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 Swirl diamond Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura Swirl Diamond Earrings As if light itself were caught mid-turn. These sculptural earrings by Verdura distill the house’s modernist elegance into a compact, mesmerizing form...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Verdura Byzantine White Topaz Pendant Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura Byzantine pendant earrings in 18k yellow gold. Each earring features three geometric shape White topazes, each set in 18k yellow gold. Equipped with the posts and omega clips...
Topaz, 18k Gold
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Tiger Eye Shell Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura carved tiger eye's spiral shell earrings in 18k yellow gold. The tiger eye displays stripes of rich shades of light and dark brown with a spiral of gold wire coil and polishe...
Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VERDURA PARIS 1950 Clips On Mercury Wings Earrings In 18Kt Gold & White Pearls
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Mercury Wings clips-on earrings designed by Verdura. This is a very rare and interesting pair of clips-on earrings created in Paris France by the renowned jewelry house of Verdura b...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$6,825Sale Price|30% Off
Verdura Milan 18Kt Yellow Gold Earrings with 11.8 Cts of Vivid Purple Amethyst
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of earrings designed by Verdura. Beautiful and colorful pieces crafted by the house of Verdura. This pair of iconic earrings has been made in solid yellow gold of 18 karats, ...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Diamond Platinum and 18 Karat Gold Acorn Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York City, NY
Fine pair of diamond, platinum and 18K yellow gold earrings by Verdura. Resembling acorns, they are adorned with high grade round brilliant cut diamonds over a very detailed gold and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$9,765Sale Price / set|30% Off
VERDURA Milan Twisted Sculptural Clips-Earrings In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of clip-earrings designed by Verdura. This is a beautiful and very wearable pair of clips-on earrings created in Milano, Italy by the renowned jewelry house of Verdura. This ev...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Verdura Citrine Green Tourmaline Yellow Gold Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold citrine and green tourmaline vintage earrings by Verdura. With 18 cabochon green Tourmalines 4mmx6mm 2 cabochon Citrines 8.5mm x 11mm These earrings are made for non...
Citrine, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
$12,600Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Important 18KT Gold Gorgeous VERDURA 18KT Gold Sea Shell Cabochon Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Pair of Important Estate Radiant VERDURA 18KT Gold and Cabochon Earrings. the polished gold shell-form earrings each accompanies by ca...
Diamond, Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura Diamond Enamel and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bow Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Introducing the Verdura Diamond Enamel and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Bow Earrings—a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication that encapsulates the timeless charm and artistic b...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Verdura Turquoise, Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura Turquoise, Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Earrings Description: These bold and sculptural hoop earrings by Verdura showcase a lattice of vivid blue cabochon turquoise an...
Diamond, Turquoise, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Amethyst Peridot Byzantine Pendant Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura Byzantine pendant earrings, featuring a top section bezel-set with a square faceted peridot (6.7mm) suspending a bezel-set round faceted amethyst drop (16.50mm). Fluted deta...
Amethyst, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Platinum Diamond Earrings by Verdura
By Verdura
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful and classic pair of Verdura 18k yellow gold and platinum set diamond clip earrings. The total diamond weight is 1.0 carats. The total earring weight is 24.1 grams. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Verdura Twisted Horn Diamond Earrings in Platinum
By Verdura
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Verdura Twisted Horn diamond clip-on earrings in platinum. These Verdura earrings feature approximately 7.70 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds and measure 45mm long by 30mm wid...
Diamond, Platinum
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Braided X Motif Clip On Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
From the house of Verdura, these wonderful X motif, braided earrings were designed and created. Four double strands of deftly pulled 18K yellow gold rope intertwine to create this lovely and very wearable pair of everyday earrings. They measure 3/4 inch in diameter and rise 3/8 inch above the ear, when worn. Equipped with secure, fold down, Omega style, clip backs. A raised gold plate...
Gold, 18k Gold
$9,089Sale Price / set|30% Off
Verdura 1960 Clips On Earrings 18Kt Yellow Gold With 2.02 Ctw Diamonds & Rubies
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of clips-on earrings designed by Verdura. A fabulous pair of clip-on earrings, created in Milano Italy by the renowned jewelry house of Verdura. These vintage ear clips are col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Pearl and Diamond Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with center Pearls and surrounding Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Verdura 1 inch diameter
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Verdura Vintage Diamond Mabe Pearl Yellow Gold & Platinum Large Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold and Platinum Vintage Diamond Mabe Pearl Large Earrings by Verdura. Behold the timeless sophistication of these Authentic! Vintage Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Verdura 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Zurich, CH
Stylish pair of 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings by Verdura. Crafted in 18 karat ribbed yellow gold and designed as sculpted leaves, these beautiful earrings are meant to be worn up the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Verdura Coral and Gold Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Coral. Signed by Verdura 1 1/4 x 3/4 inches
Coral, 18k Gold
Verdura 18K Yellow and Platinum Diamond Pineapple Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
18K yellow gold and platinum diamond pineapple clip-on earrings. Set with 60 round diamonds approx 2.50 cts and 16 baguette diamonds approx 0.50ct, approx E color and VS clarity. Mea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
VERDURA Milano Quartzes Clips-On Earrings In 18Kt White Gold With VS Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of clips-on earrings designed by Verdura. This is a gorgeous pair of clips-on earrings, created in Milano Italy by the renowned jewelry house of Verdura. These round clips have...
Diamond, Quartz, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Floral Clip On Earrings W/Box
By Verdura
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
These stunning earrings, crafted in 2000, are a perfect blend of elegance and sophistication. Made from high-quality 18k gold, they feature a captivating twisted design that adds a u...
18k Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Stud Earrings - 10k Swirl Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .02ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Style: Stu...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fashion Topaz White Diamond White Gold 14 Karat Dangle Earrings
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Earrings Diamond 44-RND-0,3-F/VS1A Topaz 2-20,95ct Weight 12.9 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold
Earrings Wings 18kt White Gold Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Radiating sophistication, these 18kt white gold earrings boast exquisite wing designs adorned with 178 diamonds 1.75 carats of dazzling diamonds. Perfect gift for Christmas, Mom, Gi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Nicholas Varney, 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Nicholas Varney
Located in Chicago, IL
These playful earrings by designer Nicholas Varney, are beautifully made with imense attention to detail. In a ridged knot design, these are perfect for an everyday look or can be dr...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Zurich, CH
Stylish pair of 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings by Verdura. Crafted in 18 karat ribbed yellow gold and designed as sculpted leaves, these beautiful earrings are meant to be worn up the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Andrew Clunn 18kt Gold Clip Earrings Watermelon Classic
By Andrew Clunn
Located in New York, NY
Designer Andrew Clunn Watermelon Textured Clip Earrings Measurements: 26 x 20mm Depth: 13mm Comfortable Omega Clip 30 grams / 18kt. Yellow Gold Earrings are gorgeous made
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Diamond Earrings in 18K Gold and Platinum
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
Bold scale and impeccable craftsmanship define these striking earrings by David Webb, a maison renowned for its powerful designs and uncompromising quality. Crafted in 18K gold with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Verdura Twisted Horn Diamond Earrings in Platinum
By Verdura
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Verdura Twisted Horn diamond clip-on earrings in platinum. These Verdura earrings feature approximately 7.70 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds and measure 45mm long by 30mm wid...
Diamond, Platinum
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Leaf Design Earrings 18kt Yellow Gold Wire with 26 Diamonds Full Cut 3.08 Cts.
Located in Miami, FL
Leaf Design Earrings 18kt Yellow Gold Wire 26 Natural Full Cut Diamonds 3.08 cts Polish Excellent Cut Excellent Color G Clarity VVS2 Total Weight 16.30 Grams
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Swirl Earrings
Located in Hicksville, NY
Title: Estate 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Swirl Earrings - VHK#608a Item Details: Year: 1980s Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 18.9 grams Diamond Detail...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Diamond Earrings Cocktail Large Floral Earrings 18kt White Gold Clips
Located in Jupiter, FL
Exquisite craftsmanship on these omega backing cocktail earrings, you can wear if you have pierced ears or not. These earrings are made in 18KT white gold with natural sapphires and ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Nova 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum 14.57 Carat Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These vibrant earrings are composed of 18KT yellow gold and Platinum, Set with a section of invisibly set diamonds (11.16Ct.) and a section of round brilliants (3.41Ct.) This classi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Verdura 18k Gold Amethyst Diamond Paisley Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura amethyst and diamond 'Paisley' cluster earrings. Handmade in 18k yellow gold and white gold. Sixteen amethysts weighing approximately 22 total carats. Twenty-six round brilli...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
VERDURA Byzantine Theodora Peridot White Topaz Pearl Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, peridot, white topaz and pearl earclips, Verdura, Italy. Each Byzantine Theodora drop earclip designed as a square faceted peridot suspending a round...
Verdura Dome Diamond Clip-on Earrings 18K White Gold
By Verdura
Located in Dallas, TX
Verdura Dome Diamond Clip-on Earrings in 18K White Gold. The earrings feature a double row of brilliant round diamonds running across the satin finish dome earrings. The earrings hav...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Verdura Pair of 18K Gold, Onyx and Citrine 'Cross-Over' Twisted Ribbon Earclips
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura Pair of 18K Gold, Onyx and Citrine 'Cross-Over' Twisted Ribbon Earclips Details: 18 kt., 2 oval citrines, signed Verdura, no. 23236, ap. Length: 3cm Hallmarked: VERDURA 750...
Citrine, Onyx, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.06 in W 1.06 in D 0.51 in
VERDURA Milano Clips-On Earrings In 18Kt White Gold With 1.78 Ctw VS Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of clips-on earrings designed by Verdura. This is a gorgeous pair of clips-on earrings, created in Milano Italy by the renowned jewelry house of Verdura. These spherical clips ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.07 in W 0.91 in D 0.32 in
VERDURA Milan 1960 Iconic Twisted Leaves Clips On Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Clips-on earrings designed by Verdura. This is an iconic pair of clips-on earrings created in Milano Italy by the renowned jewelry house of Verdura back in the 1960. These iconic tw...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.02 in D 0.51 in L 1.02 in
VERDURA Milano Enamel Bombe Clips-On Earrings 18Kt Gold & 1.56 Ctw Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of enameled clips-on earrings designed by Verdura. This is a very rare pair of clips-on earrings, created in Milano Italy by the renowned jewelry house of Verdura. These round ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Vintage Verdura Wood and Citrine Seashell Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with sandalwood and Round cut Citrines. Signed by Verdura 1 x 7/8 inches
Citrine, 18k Gold
Verdura Criss Cross 18k Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Radiating timeless sophistication, Verdura’s Criss Cross Weave Hoop Earrings are a masterclass in elegant design and craftsmanship. Meticulously ha...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 18k Gold White Blue Topaz Byzantine Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Byzantine earring by Verdura in 18k yellow gold with blue and white topaz. Bezel set in the top clip earring are hexagonal faceted colorless white topaz. Detachable shield bott...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.06 in D 0.43 in L 1.02 in
VERDURA Milano Clips-On Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Green Topaz
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of clips-on earrings designed by Verdura. This is a fabulous pair of clips-on earrings, created in the city of Milano in Italy by the renowned jewelry house of Verdura. These c...
Topaz, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura 18K, Diamond and Rock Crystal Long Earrings, Italy.
By Verdura
Located in Aspen, CO
Verdura long and dramatic earrings in 18K yellow gold, diamond and rock crystal. The 4 fancy cut rock crystal weighing over 100 cts. are wrapped with 18K gold, a brilliant cut diamon...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold