1980s Judith Leiber Watermelon Enamel Crystal Earrings
View Similar Items
1980s Judith Leiber Watermelon Enamel Crystal Earrings
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Length: 1.5 in (38.1 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1980's
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU16722988163
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s (1921–2018) ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer made minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) in the form of crystal-covered swans, cupcakes, lipstick, wads of cash, teddy bears and other delightful objects. These dazzling objets d’art have been regularly seen in the hands of First Ladies, movie stars on the red carpet and even in the prestigious collections of institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber’s minaudières were the result of a happy accident. In 1967, she began working on her first metal handbag. The piece in question was named the Chatelaine, and the design was a graceful drop-shaped purse in gold-tinted metal. But when the samples came in, Leiber saw that the bottom of the bag looked greenish and discolored as a result of the plating process. She had the ingenious idea of applying crystal rhinestones to the base to cover up the flaws. The dazzling bag was a huge success and would become her trademark.
Born Judith Peto in Budapest, Leiber overcame many hardships before her breakthrough. At the start of World War II, she was working at the Pessl handbag company in Budapest where she quickly climbed the ranks to become a master craftswoman. When the war escalated, she and her Jewish family were forced by the Nazis to live in a cellar of a ghetto, and several of her relatives were killed in concentration camps. “I designed handbags in my head to get through the misery,” she said. After the liberation of Budapest, she married Gerson “Gus” Leiber, an American GI, and moved to New York. In 1948, she began working for the fashion house Nettie Rosenstein. One of her first major pieces was the handbag embroidered with glittering rhinestones and pearls carried by Mamie Eisenhower at the 1953 inaugural ball. In 1963, she finally set up her own company.
Leiber’s whimsical designs embellished with Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones defied traditional notions of luxury handbags. She also created striking clutches and bags with leather and fine textiles from around the world. In her 65-year career, she designed over 3,500 bags, which have been worn by First Ladies including Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush, pop icons like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner (who collects Leiber’s handbags). In 2005, the Leiber Collection Museum opened in East Hampton, New York, as a permanent space to showcase her work. The minaudières remain coveted objects celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find a collection of vintage Judith Leiber handbags and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- 1980s Rhinestone Stud EarringsLocated in Scottsdale, AZHow fun are these 1980s rhinestone stud earrings in this gorgeous flower motif? A green rhinestone is surrounded by beautiful blue rhinestones...Category
Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings
- Ciner 24K Gold Plated Citrine Statement EarringsBy CinerLocated in Scottsdale, AZBreath-taking 24K gold plated Ciner clip on earrings circa 1980s! Gorgeous jumbo gold Hollywood Regency style studs featuring an arrangement of three differ...Category
Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings
- 1980s 14K Gold Plated Faux Pearl EarringsLocated in Scottsdale, AZThese 1980s 14K gold plated clip on earrings are so classic and chic! Gorgeous jumbo statement earrings feature beautiful 14K yellow gold plated chain motifs surrounding a large faux pearl at the center to create a design very reminiscent of a flower! These are so eye catching and fun, notice how the gold catches the light from different angles. You are sure to be attracting compliments wherever you wear these! Style with a Vivienne Westwood pearl choker...Category
Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings
- Les Bernard Silver Stud EarringsBy Les BernardLocated in Scottsdale, AZMake a statement with these incredible 1980s sterling silver stud earrings. Oval clip-on studs are adorned in a textured sterling silver with a dome-like structure surrounded by circular engravings. These are such a classic and versatile style of earring, ideal for any occasion as you can dress them up or down to your liking. Style these with a silver Chanel handbag...Category
Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsSilver
- Panetta 18K Gold Plated Stud Statement EarringsBy PanettaLocated in Scottsdale, AZClassic and versatile Panetta 18K gold plated jumbo stud statement earrings circa 1980s! Gorgeous clip-on large gold stud earrings in an abstract trapezoid shape. These are the perfe...Category
Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings
- 1980s Oversized Rhinestone Hoop Drop EarringsLocated in Scottsdale, AZWe love to rock a statement earring- and you will too with our oversized 1980s rhinestone hoop earrings! Made of a brilliant gold metal, encru...Category
Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings
- Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Enamel Pearl Yellow Gold Drop EarringsBy Luigi FerraraLocated in Naples, ITFor any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Drop Earrings
MaterialsWhite Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Diamond,...
$999 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping - Art Deco Style White Diamond Emerald Handcut Onyx Yellow Gold Clip-On EarringsBy Luigi FerraraLocated in Naples, ITFor any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,691 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping - Art Nouveau White Rose Cut Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Clip-On Flowers EarringsBy Luigi FerraraLocated in Naples, ITFor any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Sold$1,537Free Shipping - Art Deco Style Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Onyx Yellow Gold EarringsBy Luigi FerraraLocated in Naples, ITFor any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,230 Sale Price30% Off - Art Deco Style White Diamond Emerald Handcut Onyx Yellow Gold Clip-On EarringsBy Luigi FerraraLocated in Naples, ITFor any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,922 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping - Art Deco Style White Diamond Emerald Handcut Onyx Yellow Gold Clip-On EarringsBy Luigi FerraraLocated in Naples, ITFor any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,537 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping