You might not expect chain-mesh bags to predate sliced bread by three decades, but it’s true. The very first mesh purse was created by Charles Whiting (1864–1940) in 1892 while working for the jewelry manufacturer Wade Davis & Company in Plainville, Massachusetts. Whiting joined the company at the age of 16, and by 1896 he formed a partnership to purchase it, renaming it the Whiting & Davis Company.
While the original Whiting & Davis mesh purse was made entirely by hand — artisans hammered out the links and wove them together — the company developed a machine to automate fabrication in 1912. With the ability to produce more rapidly and prolifically, Whiting & Davis became a veritable mesh empire, creating handbags and purses in all shapes, styles and colors, including ones made from precious metals, painted with Art Deco designs and silk-screened with Impressionistic images. The purses became status icons for the stylish elite, particularly with the flappers of the 1920s.
Over the years, Whiting & Davis struck up partnerships with some of the most talented designers of the time, including Paul Poiret, Elsa Schiaparelli and Elsa Peretti, who used their mesh in elegant pieces for Tiffany & Co., propelling their popularity even further. After a brief hiatus during World War II, when Whiting & Davis produced radar equipment rather than handbags, the brand continued to develop an ever-expanding line of products that included clothing.
In the 1970s, Whiting & Davis accessories and clothing were the rage of the disco scene. By the early 2000s, everyone from Paris Hilton to Lady Gaga donned the brand’s mesh handbags.
Recent innovations to their offerings include color mesh and fine mesh, with the brand refocusing on fashion jewelry with the launch of a new collection in 2013 featuring a revamped vintage snake-bracelet design. The company has been based in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, since 1995, also supplying its renowned chain mesh for industrial uses like work gloves and protective applications such as shark suits for divers.
Find vintage Whiting & Davis mesh handbags, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
WHITING DAVIS signed vintage silver tone glass cameo designer bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING DAVIS • silver tone with glass • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sk...
$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
White Diamond Teeth Cuff Memento Mori Open Bangle Bracelet J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Teeth Cuff Bracelet White Diamond Black Enamel 14k Gold Plated Memento Mori Open Bangle Designer: J DAUPHIN The Teeth Cuff is a rigid open band in 14k gold plated brass, the band f...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
$5,573
W 2.37 in L 1.89 in
1.14 ct of Diamonds on a Rigid Bracelet with Heart Endings 18Kt Gold Made Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Rigid spring bracelet, with heart-shaped ends. The bracelet is made up of a row of diamonds with a final heart with pavé diamonds. The total carat weight of the diamonds is 1.14 ct....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Star Cuff Bracelet Black Enamel Brutalist 14k Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Star Stud Cuff Bracelet Black Enamel Open Bangle 14k Gold Plated Brass Size: Small/ Medium 55 mm diameter Designer: J DAUPHIN The Star Stud Cuff is a rigid open band in ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Brass
Black Diamond Cuff Brutalist Stud Barcelet Blue Enamel Gold Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond Cuff Brutalist Stud Bracelet Midnight Blue Enamel 14k Gold Plated Eight Pointed Star Designer: J DAUPHIN The Star Stud Cuff is a rigid open band in 14k gold plated ...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
John Hardy Classic Chain Bracelet with Black Sapphire in Sterling Silver
By John Hardy
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: John Hardy Metal: Sterling Silver Metal Purity: AG 925 Bracelet Width: 6.45 mm wide Bracelet Length: 7.5" Gemstone: Black S...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$9,995
W 0.37 in Dm 2.29 in L 3.04 in
GIA Natural Jadeite Jade Pale Green & Brown Hinged Bangle 14K Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
GIA Natural Jadeite Jade Pale Green & Brown Hinged Bangle 14K Gold. Comes with GIA report #2235035266. A magnificent jade bangle with beautifully engraved hinge and clasp. The Jade has a very pleasant pale green with a brownish patch that creates a gorgeous contrast with the yellow gold hinge & clasp. The jade is translucent and has a beautiful natural look. The 14k yellow gold hinge and clasp are hand-engraved in botanical floral design. The clasp is equipped with a safety chain for added security. The inside diameter of the bangle is 58mm and would fit wrist size up to 53 mm. The bracelet is 9.37mm thick. The total weight is 55.9 grams. This is a vintage pre-owned Jade bangle in very good condition. Please ask any questions before bidding, serious buyers only please. Bracelet Specification: Style: Hinged jade Bangle...
Jade, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$9,526
W 2.17 in L 3.75 in
0.54 ct of Diamonds on 18 Kt Rose Gold Elastic Spiral Bracelet Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Spiral elastic bracelet, in 18 Kt rose gold with five rows, one of which with a row of diamonds. Total Diamonds Weight: ct. 0.54 Total Weight of 18 Kt Gold: 23.7 grams THE MANUFACTUR...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
John Hardy Bracelet with Black Sapphire in Sterling Silver
By John Hardy
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: John Hardy Metal: Sterling Silver Metal Purity: AG 925 Bracelet Width: 9.27 mm wide Bracelet Circumference: 6.67" Bracelet ...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Amethyst Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel As Above So Below J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amethyst Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel Diamond 14k Gold Plated "As Above So Below" Hermetic Inscription Designer: J DAUPHIN The Amethyst Bangle is handcrafted in 14k gold plated bra...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
$14,750
Dm 2.25 in L 6.5 in
Diamond Bangle Bracelet, Round and Baguette Diamonds 18 Karat Gold, 2.48 Carats
Located in Honolulu, HI
Beautiful Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18K yellow gold with 2.48 carats of fine round brilliant & Baguette cut diamonds. This hinged bangle features 82 round brilliant cut diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Semi-rigid bracelet with a row of 0.75 ct of Diamonds. Gold 18 Kt. Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
The semi-rigid model bracelet is made up of a row of fifty-one brilliant-cut diamonds, for a total carat weight of 0.75 ct. I ts frame is made up of various segments that make it ela...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Mesh Coiled Snake Cuff Bracelet By Whiting & Davis, 1960s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Gold plated mesh and hardware - Flexible, fits most wrists - By Whiting & Davis (signed) - Circa 1960s ...
Whiting and Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Whiting and Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet of pale gold metal with highly detailed finishes. Each scale is articulated in the metal mesh which ends in f...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
1970s Whiting & Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
1970's coiled snake bracelet from Whiting and Davis. It is made out of Whiting and Davis' signature gold-chain-mail mesh. It measures 1.5" high. Th...