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.
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Verdura Fancy Yellow Diamond Bracelet 18K Gold Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant diamond bracelet by Verdura, crafted in luxurious 18 karat gold and set with an impressive array of natural diamonds. The design features a refined and substantial structu...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Beaded Stretch Bracelet Beads
Located in Great neck, NY
Stackable Design: This elegant piece of jewelry will fit perfectly with your favorite outfits; wear it alone or combine it with other bracelets, this bracelet will be the foundational cornerstone of your collection. Timeless and unique bracelet: For the modern woman who lets her personal style shine through, this bracelet is delicate and chic on her wrist, they are the perfect accessory as they are suitable for any occasion! Gift Box included: If you are looking to gift your spouse, girlfriend, kid, or mother on a special occasion like Christmas, birthday, engagement or anniversary then look no further! Ease Of Mind and With Full Confidence: Your satisfaction is our only priority so in the improbable case that you are not 100% thrilled with our bracelet, we will offer you a full refund, No questions asked! Add this classic 18k Gold Bead Bracelet...
Yellow Gold
$2,863Sale Price|30% Off
18k Yellow Gold Bracelet with Diamond-Encrusted Signature Orb
By THEVAULT15
Located in Boostedt, DE
This is an end-of-line clearance item. Only one remains. Introducing a refined twist on a classic design, this bracelet by THEVAULT15 features a smaller version of our signature fre...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sparkling Peridot Diamond 18K Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary one of a kind bracelet is crafted from rare peridot of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-car...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Piaget 6 Carat 18K White Gold Diamond Bracelet
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptional vintage diamond bracelet by Piaget, crafted in 18K white gold and showcasing the refined elegance and technical mastery for which the maison is renowned. The bracelet is...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Beaded Stretch Bracelet Beads
Located in Great neck, NY
Stackable Design: This elegant piece of jewelry will fit perfectly with your favorite outfits; wear it alone or combine it with other bracelets, this bracelet will be the foundational cornerstone of your collection. Timeless and unique bracelet: For the modern woman who lets her personal style shine through, this bracelet is delicate and chic on her wrist, they are the perfect accessory as they are suitable for any occasion! Gift Box included: If you are looking to gift your spouse, girlfriend, kid, or mother on a special occasion like Christmas, birthday, engagement or anniversary then look no further! Ease Of Mind and With Full Confidence: Your satisfaction is our only priority so in the improbable case that you are not 100% thrilled with our bracelet, we will offer you a full refund, No questions asked! Add this classic 18k Gold Bead Bracelet...
Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Diamond Pearls 18k Yellow Gold Bow Motif 2 Strand Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elegance meets sophistication with the Mikimoto Pearl & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Motif 2 Strand Bracelet. Cultivated from Japan, this beaded bracelet showcases the exquisite c...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Charm Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold and Pearls
Located in Paris, FR
Charm bracelet in 18 carat yellow gold 3 alternating chains of chiseled circles holding 6 groups of charms including: pearls, gold eggs and flower motifs. Made in Italy Stick clasp. ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Pink Coral Beads, Diamonds and Ruby Multi-Row Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Amazing retrò bracelet in 14 karat rose gold structure mounted with 4 sections of spheres of pink coral and,between of them, rows of garnets and diamonds. This bracelet was totally h...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$140,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Cultured Pearl Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Cultured Pearl Bracelet Brand & Hallmarks: Stamped Van Cleef & Arpels; NY; 750 with serial numbers. Materials: Solid 18K Yello...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Black Tourmaline Double Strand Bracelet
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Embrace elemental elegance with this striking double-strand bracelet by celebrated designer Jorge Adeler. Handcrafted in 18k yellow gold, the piece featur...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Color Sapphire Bead and Diamond Bracelet in Designed 18K Yellow Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Multi-color Sapphire Bead and Diamond Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold. A rainbow themed natural sapphire and diamond bracelet that hugs the wrist and dazzles with color. This beaded bra...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 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
Verdura Rock Crystal Five-Strand Bead Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura five-strand bead bracelet, featuring oval, polished, colorless, natural quartz rock crystal beads measuring 11-14 x 10-11mm each interspersed with five 18k yellow gold beads....
Quartz, Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine, Peridot and Tourmaline Roundel Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
Boasting a mesmerizing design that retains a certain elegant feel while offering an eye-catching effect, this stunning 18K yellow gold bracelet from Verdura is embellished with nifty...
Citrine, Peridot, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura Coral Bead Multi Strand Bracelet with Yellow Gold Clasp
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lovely bracelet created by Verdura in the 2000s. The bracelet is made of coral bead strands finished with an 18 karat (stamped) yellow gold clasp. The bracelet measures 7-3/4 x 1-1/...
Coral, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura Peridot and Citrine Beaded Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in San Francisco, CA
Circa 2000, the wide Verdura 18k yellow gold bracelet is designed with 14 rows of faceted roundel citrine and peridot beads, and further accented with gold faceted beads. The bracele...
Citrine, Peridot, 18k Gold
Verdura Faceted Gem Stone Gold Bead Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Verdura 18K yellow Gold and Gemstone Bead Bracelet, having 14 Rows of faceted Roundel Citrine and Peridot Beads and further accented...
Citrine, Peridot, 18k Gold
Verdura Citrine and Yellow Gold Bead Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lovely sunny bracelet created by Verdura in 2001. Has twenty strands of citrine beads, forty 20k yellow gold beads on an 18k yellow gold beaded bar clasp. This style beaded bar clasp...
VERDURA Fine Citrine Bead Yellow Gold Multi-Strand Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Multi-strands of citrine beads stacked atop one another create a substantial sized bracelet measuring 3 inches wide, having a presence that is absolutely...
Citrine, 18k Gold