab" Optional Clip on Brooch

Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware "Scrab" Optional Clip on Brooch

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

This wonderful gilded gold hardware "Scrab" by Mary McFadden optional clip-on brooch as well as a loop to hold in place your silk scarf when being worn is detailed with etchin...

Category

1980s American Egyptian Revival Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Rare Mary McFadden Egyptian Brooch/Clip
Rare Mary McFadden Egyptian Brooch/Clip

Rare Mary McFadden Egyptian Brooch/Clip

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

Rare Mary McFadden Egyptian Brooch/Clip is wonderfully carved in details with the gold hardware base. This piece measures 2" in length, 1 1/2"...

Category

1980s American Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Art to Wear Hammered Brass Body Ornament, attrib Mary McFadden
Art to Wear Hammered Brass Body Ornament, attrib Mary McFadden

Art to Wear Hammered Brass Body Ornament, attrib Mary McFadden

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

Art to Wear Hammered Brass Body Ornament of 2 toned brass "links" woven with silk bias tubing in lilac and burgundy. There are unfinished brass links alternating with hammered brass links in a slightly different tone. Completely flexible like a massive metal centipede to wrap anywhere you like. Incredibly versatile body jewelry...

Category

1980s American Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Brass

Mary McFadden Tall Gold Cuff
Mary McFadden Tall Gold Cuff

Mary McFadden Tall Gold Cuff

By Mary McFadden

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

The Mary McFadden Tall Gold Cuff Bracelet is a stunning, statement-making piece of jewelry that reflects the designer's love of global influences, bold designs, and timeless elegance...

Category

Late 20th Century Regency Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Mary McFadden TheMetCollectedJewelrySeries Gilt Openwork Sculptural Brooch c1970
Mary McFadden TheMetCollectedJewelrySeries Gilt Openwork Sculptural Brooch c1970

Mary McFadden TheMetCollectedJewelrySeries Gilt Openwork Sculptural Brooch c1970

By Mary McFadden

Located in Chicago, IL

Like Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Hattie Carnegie, and Pauline Trigere, Mary McFadden produced jewelry in the 20th Century to compliment her own couture-clothing designs. Unlike those fashion designers, McFadden handcrafted her sculptural jewelry, whereby her studio designs in brass since...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Gold, Gilt Metal, Brass

Mary McFadden Monumental Leaf Earrings
Mary McFadden Monumental Leaf Earrings

Mary McFadden Monumental Leaf Earrings

By Mary McFadden

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Mary McFadden Monumental Leaf Clip on Earrings would be a striking and bold statement piece of jewelry, combining McFadden's signature design style with the elegance of nature-inspir...

Category

Late 20th Century Regency Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Related Items
Cartier Love Bracelet in 18K Rose Gold Size 17 With Box and Papers
Cartier Love Bracelet in 18K Rose Gold Size 17 With Box and Papers

Cartier Love Bracelet in 18K Rose Gold Size 17 With Box and Papers

By Cartier

Located in Honolulu, HI

Item Specifications: Brand: Cartier Style: Cartier Love Bracelet Metal: 18K Rose Gold Size: 17 Width: ~6mm Weight: 30.5 grams

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Mings Bluish Purple Pearl Branch Brooch in Sterling Silver
Mings Bluish Purple Pearl Branch Brooch in Sterling Silver

Mings Bluish Purple Pearl Branch Brooch in Sterling Silver

Located in Honolulu, HI

Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: Sterling Silver Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1.75" Total Weight: 8.3 Grams Pearls: Akoya Pearls Condition: Preowned, good

Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Pearl, Sterling Silver

10 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Pendant with Amethyst and Diamonds
10 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Pendant with Amethyst and Diamonds

10 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Pendant with Amethyst and Diamonds

Located in Stamford, CT

10 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Pendant with Ruby and Diamonds 2.07 grams total weight.

Category

2010s Modern Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold

Art Nouveau Enamel Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Empress Stickpin
Art Nouveau Enamel Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Empress Stickpin

Art Nouveau Enamel Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Empress Stickpin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed as a concave disk depicting a high relief profile of a woman with curling tendrils of long hair that drapes beyond the confines of the circular surround Her face incredibly...

Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

Barry Kieselstein Cord 2004 Sterling Silver & 14k Gold Frog Flower Cuff Bracelet
Barry Kieselstein Cord 2004 Sterling Silver & 14k Gold Frog Flower Cuff Bracelet

Barry Kieselstein Cord 2004 Sterling Silver & 14k Gold Frog Flower Cuff Bracelet

Located in Honolulu, HI

Barry Kieselstein Cord Cuff Bracelet in sterling silver and14k yellow gold. The bracelet features a 3-D frog in between 2 3-D flowers with 14k yellow gold petals. Hallmarked "Barry Kieselstein Cord" and stamped "2004," "925," "14K," "Thailand," on the inside. This cuff bangle measures 29 mm wide, 58 mm long and weighs 78.5 grams. This is a pre-owned Barry Kieselstein Cord bracelet...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Tiffany & Co Retro Iconic Gold Brooch Set
Tiffany & Co Retro Iconic Gold Brooch Set

Tiffany & Co Retro Iconic Gold Brooch Set

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Iconic Retro 14k gold brooches , crafted by Tiffany & Co. Each brooch measures 1.25" x 1". Hallmarked 14k, Tiffany & Co. Weight of the set - 26 grams. Beautiful addition to ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Gold

18 Karat Italian White Gold Woven Necklace
18 Karat Italian White Gold Woven Necklace

18 Karat Italian White Gold Woven Necklace

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique necklace is woven with 18 Karat Italian White Gold thats so refine that it glitters when reflected by light - easily worn with an adjust...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Contemporary Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

By Buccellati

Located in New York, NY

Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet Olive leaf design made out of sterling silver; marked Buccellati, Italy, 925, Sterling Size: wi...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Greek Gold Leaf Earrings
Greek Gold Leaf Earrings

Greek Gold Leaf Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Greek made 18k gold leaf motif earrings, measuring 1.5" x 1". Hallmarked ZL 750, Greece. Weight - 22 grams.

Category

20th Century Greek Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Gold

Judith Ripka Lava Cameo Gold Earrings
Judith Ripka Lava Cameo Gold Earrings

Judith Ripka Lava Cameo Gold Earrings

By Judith Ripka

Located in New York, NY

Pair of 18k yellow gold earrings by Judith Ripka, set with lava cameos, depicting a nymph silhouette. Earrings have hooks to attach drops. Measure 7/8" in diameter. Marked Judith Ri...

Category

20th Century North American Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Gold

Gorgeous Carved Coral and Diamond Gold Large Brooch
Gorgeous Carved Coral and Diamond Gold Large Brooch

Gorgeous Carved Coral and Diamond Gold Large Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful and substantial 18k yellow gold brooch, set with carved coral and angel skin coral accents, adorned with approx. 2 carats in SI1/H diamonds. Brooch measures 2" x 1 7/5". Ha...

Category

20th Century Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Coral, Diamond

1970's Georg Jensen Sterling Red Agate Necklace Vivianna Torun
1970's Georg Jensen Sterling Red Agate Necklace Vivianna Torun

1970's Georg Jensen Sterling Red Agate Necklace Vivianna Torun

By Georg Jensen

Located in Toronto, ON

Vivianna Torun Bulow Hube for George Jensen, a rare Sterling Silver Necklace with reddish brown banded agate detachable pendant on collar, Denmark, C. 1975, stamped Georg Jensen in a dotted oval, Denmark, Torun, 133 pendant and 160 collar and 925S. Will fit up to 16 inch neck, pendant drop approximately 2.75 inches, width of agate 2 inches. Item Weight: 123 grams. Ref: The Jewellery Box Jens Ingvordsen P.275. Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hube know as Torun, was born 1927 in Malmo, Sweden. Torun was the first woman silversmith in the world to gain international recognition. She studied at Konstfack, the School of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, beginning in 1945 while pregnant with her first child, Pia. Eventually she married the child's father, a Danish journalism student. In 1948, Torun spent the summer in Paris meeting Picasso, Braque, Matisse, and the other great artists of the day. She married a French architect and lived in Stockholm until 1956 having a second child, a son, Claude. As early as 1952, Torun exhibited her jewelry, made both in Stockholm and France (and bearing hallmarks from each country) in Paris. In 1956 she moved to France with her third husband, Walter Coleman. She designed jewelry for among others, Billie Holiday which Holiday wore when she performed. The couple moved to Biot in the south of France. Torun produced many pieces during this period when young Swedish silversmiths would come to work in her studio, introducing her to new techniques. Torun renewed her acquaintance with Picasso who lived in the area and an exhibition of Torun jewelry...

Category

1970s Danish Modernist Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Agate, Sterling Silver

Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Leaf Cuff Bracelet
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Leaf Cuff Bracelet

Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Leaf Cuff Bracelet

By Buccellati

Located in New York, NY

Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, Italian Medlar leaf design made out of sterling silver; marked Buccellati, Italy, 925, Sterling ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ram's Head Gold Ear Clips
Ram's Head Gold Ear Clips

Ram's Head Gold Ear Clips

$4,500

W 1.5 in L 1.5 in

Ram's Head Gold Ear Clips

Located in New York, NY

Ram's head gold ear clips Hoops with ram's head at the end, 18 karat yellow gold, emerald stones for eyes; marked 750 Size: width 1.5 inches, length 1...

Category

1970s Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Himalayan Mountain Emerald and Diamond  convertible Tiara/Necklace
Rare Himalayan Mountain Emerald and Diamond  convertible Tiara/Necklace

Rare Himalayan Mountain Emerald and Diamond convertible Tiara/Necklace

Located in Hong Kong, HK

A very beautiful and unique tiara that also converts into a necklace. It features 3 stunning GRS-certified natural emerald beads weighing a total of 27.05 carats, embellished with ...

Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Previously Available Items
Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware Detailed "Scarab" Clip On Brooch
Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware Detailed "Scarab" Clip On Brooch

Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware Detailed "Scarab" Clip On Brooch

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

Wonderfully detailed, Mary McFadden's gilded gold hardware optional "Scarab" clip on brooch, can also be used as a loop to hold in place your lovely silk scarf when wor...

Category

1980s American Egyptian Revival Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Mary McFadden Etruscan Necklace Faux Pearl Double Strand + Gold Beads + Box 80s
Mary McFadden Etruscan Necklace Faux Pearl Double Strand + Gold Beads + Box 80s

Mary McFadden Etruscan Necklace Faux Pearl Double Strand + Gold Beads + Box 80s

By Mary McFadden

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

This chic double strand Etruscan style necklace was designed by Mary McFadden in 1988 and sold exclusively by the Franklin Mint as part of a limited edition. Made from 22ct gold ele...

Category

1980s American Etruscan Revival Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Mary McFadden Bronze and Silk Braided Rope Couture Sculptural Necklace Vintage
Mary McFadden Bronze and Silk Braided Rope Couture Sculptural Necklace Vintage

Mary McFadden Bronze and Silk Braided Rope Couture Sculptural Necklace Vintage

By Mary McFadden

Located in North Miami, FL

This vintage necklace by Mary McFadden has beautiful gold silk metallic braided rope that houses the 6 bronze pendants that hang from it. It simply ties around the neck so one can ma...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Bronze

Mary MacFadden Oversized Brooch
Mary MacFadden Oversized Brooch

Mary MacFadden Oversized Brooch

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

Mary MacFadden oversized openwork brooch with Celtic overtones. Gilded Metal, 1980's USA. 3". Excellent condition.

Category

1980s American Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Mary McFadden Vintage Brass, Agate Stone and Lapis Lazuli Wide Cuff Bracelet
Mary McFadden Vintage Brass, Agate Stone and Lapis Lazuli Wide Cuff Bracelet

Mary McFadden Vintage Brass, Agate Stone and Lapis Lazuli Wide Cuff Bracelet

By Mary McFadden

Located in North Miami, FL

This theatrical and dramatic vintage Mary McFadden very wide cuff bracelet has lapis lazuli and another burgundy agate stone against the gold brass. It is signed Mary McFadden Hand Crafted. It envelopes a time of Egyptian revival meets modern. This needs a long arm and a woman who is loves dramatic statements and dramatic jewelry...

Category

1970s American Modernist Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Brass

Mary McFadden Silk Knot Cuff
Mary McFadden Silk Knot Cuff

Mary McFadden Silk Knot Cuff

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

Mary McFadden's dramatic hammered gilt cuff with black silk Chinese knot decoration. An interesting companion piece for her Fortuny pleated gowns. 1980's USA. Signed. Excellent cond...

Category

1980s American Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Mary Mcfadden jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Mary McFadden jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using brass. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Mary McFadden jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Mary McFadden agate jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 1, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 8 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Joseff Hollywood, Martine, and R.J. Graziano. Prices for Mary McFadden jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $885 and tops out at $2,800, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $1,623.

Questions About Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mary McFadden is a fashion designer known for her kimono-shaped jackets and synthetic pleated charmeuse fabric. She drew inspiration for her designs from ancient cultures and traditions from around the world. Shop a variety of classic Mary McFadden clothing from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.