loading...
Marvellous flexible bracelet depicting a couple of frogs in 18 cts. yellow gold, platinum and fired
translucent green enamel. 44 brillant cut diamonds for a total weight of 1.21 cts., 5 cabochon cut rubies for 2.83 cts. and 1 ruby of 6.33 cts. The sculptural parts are made with the lost-wax casting technique. American assay mark for gold 750/1000 and platinum. Signed “DAVID WEBB”.
Excellent conditions with no chips on the enamel.
17-21 cm (can be reduced).
David Webb (1925-1975) was one of the most brilliant creators of jewelry in America. Coming from North Carolina, he begun to work in New York during the 1940’s and in 1963 he opened its own first salon at 7th, East 57th Street.firm opened its salon at 7th, East 57th Street.
Early on, he designed jewels of abstract inspiration. Later he went on to study the art of antique gold crafting (Greek and Roman) and the technique of lost-wax casting. At the same time, he devised a set of colored enamels evoking Indian jewelry of Rajasthan (Jaipur).
His researches allowed him to create a jewelry collection of inspired by wildlife. The “Jeweled Jungle”, quickly became highly sought after.
The frog model became one of major artist’s icon, probably because in 1964 the ducs of Winsdor,
purchased a Twin Frog Braceled, which was exactly the same model presented here.
The artistic value of this piece is given by the animals extreme vitality.
The fancy character and the rich polychromie show very well the spirit of 1960’s jewellery. The original appraisal document evaluating this bracelet for 3'500 USD, make this piece as one of the
most significant of this epoch.
We include the official David Webb Inc. appraisal for insurance dating 1968.
- J. Culme, N. Rayner; “The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor”, New York, 1987, pp. 194-195.
- SOTHEBY’S NEW YORK; “A Century of American Style”, New York, 20 ottobre 1999, p.182.