David Webb Gold Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace

Vintage Boucheron Paris collar necklace of an openwork 18k yellow gold braided design, the front accented by round-cut natural rubies, emeralds sapphires and diamonds. Thirty-seven r...

Van Cleef & Arpels "Magic Alhambra" sixteen motif long necklace, featuring carved white mother-of-pearl, gray mother-of-pearl, and black onyx stations in 18k yellow gold beaded frame...

RUBY, DIAMOND AND LACQUER PENDANT, DAVID WEBB Cabochon ruby, circular-cut diamonds, black lacquer, platinum and gold, pendant 5.6 cm, necklace 86.0 ...

There are certain materials that American jewelry designer, David Webb (1925-1975) loves to use in a signature combination. And he has used them all so beautifully in this colorful statement piece. This Signed David Webb Burmese Ruby Colombian Emerald Convertible Brooch Pendant, made in the 21st century, circa 2010s, is crafted in a rich combination of metals including black enamel, 18K yellow gold, and platinum. The double pinstem brooch with a recessed gold loop to convert to a pendant features a carved and etched Burmese red ruby cabochon at the center held with four sets of gold double talon prongs, set within a surround of round brilliant cut diamonds. Fanning out from here are 5 carved and etched Colombian green emerald cabochons held in fluted yellow gold. These oblong exquisite jewels alternate with 5 striped black enamel and yellow gold flourishes which overlap and fan out in stylized wave curls, framing the emeralds dynamically and eloquently. From a jewelry designer whose notable collections include bright colorful gemstones, Egyptian influences, and geometric streamlined designs inspired by Art Deco, this splendid brooch is a superlative example expressing the iconic David Webb style. The emeralds reference the shape of Egyptian scarabs, albeit abstracted and stylized. The scarab was one of the more important amulets in ancient Egypt because the insect was a symbol of the Sun God. Here the oblong emeralds are carved and etched with a pattern of fronds, referencing the wings of the insect, but multiplied and intensified to an allover pattern. Many of Webb’s designs are reflections of his fascination with ancient cultures. He went on weekly trips to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and studied gold objects from the Incas, from Turkey and Syria, from Egyptian artifacts...