1990s Verdura Figural Shell Shaped Carnelian and Angel Skin Coral Gold Earclips
View Similar Items
1990s Verdura Figural Shell Shaped Carnelian and Angel Skin Coral Gold Earclips
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Weight:39.2 g
- Dimensions:Width: 1.05 in (26.67 mm)Length: 1.25 in (31.75 mm)
- Place of Origin:Italy
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1990
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. VERY UNUSUAL AND FEMININE COMBINATION.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2247963672
Verdura
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 jewelry 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 authentic Verdura jewelry today on 1stDibs.
- Oval Shaped Mother of Pearl and Angel Skin Coral EarringsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis pair of very aesthetic and soundly constructed 14K yellow gold clip on earrings are truly captivating, with two richly colored angel skin coral cabochons set in bezels on a background of vibrant mother of pearl. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear. Earrings measure 1 1/4 inches by 7/8 inches. Equipped with fold down omega back and posts. Stamped P.B.D. for Peter Brams...Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsCoral, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
- 18 K Yellow Gold Carnelian EarclipsLocated in Zurich, ZollstrasseA pair of very understated yet simple 18 K yellow Gold earclips with Omega post featuring 2 orange Carnelian Cabochons in a bezel setting with a total weig...Category
2010s Unknown Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsCarnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Buccellati Angel Skin Coral & Diamond EarringsBy BuccellatiLocated in New York, NYBuccellati Angel Skin Cabochon Coral & Diamond Earrings 2 cabochon corals surrounded by round cut diamonds set in 18k white & yellow gold. Measur...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, 18k Gold
- Verdura Coral Gold Wrapped EarringsBy VerduraLocated in New York, NYCoral verdura earrings with twistrope patterned 18k gold wrapped around.Category
Vintage 1960s American Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsCoral, 18k Gold
- Vintage 18K Gold Pink Angel Skin Coral Button Clip EarringsLocated in Versailles, FRIn ethereal nude tones, mixed with gentle shades of pink, this beautiful pair of angel skin pink coral earrings recall us that spring is not very far anymore! The earrings, which fea...Category
20th Century Italian Retro Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsCoral, 18k Gold
- Verdura Diamond 18k Gold Platinum Primrose EarclipsBy VerduraLocated in New York, NYCapture Spring Elegance with Verdura Diamond and 18k Gold Primrose Earclips Embrace the timeless beauty of nature with this exquisite pair of Verdura diamond and 18k gold primrose earclips. These earrings, crafted by the iconic jewelry house renowned for its bold and botanical designs, are a true testament to Verdura's legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. Imagine the delicate sparkle of diamonds nestled within the graceful form of a primrose flower, meticulously sculpted from rich 18k yellow gold. The platinum accents add a touch of cool sophistication, ensuring a comfortable and secure wear. These Verdura earclips...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Platinum