Verdura White Topaz and Diamond Ear Clips
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Weight:19.92 ct
- Dimensions:Width: 0.85 in (21.59 mm)Length: 0.8 in (20.32 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th Century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Weston, MA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1442121714092
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Weston, MA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Verdura Hardstone and Diamond Dome Ear ClipsBy VerduraLocated in Weston, MAA chic jewelry staple, these Verdura ear clips feature a white hardstone dome bisected by a band of vivid round diamonds. Diameter is .625” Approxim...Category
1990s American Modern Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Retro Turquoise and Diamond Ear ClipsLocated in Weston, MAThese charming vintage ear clips feature an 18k yellow gold fan shape suspending a graduated fringe of turquoise cabochons. The perfect color and composition for everyday wear. - 1....Category
Vintage 1940s French Retro Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Bulgari Gemset and Pearl Ear ClipsBy BulgariLocated in Weston, MAThese fanciful geometric Bulgari ear clips feature rainbow hued gemstones surmounting an articulated fringe of graduated pearls. 1.12” x 1.04” 18k...Category
Late 20th Century Retro Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsAmethyst, Pearl, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- David Webb Sapphire Emerald, Diamond and Gold Ear ClipsBy David WebbLocated in Weston, MAIt’s the unique pairing of color and cut that makes these David Webb ear clips stand out. A large central cabochon sapphire is surrounded by faceted dia...Category
Vintage 1970s American Retro Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
- David Webb Black Enamel and Diamond Gift Box Ear ClipsBy David WebbLocated in Weston, MASlightly bombe in form, these fun glossy black enamel squares are wrapped in diamond ribbon. In lieu of a bow, is a bright round diamond weighing approximately ¼ carat. Diamonds wei...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Retro Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum, Enamel
- Bulgari Pink Tourmaline, Amethyst and Citrine Ear ClipsBy BulgariLocated in Weston, MABulgari swirls together the candy colors of pink tourmaline, amethyst and citrine into these slightly elongated ear clips. Made in 1990 and in 18k yellow gold they represent the best...Category
1990s Retro Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsAmethyst, Citrine, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Verdura White And Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Ear ClipsBy VerduraLocated in New York, NYA pair of diamond, white & grayish South sea pearl earrings, signed Verdura. Circa 1990s Pearl approx. 15mm and diamond weight approx. 5 cts.Category
1990s Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
- Schiaparelli Oversized Topaz Bracelet and Ear ClipsBy Elsa SchiaparelliLocated in New York, NYElsa Schiaparelli's massive bracelet and ear clips of large smokey topaz top facet crystals with citrine and Aurora Swarovski crystal spacers. Extreme...Category
Vintage 1950s American Link Bracelets
MaterialsGilt Metal
- Schiaparelli Oversized Topaz Bracelet and Ear ClipsBy Elsa SchiaparelliLocated in New York, NYElsa Schiaparelli's massive bracelet and ear clips of large smokey topaz top facet crystals with citrine and Aurora Swarovski crystal spacers. Extreme...Category
Vintage 1950s American Link Bracelets
MaterialsGilt Metal
- Estate Carved White Coral and Diamond Ear ClipsLocated in Denver, COFashioned in 18kt yellow gold, these beautiful estate ear clips feature carved white coral and eighteen round diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, EF color, VS clarity.Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Ruby and Diamond Ear ClipsLocated in New York, NY18 karat yellow gold Earrings containing Round Brilliant cut Rubies and approximately 1.80 carats of Full cut Round diamonds.Category
1990s Unknown Artist Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
- 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold and Diamond Ear ClipsLocated in Zurich, CHAttractive pair of 18 karat yellow and white gold and diamond ear clips. Eye-catching, v-shaped ear clips, the center line set with 8 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling circa 2.5 car...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
This Curving Angela Cummings Fish-Skin Bracelet Is Spectacular Yet Subtle
Created by the celebrated — and sought-after — female jewelry designer, it pairs richly textured gold with an elegant, sculptural shape.
From Vintage Treasures to Modern Collectibles, Tiina Smith Specializes in the Very Best Jewelry
Exceptional signed pieces from every era, including thoughtfully curated contemporary designs, are the chic Bostonian jeweler’s particular métier.