David Webb

David Webb was synonymous with statement jewelry in New York City in the 1960s and 1970s. Webb started his career at the age of 16, when he moved to New York and found a financial backer and wealthy patrons amongst the socialite set. He set up shop on 57th Street, ran two full-time workshops and employed 200 jewelers and 37 setters. In the 1950s, Webbs designs were inspired by flowers and organic shapes. By the 1960s, his iconic animal jewelry was born – frogs leaping off of cuffs or lapels, zebras on bangles, crocodiles and intertwining dragons. Hammered gold, enamel, colors, textures underpinned geometric designs of the 1970s. In 1975, Webb died at a young age. But his namesake company lives on, and he remains one of the most collectable designers in the world.