Jet-Set Gems February 1, 2013 – Posted in: Press

by SALLIE BRADY
Published February 01, 2013
Art and Antiques Magazine

Van Cleef and Arpels Pin (stamped “VCA”) with Coral and Chrysophase. Set in 18 karat Yellow Gold. Can also be worn as a large pendant.

(Photographed in-house at House of Kahn Estate Jewelers in Chicago, Published and printed in the February 2013 issue of Arts and Antiques Magazine)

[ . . . ] And then, of course, there is David Webb, perhaps the most famous maker of this era, whose pieces are as popular now as they were when they were made and celebrities and socialites snatched them up. “David Webb is highly collectible with 20-to-70-year-olds,” says Lington. “The workmanship is incredible. The designs are striking. When you’re wearing a piece of David Webb, you know it’s David Webb. It’s easily recognizable.” Webb was said to have worked on his own, not really influenced by other jewelers, but prolifically creating the colorful pieces we know today.

“We sell a ton of David Webb jewelry,” says Tobina Kahn, vice president of House of Kahn Estate Jewelers of Palm Beach and Chicago. “People want a big, bold look today. They also want the biggest bang for their buck. David Webb is that.” One of Webb’s most memorable pieces was offered in the Elizabeth Taylor sale at Christies in December 2011. A magnificent lioness bangle bracelet crafted in 1967 from coral, diamonds, and emeralds, it was estimated at $10,000-20,000 and sold for $218,500. The first monograph on David Webb will be published later this year.

Overall, the market for this jewelry appears to be healthy. “I really think that as the price of gold has climbed 1960s and ’70s jewelry is becoming more popular,” says Kahn, whose family has been in the jewelry business for 50 years. “People are buying a few pieces at a time; they are stockpiling these pieces. The small pieces are not moving, but the large ones are.” [ . . . ]