“Women are tired of jewelry-looking jewelry,” celebrated American designer David Webb once noted. In response, he created a menagerie of whimsical animals rendered as rings, brooches, earrings and, especially, bangle bracelets. This playfulness permeates all Webb’s work, which is characterized by brightly hued enamel and color-saturated semiprecious stones like coral, azurmalachite and turquoise, the notable exception being the clear, elegant rock crystal for which he had an affinity.
The North Carolina native apprenticed with his uncle, a silversmith, before moving to New York, where he established David Webb Inc. in 1948. He had no formal training in jewelry design. Instead, he culled inspiration from the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Americas, as well as the traditions of India and China — influences discernible in such pieces as his collar necklaces and talisman-like sautoirs.
Webb’s first animal bracelet was produced in 1957. His most famous, the zebra, took shape in 1963; its stripes now form the company’s logo. Although Webb died in 1975, his company continues to produce designs drawn from his extensive archives, and every piece is still made in the workshop above its Madison Avenue store.
Find an alluring collection of David Webb jewelry on 1stDibs, including earrings, brooches and other accessories.
David Webb Hammered Gold Doorknocker Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k hammered gold doorknocker earrings by David Webb. Earrings measure 1 5/8" x 1". Hallmarked Webb and 18k. Weight - 42.3 grams.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Hammered 18k Yellow Gold X Ear Clips
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Hammered 18k Yellow Gold X Ear Clips Softly hammered 18 karat yellow gold, with X motif; marked Webb, 18k Size: width 2.8 cm, length 2.8 cm Total weight: 47.7 grams
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Hammered Gold Half Hoop Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k hammered finish gold earrings by Henry Dunay. Measuring 23mm x 18mm. Marked B7752, 750, 18k, Dunay. Weigh 20.7 grams. SKU#E-02430
18k Gold
David Webb Gold Hoop Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
18K Y/gold double hoop style earclips with post, stamps WEBB 18K measures 1 1/2 x 1 1/8 inches, weight 19.00 dwt
Gold
David Webb Hammered 18k Yellow Gold Round Smiley Ear Clips
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Hammered 18k Yellow Gold Round Smiley Ear Clips Round shape hammered 18 karat yellow gold ear clips with a smile; marked Webb, 18k Size: width 3 cm, length 3 cm Total w...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Hammered Shell Ear Clips
Located in New York, NY
Gold hammered shell ear clips, 18 karat yellow gold Size: width 1 inch, length 1.25 inch Total weight: 34.6 grams
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings 26.5 Grams
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Designer: DAVID WEBB Detailed Description: 18K Yellow Gold Style: Clip On Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dimension: 1.13*0.52*0.88IN Weight: 26.5 Grams Condition: Vintage Product ID: 6J...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
DAVID WEBB 1970 Hammered Hoops Clips Earrings In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Clips-on earrings designed by David Webb (1925-1975). This is a gorgeous pair of hoop clips-on earrings created in New York city at the jewelry atelier of David Webb, back in the 19...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
DAVID WEBB 1970 New York Ropes Hoops Earrings In Solid Textured 18Kt Yellow Gold
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of hoops earrings designed by David Webb (1925-1975). This vintage pair of fabulous clips earrings, were created in New York City at the atelier of David Webb, back in 1970's. ...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Hammered Clip on Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: David Webb Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 0.75 inches Width: 22.30 mm Weight: 18.92 grams Ladies DAVID WEBB designer made hammer finished 18K yellow ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Hammered Doorknocker Clip-On Earrings 40.76 grams
By David Webb
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
18k gold doorknocker, marked Webb. Gross Weight: 40.76 grams Dimensions: 1-1/4 inches x 1-1/16 inches Featured in Heritage Auctions 2015 May 4 Fine Jewelry Signature Auction - NY #52...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Of Lobed Textured Clip Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless allure of the David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Lobed Textured Clip Earrings, a captivating pair designed to enhance your style with sophistication and elegance. **...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
