Judith Leiber Grand Gold Tone Baroque Multi Chain Necklace
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Grand Gold Tone Baroque Multi Chain Necklace
About the Item
- Creator:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1988
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Cloverdale, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU581811033
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer's lauded vintage minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) were made 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. And like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber's purses and minaudières were the result of a happy accident.
In 1967, Leiber 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 fabulous 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,” Leiber 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 Leiber's 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 Judith Leiber bags).
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 that are celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find vintage Judith Leiber shoulder bags, crossbody bags, sunglasses and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa XS Pendant Necklace in 18K goldBy FlowenLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe HEXA XS Pendant is the smaller version of the HEXA Pendant. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a c...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsSterling Silver, Gold Plate, 18k Gold
- FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa XS Pendant Necklace in Black Gommato and DiamondsBy FlowenLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe HEXA XS Pendant is the smaller version of the HEXA Pendant. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a c...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Sterling Silver, PVD-Coated
- 18KT Yellow Gold Station Diamond Round and Flower Necklace 0.35ct TotalBy Lili JewelryLocated in New York, NY18KTyellow gold station diamond round and flower necklace. 1 LILY CUT ® flower shape diamond H color VS SI clarity 0.18 cts . additional 0..17 ct round diam...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Round and Flower Necklace 1.14 Carat TotalBy Lili JewelryLocated in New York, NY18KT yellow gold diamond round and flower necklace. 3 flower shape diamond H color VS SI clarity 0.60 cts . additional 0.54 ct round diamond accent . 17 inch with a link to shor...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- 18 Karat White Gold Station Diamond Round and Flower Necklace 0.38 Carat TotalBy Lili JewelryLocated in New York, NY18KT white gold station diamond round and flower necklace. 1 LILY CUT ® flower shape diamond H color VS SI clarity 0.18 cts . additional 0.20 ct round diamond accent . 17 inch wi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
$1,480 Sale Price / item20% Off - 18 Karat Yellow Gold Station Diamond Flower Necklace 0.75 Carat TotalBy Lili JewelryLocated in New York, NY18KT yelow gold station diamond flower necklace. 3 LILY CUT ® flower shape diamond H color VS SI clarity 0.53 cts . additional 0.22 ct round diamond accent . 17 inch with a link t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
$2,240 Sale Price / item20% Off