David Webb (1925 –1975) was known as a distinguished American jeweler.
Webb’s self-taught style brimmed with ideas gleaned from years spent poring over ancient jewels from Greece, Mesopotamia, and Central and South America, as well as traditional jewelry styles from China and India.
His ability to craft imposing, grandiose, yet impeccably elegant accessories — filled with bold contrasts and rich gemstone shapes — cemented his reputation as one of America’s most iconic jewelry designers, delighting high society with his unparalleled craftsmanship.
The trajectory of American and European jewelry over his formative years can be broadly described as a swing away from the abstract geometry of Art Deco towards more exuberant, figurative themes from the natural world.
After honing his skills at the Penland School of Craft in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Webb set his sights on New York City.
With the backing of the wealthy patron Antoinette Quilleret, Webb was eventually able to open his own shop in 1945.
His fledgling business quickly met with enough success that he was able to buy out Quilleret shortly afterwards, establishing David Webb Inc. in 1948.
By the 1950s and 1960s, movie stars and fashion icons could be seen wearing his trademark bracelets, brooches, rings and necklaces fashioned in hammered gold, black enamel and oversized gemstones, many in the shape of exotic animals.
More of David Webb’s amazing jewelry can be found at https://www.davidwebb.com/ and Sothbys.
Humoring the Goddess 