Judith Leiber Tourmaline Gold Dragon Scale Earrings
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Dimensions:Width: 1.07 in (27.18 mm)Length: 1.13 in (28.71 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1990's
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Miami Beach, FL
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Miami Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Judith Ripka Diamond Textured 18 Karat Yellow Gold EarringsBy Judith RipkaLocated in Miami Beach, FL18K yellow gold Judith Ripka sculpted stud earrings featuring 4 graduated carats round brilliant diamonds accenting each earring and post lever back c...Category
Late 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Blue Topaz Diamond White Gold Square EarringsLocated in Miami Beach, FLBeautifully made 18k white gold square earrings featuring a centrally set square blue topaz in a double row of bead set diamonds. The blue topaz ...Category
Late 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
- 1950s Diamond Ribbon Swirl Platinum Cocktail EarringsLocated in Miami Beach, FLThese stunning earrings decorate your ear. They can be worn curving around your ear or going out. (Giving you two looks in one) The open loop design is made of platinum with 1.5 c...Category
Mid-20th Century Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Pave Diamond and Gold Fluted Ribbon EarringsLocated in Miami Beach, FLGorgeous three dimensional ribbon earrings featuring a fluted gold design with a pave diamond center section. These 18k yellow gold earrings contain approximately 2.50 carats total w...Category
Late 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Retro Diamond Emerald Gold Brooch and Earrings SuiteLocated in Miami Beach, FLImpressive diamond and emerald brooch and earring mounted in 22k gold. Earrings measure 1.14 x .62- they have posts Brooch measure 2.75 x 1.5Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Gold
- Unique Diamond and Blue Enamel Leaf Gold EarringsLocated in Miami Beach, FLOne of a kind custom made earrings that consist of a marriage made in the 1950s of a filagree art deco diamond piece mounted on a blue enamel and 14k gold earring that resembles a le...Category
Mid-20th Century Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
- 18 Karat Gold Pink Tourmaline Handmade EarringsBy MOISEIKINLocated in Hong Kong, HKInspired by Impressionism, MOISEIKIN® has created a blooming flower earrings with fine pink tourmalines. Trembling flowers and sweet fragrance of coming ripe fruits are embodied in ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
- Moiseikin 18 Karat Gold Diamond Green Tourmaline Sapphire EarringsBy MOISEIKINLocated in Hong Kong, HKInspired by Impressionism, Viktor Moiseikin has created blooming flower earrings in a tridimensional manner. Trembling flowers and the sweet fragrance of coming ripe fruits are embodied in gems and metals. Inside the designed flower petals ravished with diamonds and precious fancy sapphires are flawless vivid chrome tourmalines, gently held by flower petals artistically. Gold filigree is detailed so that you feel the warmness of handcraft. The earring catches are lever-back style to gently but securely hold ears. These floral handmade earrings with the top gemstones and the art of colour combination captivate your eyes, heart and even surroundings.The matching ring is available. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any question. 18K Gold Chrome Tourmaline and Sapphire Earrings...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Blue Sapphire, Chrome Tourmaline, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 1...
- Moiseikin 18 Karat Gold Diamond Indigo Tourmaline Sapphire Cocktail EarringsBy MOISEIKINLocated in Hong Kong, HKInspired by Impressionism, MOISEIKIN® has created a blooming flower earrings in tridimensional manner. Trembling flowers and sweet fragrance of coming ripe fruits are embodied in gems and metals. Inside the designed flowers petals are a pair of rare indigo blue tourmalines...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Moiseikin 18k Gold Diamond Indigo Tourmaline Sapphire Pearl Cocktail EarringsBy MOISEIKINLocated in Hong Kong, HKInspired by Impressionism, MOISEIKIN® has created a blooming flower earrings in tridimensional manner. Trembling flowers and sweet fragrance of coming ripe fruits are embodied in gems and metals. Inside diamond flowers petals are rare indigo blue tourmalines...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Rubellite Pink Tourmaline Pear Cabochon Diamond Vintage Earrings 18K White GoldBy Galt & Bro. JewelersLocated in Oakton, VASymbolizing Flying Comets Surrounded by Striking Star Constellations of our Galaxy Vintage Estate Style - Very Beautiful, Brilliant & Stunning Earrings The Rubellites have a mystic, ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Romantic More Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Carved Mother of Pearl Diamond Pink Tourmaline Yellow Gold Elephant EarringsLocated in Stamford, CTCarved mother or pearl tourmaline diamond 18k yellow gold elephant earrings. 2 mother of pearl carved elephants accented with 2 round pink tourm...Category
2010s Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold