David Webb (jeweler)
American jeweler (1925–1975)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David Webb (July 2, 1925 – December 12, 1975) was an American jeweler. On July 28, 1948, he founded his eponymous company 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]
Born in Asheville, North Carolina on July 2, 1925.[3] Webb was a self-taught designer whose work included dragon bracelets, Maltese cross brooches and animal motifs.[4] In 1964, The Duke of Windsor purchased a bracelet for his wife.[5] 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.[6]
Webb died from pancreatic cancer on December 12, 1975.[7][8] The business has been in continuous operation and in 2010 was purchased by estate jewelers Mark Emanuel, Sima Ghadamian and Robert Sadian.[9] 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.[10]
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.[11]
David Webb has flagship boutiques in New York City on Madison Avenue and in LA on Rodeo Drive at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel.[12]
In 2025 the brand was acquired by Middle West Partners in April 2025.[13] A new David Webb boutique at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, California opened in November 2025.[14]
