Judith Leiber Gold Large Pendant Chain Tassel Necklace, 1970s
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Dimensions:Length: 20 in (508 mm)
- Style:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1970
- Condition:Excellent.
- Seller Location:Boca Raton, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU730241480
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Boca Raton, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Michel McNabb for Basha Gold Midnight Blue Bean Enamel Silver Chain NecklaceLocated in Boca Raton, FLMichel McNabb is an artisan jewelry designer based in West Palm Beach, practicing masterful techniques and intricate, centuries old metallurgy processes....Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Pendant Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Silver Plate, Copper, Enamel
- Michel McNabb for Basha Gold Limoncello Enamel Pendant Silver Chain NecklaceBy Michell McNabbLocated in Boca Raton, FLMichel McNabb is an artisan jewelry designer based in West Palm Beach, practicing masterful techniques and intricate, centuries old metallurgy processes....Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsSterling Silver, Copper, Enamel
- Michel McNabb for Basha Gold Reversible Blue and Pink Quadrilateral NecklaceLocated in Boca Raton, FLMichel McNabb is an artisan jewelry designer based in West Palm Beach, practicing masterful techniques and intricate, centuries old metallurgy processes....Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Copper, Enamel
- Michel McNabb for Basha Gold Reversible Blue and Pink Quadrilateral NecklaceLocated in Boca Raton, FLMichel McNabb is an artisan jewelry designer based in West Palm Beach, practicing the masterful techniques of intricate, centuries old metallurgy process...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Copper, Enamel
- Michel McNabb for Basha Gold Blue Bean Sugar Coat Stripe Enamel Silver NecklaceLocated in Boca Raton, FLMichel McNabb is an artisan jewelry designer based in West Palm Beach, practicing masterful techniques and intricate, centuries old metallurgy processes....Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Link Necklaces
MaterialsSterling Silver, Copper, Enamel
- Michel McNabb for Basha Gold Blue Pond Enamel Sterling Silver Chain NecklaceLocated in Boca Raton, FLMichel McNabb is an artisan jewelry designer based in West Palm Beach, practicing masterful techniques and intricate, centuries old metallurgy processes....Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chain Necklaces
MaterialsBritannia Standard Silver, Sterling Silver, Copper, Enamel
- 18 Carat Yellow Gold set Amethyst Pendant NecklaceBy Esther EyreLocated in London, GBThis is an extraordinary, one of a kind Siberian Amethyst at 28ct set in an 18ct yellow gold coral reef mount with 5 diamonds. The pendant is suspended on an 18ct yellow gold 16” Fox...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Baroque Revival Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Amethyst, Yellow Gold
- Sacchi 0.64 Carat Ruby and Diamond Gemstones 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wire NecklaceBy Sacchi GioielliLocated in Rome, ITGorgeous Satin Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace embellished with Ruby and Diamonds Gemstones, from Sacchi’s “Klimt” Collection, hand-crafted with lost-wax casting technique. Lost-wax ca...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsWhite Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Sacchi Purple Amethyst Gemstone Pendant 18 Karat Satin Yellow GoldBy Sacchi GioielliLocated in Rome, ITExquisite Purple Amethyst Gemstone Satin Yellow Gold Pendant, from Sacchi's "Spring" Collection, hand-crafted with lost-wax casting technique. Lost-wax casting, one of the oldest te...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsAmethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Sacchi 14.5 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Gemstone 18 Karat Gold Pendant NecklaceBy Sacchi GioielliLocated in Rome, ITLovely Ruby and Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace, from Sacchi’s "Universe" Collection, hand-crafted with lost-wax casting technique. Lost-wax casting, one of the oldes...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsWhite Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- GIA certified 1.00 carat F VS2 emerald cut diamond East-West pendantBy Simon ArdemLocated in New York, NYBezel Pendant Necklace - GIA certified Emerald 1.00ct, F VS2, set in a bezel setting, with 16 inch length, 18 Karat Yellow Gold cable chain. Special order available from 1 - 5ct in ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsEmerald, 18k Gold
- 2.00 Ct Fancy Light Yellow Pear Shape Diamond Pendant NecklaceBy Simon ArdemLocated in New York, NYCenter stone: 2.00 ct Fancy Light Yellow VS2 Pear Shape cut natural diamond. Measurements: 11.2 x 6.7 mm. Side stones: 12 Pear Shape cut diamonds D-E-F SI1/SI2. Measurements: 4.30 x ...Category
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Platinum