Cabochon sapphire, coral and sapphire beads, brilliant-cut diamonds, white enamel, 18K gold, and platinum

TASSELS

Tassels are everywhere in David Webb’s oeuvre. From the splayed fringe of an earring, to the dramatic plunging finial of a sautoir, these swinging beaded bits of jewelry can’t be denied as extremely important in the work of the quintessential American jeweler.

This necklace was seen in a June 1972 issue of Harper’s Bazaar wrapped around the neck of Swedish model Britt Ekland, swinging wildly with her blonde hair tossed in her face. The photograph was taken by Bill King, and perhaps caught the attention of Marie-Hélène de Rothschild, because the necklace was sold to her two years later. She can be seen wearing the jewel at home in a press photo taken in 1980.

Most recently David Webb is taking tassels in a new direction, swinging at uneven lengths on the bias.