Fulco di Verdura (1898–1978) is not exactly a household name, except for those who know a thing or two about highly original, often eccentric handcrafted earrings and bracelets, and, even more so, for those fortunate enough to own some. In that exclusive group, Verdura is regarded as the most gifted and coveted designer of his time.
Verdura was born in Sicily in 1898, the scion of a noble family related to the Lampedusas. (His cousin, Giuseppe di Lampedusa, wrote the great Italian saga The Leopard). His life was charmed from birth. Raised in his family’s villa, he grew up during a time when Sicily, and Palermo in particular, were meccas for well-born and highly cultured European travelers.
A bona fide duke with no clear ambitions but creative leanings aplenty (he could draw and paint), the young Verdura was part of the wandering social circuit — the so-called beau monde — that went from capital to capital, resort to resort.
Verdura, though small in stature, had that indefinable quality called charm. As a result, he was the life of every party he attended. When he finally started designing jewelry under Coco Chanel in the late 1920s, many of his friends became his clients (or received the pieces as gifts).
Elsa Maxwell took him under her ample wing when she was hired to do public relations for the Lido in Venice and introduced him to the local and visiting cognoscenti. Chanel, whom he met in Venice, hired him to work in the textiles division of her fashion house. But it was his flair for jewelry that soon caught Coco’s eye. Eventually, he rose to become her personal designer of fine jewelry.
In 2002’s Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler (Thames & Hudson), Vanity Fair’s Amy Fine Collins describes the sensation of wearing pieces by Verdura, who drew inspiration from nature for his signature gem-studded seashell brooches and honeybee earrings.
“They were ingeniously calculated to flatter the wearer,” writes Collins. “Earrings undulated to complement the convolutions of an earlobe, rings seductively followed the phalanges of a finger, and necklaces gracefully traced the anatomy of the throat.”
In 1934, Verdura left Chanel and together with two friends, aspiring actress Princess Natalia Pavlovna Paley and Baron Nicholas de Gunzburg, moved to the U.S. After several stops, he found a job through Diana Vreeland in Hollywood with Paul Flato, then the “jeweler to the stars.” Soon he was signing his work and helping Flato cultivate the crème de la creme of the silver screen — those both on it and behind it.
Verdura left Los Angeles for New York and opened his own salon, first on Fifth Avenue in 1939, just as World War II was beginning in Europe. His backers were Vincent Astor and Cole Porter, for whom he made bejeweled boxes and cigarette cases — gifts from Porter’s wife, Linda — to commemorate the opening nights of several musicals.
Verdura began to expand both his repertoire — he became much more daring and flamboyant — and his clientele. The Duchess of Windsor, Daisy Fellowes, Greta Garbo and others routinely gave him commissions. In 1941, Verdura collaborated on a collection of six pieces with Salvador Dalí to accompany a Dalí exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. Verdura retired in 1972 and left the care of the company to his partner, Joseph Alfano. He later moved to London, where he died in 1978 at the age of 79.
Among the most prized pieces on display in a 2014 Verdura jewelry exhibition in New York were Greta Garbo’s curb-link bracelet watch, which Verdura designed for her in 1939; Coco Chanel’s pair of Maltese Cross cuff bracelets (she wore one on each wrist); and Diana Vreeland’s duo of Byzantine brooches.
Find a range of vintage Verdura jewelry today on 1stDibs.
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Rope Twist Double Link Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This bracelet features Verdura’s signature nautical-inspired, twisted rope textured double links. Rendered in warm 18k yellow gold, this versatile piece offers a bold yet sophisticat...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Iconic Verdura Emerald and Diamond Cuff Bangle
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Verdura Emerald and Diamond Cuff Bangle A Verdura black jade cuff bracelet, centered with a antique starburst motif set with an emerald framed with antique diamonds Signed a...
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold
VERDURA Green Jade and Gem-set 'Maltese' Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in West Hollywood, CA
have two of these, you can buy together or just one. Price Listed is for one bracelet. Designed as a wide dark green jade cuff, centering upon a polished and matte-finished 18K gold...
Amethyst, Citrine, Jade, Cultured Pearl, Ruby
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Maltese Cross Sunburst Vintage Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
A bold and iconic design from the legendary house of Verdura, this Maltese Cross Sunburst Cuff Bracelet is a true collector's treasure. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, the piece bur...
Pearl, Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Verdura Diamond Bracelet Pair
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with 136 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds per bracelet weighing approximately 6.80 carats. Together the bracelets carry 272 Round Brilliant cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Verdura Cuff Bracelet Natural Colored Diamonds 18k Gold & Platinum
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verdura Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet, 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum set with 25 Large Natural Color Brown Diamonds Weight 19.63 ct White Diamonds 28 rounds at 2.26 cts. and lastly, 13...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Verdura Maltese Cross Diamond Gemstones 18k Yellow Gold Enamel Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
"Originally designed for Coco Chanel, Verdura’s cuffs are as bold and stylish today as they were in the 1930s." The Classic Maltese Cross Motif has inspired this Vintage Verdura mu...
Diamond, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Verdura Criss Cross Wide Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Criss Cross Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet by Verdura. Details: Weight: 66.3 grams Width: 1.5" Length: 6.25" Stamped Hallmarks: VERDURA 750 Your Price: $29,500 *Free Shi...
Yellow Gold
Verdura 1960s Rope Link Bracelet Two-tone 14k Gold
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Verdura rope link bracelet is a timeless piece that exudes understated charm. Crafted in the 1960s, it showcases the designer's...
14k Gold
Verdura Cacholong Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in carved Cacholong featuring an 18K yellow gold Maltese cross with Oval and Pear-Shaped Cabochon Corals, Round cut Citrines, and Cultured Pearls. Signed by Verdura Ci...
Citrine, Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold
Verdura Vintage 18K White Gold Link Bracelet with 1.1 Carat Round F-VS Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Verdura Detailed Description: Elevate your elegance with this vintage 18K white gold bracelet, featuring 54 meticulously set 1.1 carat round brilliant diamonds. The diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Verdura Vintage 84.70 Grams Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Verdura Title: Verdura 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Bracelet Style: Gemstone Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size: 10 Dimension: 8 inch Weight: 84.7 Grams Condit...
Onyx, 18k Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Verdura Fancy Yellow Double Row 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Chicago, IL
Bracelet 11mm wide, 7 inches long Metal tested 18k gold Marked: Verdura Made in France Total Weight : 45.2 grams ChatGPT Stunning 18k Gold Bracelet with Natural Diamonds Diamonds:...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Twisted Rope Openwork Wide Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Twisted Rope Openwork Wide Link Bracelet by Verdura. Details: Weight: 105.9 grams Width: 1 1/4" Length: 7.5" Stamped Hallmarks: VERDURA 750 *Free Shipping within th...
Yellow Gold
Verdura Yellow Diamond 18k Gold Link Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York City, NY
The Verdura Fancy Yellow Diamond and 18k Gold Bracelet is an exquisite and luxurious piece that captures the essence of Verdura's iconic designs. Renowned for their craftsmanship and unique aesthetic, Verdura pieces are highly coveted in the world of fine jewelry. The bracelet features a sophisticated design with two rows of fancy yellow diamonds set in a linear pattern, flanked with gold accents. Verdura's design philosophy often incorporates bold yet elegant elements, creating a timeless and distinctive look. Fancy yellow diamonds are celebrated for their intense color and rarity. The diamonds in this bracelet exhibit a rich, warm hue, and their exceptional quality may be reflected in factors such as color saturation, clarity, and cut. The fancy yellow diamonds are meticulously set in 18k gold, providing a luxurious and complementary backdrop for the vibrant gemstones. The setting style involves prongs, allowing each diamond to shine while ensuring a secure and captivating arrangement. The bracelet is crafted from 18k gold, a choice that enhances the warmth and opulence of the piece. Verdura's attention to detail extends to the metalwork, with the gold being expertly shaped and finished to complement the overall design. Verdura is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship. The intricate details in the bracelet, from the placement of each diamond to the overall construction, showcase the brand's commitment to quality and precision. **Clasp:** The clasp of the bracelet is seamlessly integrated into the design. It features a secure and well-crafted mechanism that ensures both comfort and safety while wearing the bracelet. While undoubtedly a statement piece, Verdura jewelry...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
David Yurman Rare Silver & 18k Yellow Gold Twisted Link Chain Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Sterling Silver - 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 31.1 Grams Type: Rare Twisted Link Length: 7” (measured on ruler) can comfortably fit a 6.25” wrist Clasp: Large Lobster Claw Clas...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 18K yellow gold twisted bangle bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sleek and sophisticated, this vintage twisted bangle embodies the bold elegance of 1980s design. Meticulously crafted in rich 18k yellow gold, the bracelet features a graceful rope-l...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Bulgari 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet with Cabochon Amethyst
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1960s Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 44.3 grams (All Items Total) Stone Details: Natural, Amethyst (No Treatments), 13.5mm x 10mm, A...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,875
Topaz Cuff Bangle
Located in Miami, FL
Striking cuff bangle crafted in Silver featuring 73 oval shaped Blue Topaz stones. This gorgeous bracelet measures 2.7 inches at its widest part and taper...
Topaz, Silver
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 3 Row Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
A stunning exemplar of mid-20th century jewelry artistry, this vintage bracelet from the 1940s-1950s era exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. Masterfully crafted in rich 18k ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$52,299
W 9 in Dm 6.5 in
Verdura Maltese Cross Diamond Gemstones 18k Yellow Gold Enamel Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
"Originally designed for Coco Chanel, Verdura’s cuffs are as bold and stylish today as they were in the 1930s." The Classic Maltese Cross Motif has inspired this Vintage Verdura mu...
Diamond, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Verdura Criss Cross Wide Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Criss Cross Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet by Verdura. Details: Weight: 66.3 grams Width: 1.5" Length: 6.25" Stamped Hallmarks: VERDURA 750 Your Price: $29,500 *Free Shi...
Yellow Gold
$9,120Sale Price|60% Off
NWT $22, 800 18KT Gold Fancy Glittering Emerald Diamond Bracelet Bangle Cuff
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Magnificent Radiant 18KT Gold Large Rare Gorgeous Fancy Emerald and Diamond Bangle Bracelet. Bracelet is comprised of Beautiful Glitterin...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Kieselstein-Cord 18K Green Gold Multi-Gem Hinged Cuff Bracelet – Circa 1990s
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Miami, FL
A rare and collectible treasure from the renowned designer Barry Kieselstein-Cord, this striking cuff bracelet hails from his iconic 1990s collection. Beautifully bold and expertly c...
Gold
Verdura 1960s Rope Link Bracelet Two-tone 14k Gold
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Verdura rope link bracelet is a timeless piece that exudes understated charm. Crafted in the 1960s, it showcases the designer's...
14k Gold
Vintage Sabbadini 18k Yellow and White Gold Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds
By Sabbadini
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely Late-20th century Sabbadini, flexible bangle bracelet is comprised of repeating slightly puffed links, each edged with delicate gold rope and with three white gold links ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Loree Rodkin Diamond Skull Bangle Cuff
By Loree Rodkin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Loree Rodkin, 18 karat white gold 8 carat diamond skull cuff . There are 778 round brilliant white diamonds weighing an estimated 8.00 carats total. The diamonds average G-H, VS1-VS...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Verdura 18k Gold Enamel Gem-Set Icon Charm Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura "Icon" charm bracelet in 18k yellow gold, featuring six charms: a cabochon rose quartz heart wrapped in gold; gold shell accented by natural red coral beads; diamond-set platinum letter 'V'; multicolored enamel gold chess-man holding a monkey; white enamel & rhodolite garnet (5 x 7mm) Maltese Cross motif; and double Greek theater mask...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Verdura Rope Knot Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Design
By Verdura
Located in Fairfield, CT
Verdura Rope Knot Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Design This Verdura bracelet showcases an intricate twisted rope motif, forming interlocking links that create a rich, tactile rhy...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Gold Maltese Cross Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Peridots, Blue Topaz, Pearls, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Verdura Size 7 inches
Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold
Verdura 18k Gold Black Jade Curb Link Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An iconic Verdura curb-link bracelet made of 18k gold and black jade. This Verdura bracelet alternates between polished onyx and 18k yellow gold links, creating a steady rhythm of co...
Jade, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura Gold Twisted Rope Link Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
By Verdura
Located in La Jolla, CA
Verdura Gold Twisted Rope Link Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold Verdura 18k Gold Link Bracelet features Wide Twisted Rope links of High Polished Gold measuring 1 inch wide and 8 inches...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet with Ruby Emerald and Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Verdure Maltese Cross Cuff with Diamonds Cabochon Rubys and emerald center with 12 round diamonds set an 18 k yellow gold a top a wood cuff bracelet. 1.75 inches in width and w...
18k Gold
Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and black enamel with an Amethyst, Peridots, and Diamonds. Signed by Verdura Size 6 - 6 1/2 inches, hinged
Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold
Verdura Gem-Set Black Onyx Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura cuff bracelet, designed as a wide black onyx cuff centering upon an 18k yellow gold Maltese Cross motif set with a larger oval cabochon-cut emerald at center surrounded by fo...
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Jade, Black Jade, 18k G...
Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet 18k Gold Gemstones
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Verdura Maltese Cross cuff bracelet in 18k gold is the most celebrated piece by Verdura. The black enamel cross is encrusted with eight round brilliant cut diamonds set in the corners, four step cut citrines and a step cut rubellite in the center. Silky polished gold underlines the beauty of the Maltese cross design. This oversized, powerful gold cuff bracelet is embodying Verdura’s philosophy that is based on freedom of expression, outspoken design and re-imagining historical references as originally designed for Coco Chanel, Verdura’s cuffs are as bold and stylish today as they were in the 1930s. This Maltese Cross bracelet is 1 5/8" wide and fits up to 6 1/8" (15.5-centimeter) wrist. It weighs 119.9 grams and stamped with Verdura maker's mark, hallmark for 18 karat gold, Italian hallmark, country of manufacture. Verdura jewelry...
Citrine, Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Gem-Set Green Jade Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura cuff bracelet, designed as a wide dark green jade cuff centering upon an 18k yellow gold Maltese Cross motif set with a larger oval cabochon-cut ruby at center surrounded by ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Night Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura "Night" bangle bracelet, in 18k yellow gold with dark cobalt blue enamel accented by various-sized round brilliant-cut diamonds. Thirty diamonds weighing 1.64 total carats. ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Cocholong Rope Net Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura "Rope Net" oval bangle bracelet in 18k yellow gold, featuring a gold nautical rope design that wraps carved white cocholong in a netted fashion. Hinged with polished gold in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold