The David Webb jewelry collection is one that collectors watch with great care. It all began in 1941, when 16-year-young David Webb made the move from North Carolina to New York City. He was already working on his jewelry designs at that age, but it took the move to New York for a French connoisseur to notice his talent. This aficionado would go on to become Webb’s backer for opening of a store in 1948.
Webb’s designs quickly became the talk of the town. He specialized in the fulfillment of special orders as well as the re-styling of outmoded pieces that took on a new appearance under his careful ministrations. The 1950s and 1960s inspired Webb to create jewelry that focused on flora and fauna. Nature in all its shapes and varieties became the theme for pieces of all sizes. The 1970s saw a change in Webb’s approach to style.
His creations featured enamel colors, plenty of hammered gold and exquisite textures. It was a sad day when Webb died in 1975. To keep the business going, the Silberstein family took over. Using Webb’s creativity as a springboard, Silberstein took David Webb Jewelry into Beverly Hills and as far away as Kuwait. Yet there would be more changes on the horizon.
The Silbersteins sold the business to Robert Sadian, Sima Ghadamian and Mark Emanuel in 2010. In the wake of this rather recent sale, jewelry aficionados are looking to see how much of the Webb tradition they will carry forward and how much of the Silberstein business acumen they intend on keeping. At this time, there are five collections for the discerning buyer of jewelry.
Bracelets.Whimsical frogs in gold, artistic giraffes and precious stones round out the offerings. Note that there is plenty of enamel, platinum, yellow gold, diamonds and rubies.
Necklaces. Carved crystals, enamel, diamonds and gold are the main ingredients for these designs. The necklaces are gorgeous stand-alone pieces that set the tone for an evening’s ensemble.
Brooches. Carved coral grasshoppers and textured gold in frog form are just a few of the items you find in this collection. Exquisite detail makes the pieces suitable for display on a shawl or along the neckline with a scarf.
Rings. Felines with green eyes, monkey with red ruby eyes and moonstones turn these rings into conversation starters. They demand attention, and the unique artisanship that went into their creation makes them easy to recognize as authentic Webb jewelry designs.
Earrings. Rope designs in yellow gold and ruby flora earrings continue the designs for which Webb had become so famous.
The new owners jut recently began work on pieces that Webb had sketched but never actually put into production. It is said that there are some 30,000 sketches that are waiting to be turned into actual pieces. Cementing David Webb Jewelry’s reputation as one of vintage jewelry at its best, it looks like the brand is here to stay and may provide further insights into the genius of its creator.
Peter Suchy Jewelers is located in Stamford Connecticut and we welcome visitors to our store! We often seek out and sell vintage and estate David Webb pieces so come in and shop! We also hope you’ll browse our eBay store and like us on Facebook. Don’t’ forget our Facebook page always previews our new eBay listings—be the first to see them!
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