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 Ray Earrings 18k Gold and Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Verdura Earrings 18k Yellow Gold approx 17 grams Natural Diamonds Ray Motif approx size 25 x25 mm (1' inch) Back closure is a post and spring clip Pre-Owned in excellent c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura 18k Two Tone Gold Diamond "Primrose" Ear Clips 5.41 ct
By Verdura
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Ear Clips by Verdura Primrose Design Feature Pave-Set Diamonds in 18k White Gold Background with Yellow Gold Accents Appx 30 mm in Diameter Appx 5.41 ct diamond total Total ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
VERDURA Milano Caged White Coral French Clips-On Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of clips-on earrings designed by Verdura. This exceptional pair of clip-on earrings was created in Milan, Italy, by the celebrated jewelry house Verdura. Showcasing the brand's...
Coral, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pinwheel Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Verdura pinwheel earrings bring together rope-twist 18k yellow gold and a delicate arrangement of round brilliant-cut diamonds set in platinum. Their design feels both dynamic an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Estate Vintage VERDURA 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Enamel Seashell Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Vintage VERDURA 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Enamel Seashell Earrings - VHK#784A Item Details Year: 1970s Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 27.50 ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Black Jade Pearl Shell Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura carved black jade spiral shell earrings in 18k yellow gold, featuring a spiral of gold wire coil and bezel-set cultured pearl accents. Pearl Accents: Each earring has seven ...
Pearl, Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Citrine Pebble Earrings
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Citrines. Signed by Verdura 2 inches long
Citrine, 18k Gold
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
$12,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Verdura Caged Diamond Rock Crystal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Rock Crystal Caged Earrings by Verdura. With Rock Crystal and 2 bezel set round brilliant cut diamonds. These earrings are for pierced ears. Retail Price...
Lapis Lazuli, Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
22K Yellow Gold Victorian Coin Cluster Lever Back Statement Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of substantial 22K yellow gold Indian Victorian-style coin-motif earrings, each featuring four overlapping medallion discs arranged in a dimensional fan-shaped cluster. The me...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Looped Drop Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Verdura Looped Earrings capture a fluid sense of motion through interlocking curves of 18k yellow gold set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. Design Heritage: Originally conceiv...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VERDURA 18K Yellow Gold Garnet Cornucopia Earrings VD04-042026
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
The classic cornucopia is reinvented on these chic Verdura earrings. Multicolored Garnets add texture and dimension to the contemporary design. Crafted from 18K Yellow Gold, each ear...
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Fulco Color Stone Black Enamel Yellow Gold Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Amethyst, Garnet, Aquamarine, Tanzanite, Rubellite, Citrine and Black enamel Fulco earrings by Verdura. With Ruby, Sapphire, Amethyst, Garne...
Aquamarine, Tanzanite, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Rubelite, Garnet, Emerald, A...
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
$11,160Sale Price / set|20% 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
Verdura Caged Turquoise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings Clip-on
By Verdura
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking pair of signed Verdura ear clips from the house’s iconic Caged collection, dating to the 1990s. Each earring features a single large, smoo...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,388Sale Price / set|20% 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 Caged Mabé Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Gold and Platinum Earrings Clip-on
By Verdura
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking pair of signed Verdura ear clips centered by luminous white mabé pearls. Each domed pearl is enclosed in sculptural polished 18-karat yell...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$10,320Sale Price|20% 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
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
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 Vintage Pineapple Diamond Platinum & Yellow Gold Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum and 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Pineapple Earrings by Verdura. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum, Verdura’s pineapple earrings shimmer with pavé-set round and bag...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
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
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Cachalong Opal Shell Ear Clips Gorgeous Condition!
By Verdura
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Shell Earrings by Verdura Feature Yellow Gold Backs and Detailing in Cachalong Opal Carved Shell Appx Dimensions 1 1/16" x 7/8" Total Mass = 26.7 grams Featured in Doyle Fin...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Caged Amethyst 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings Clip-on
By Verdura
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A bold pair of signed Verdura ear clips from the house’s celebrated Caged collection. Each earring features a single large, smoothly polished purple amethyst enclosed within a sculptural framework of polished 18-karat yellow gold. The richly colored, high-domed amethysts contrast beautifully with the warm gold cage, creating a strong architectural silhouette with unmistakable Verdura character. Substantial yet elegant, the ear clips make a distinctive statement from day to evening. Verdura’s Caged...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Citrine & Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Verdura
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Delicately hand-crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold by the renowned, effortlessly chic house of Verdura, these elegant earrings embody timeless sophistication and refined artis...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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