Born in 1925 in Asheville, North Carolina, David Webb began designing jewellery at a young age. He got an apprenticeship at his uncle’s silversmith shop, where he gained knowledge and techniques in metal work. At the age of seventeen, he moved to New York City and obtained a job as a jewellery repairer in Greenwich Village. As a very handsome and social young man, he charmed is way through New Yorks society, were he eventually met and befriended Antoinette Quilleret, a wealthy socialite. She instantly recognised his talent and they opened a shop together, however in 1945 David was able to buy her out and founded David Webb inc.
Before long, David Webb jewellery was sought after by the most stylish and demanding design experts. A destination for statement jewellery, with his use of carved crystal, abstract enamel and gold work and a creative display of diamonds and semi-precious stones.
Today, David Webb jewellery is distinguished by a bold use of colour, dimension and exquisite attention to detail. Best known for his daring enamel works and animal themes. David took his inspiration not only from the animal kingdom, but also from the likes of Faberge, Cellini and other master jewellers of the 1800’s to early 1900’s, who approached jewellery design as an art form, not a product.
Since he began, over 70 years ago, he has been loved by socialites and movie stars alike. With clients such as Princess Grace of Monaco, The Duchess of Windsor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor who featured four pages of David Webb jewellery in her book “My Love Affair With Jewellery”, Barbara Streisand, Helen Mirren, Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce, to name a few.
Sadly, David Webb died of pancreatic cancer in 1975. Since then, his former business partner Nina Silberstein took over, continuing David’s statement designs and flair. Every piece is expertly created from the flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City. David Webb original jewellery still remains highly collectable and sought after.
Earrings by David Webb, circa 1980’s. Available for purchase from A.T.Watkinson Ltd.