David Webb (jeweler)

David Webb (July 2, 1925 – December 12, 1975) was an American jeweler. On July 28, 1948, he founded David Webb, the company, which opened at 2 West 46th Street. Among his clients were Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Barbra Streisand.^[1] Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner and Beyoncé have also worn his jewelry.^[2]

Other notable figures known for wearing David Webb's creations include Grace Kelly, Wallis Simpson (the Duchess of Windsor), Lee Radziwill, Lana Turner, Doris Duke, Gloria Vanderbilt, Nan Kempner, Ava Gardner, Leonore Annenberg, and Andy Warhol.^[3]

Born in Asheville, North Carolina on July 2, 1925.^[4] Webb was a self-taught designer whose work included dragon bracelets, Maltese cross brooches and animal motifs.^[5] In 1964, The Duke of Windsor purchased a bracelet for his wife.^[6] Diana Vreeland, a noted columnist and editor of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, was often seen with a David Webb black-and-white enamel zebra bangle.^[7]

Webb died from pancreatic cancer on December 12, 1975.^[8][9] The business has been in continuous operation and in 2010 was purchased by estate jewelers Mark Emanuel, Sima Ghadamian and Robert Sadian.^[10] Webb left behind an archive of over 40,000 original drawings and designs. The company continues to produce new pieces based on his original concepts, maintaining his distinctive style.^[11]

A book about his work, David Webb: The Quintessential American Jeweler by Ruth Peltason, was published in 2013. In 2014, a retrospective exhibition was mounted at Norton Museum of Art in Palm Beach.^[12]

David Webb has flagship boutiques in both New York City on Madison Avenue and Rodeo Drive at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel.^[13]