David Webb (jeweler)

David Webb (July 2, 1925–1975) 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]

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 in 1975.[7] The business has been in continuous operation and in 2010 was purchased by estate jewelers Mark Emanuel, Sima Ghadamian and Robert Sadian.[8] The company's logo is a zebra.

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.[9]

David Webb has flagship boutiques in both New York City on Madison Avenue and Rodeo Drive at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel.[10]