VERDURA

The Verdura Jewelry brand was founded by Duke Fulco di Verdura in the early 20th century. Fulco di Verdura was born in Palermo, Italy, in 1898 and began his career as a designer and artist in Paris in the 1920s.

In Paris, Fulco was discovered by Coco Chanel, who became his mentor and employer. He worked for Chanel for over a decade, designing jewelry and other accessories.

Paul Flato was an important figure in the early career of Duke Fulco di Verdura. Flato was an American jewelry designer who had a salon on Fifth Avenue in New York City in the 1930s. He was known for his glamorous, Art Deco-inspired designs, which often featured geometric shapes and bold colors.

Flato and Verdura met in the late 1920s while both were working in Paris. They became friends and collaborators, with Verdura designing some pieces for Flato's salon. However, their partnership ended in the early 1930s when Flato accused Verdura of stealing some of his designs.

After the split, Verdura went on to open his own salon in New York City in 1939, where he quickly gained a following among high society clients. He continued to create jewelry that was both glamorous and playful, often featuring whimsical motifs like animals and flowers.

Verdura's approach to jewelry-making was rooted in his Sicilian upbringing and his love of natural materials. He favored chunky, organic shapes and often used colorful gemstones like aquamarines, rubies, and emeralds. He also experimented with different materials, like enamel, shells, and wood.

Verdura's designs were notable for their sense of humor and whimsy, as well as their technical innovation. He developed his own signature techniques, like the "wrapped coil" method of setting gemstones, which allowed for greater flexibility and movement in the finished piece.

Today, Verdura remains one of the most respected and innovative jewelry brands in the world, known for its timeless designs and commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Verdura's most famous works include:

Maltese Cross Cuffs: These cuffs were inspired by the cross on the flag of Sicily, Verdura's native country. They are made of gold and enamel and feature colorful gemstones.

Curb Link Bracelet: This bracelet features a chain of gold links and is one of Verdura's most iconic designs. It was popularized by Coco Chanel, who famously wore it in a portrait by Horst P. Horst.

Passementerie Necklace: This necklace is made of twisted gold wire and was inspired by the tassels and cords used in traditional Italian passementerie. It is a classic example of Verdura's ability to turn everyday objects into beautiful pieces of jewelry.

Shell Earrings: These earrings feature two large shells, one hanging from the other, with diamond accents. They are a great example of Verdura's love of natural materials and his ability to incorporate them into high-end jewelry.

Caged Bird Brooch: This brooch features a bird in a cage made of gold wire. The bird is set with diamonds and sapphires, while the cage is decorated with colored enamel. It is a playful and whimsical piece that showcases Verdura's unique design sensibility.

These are just a few examples of Verdura's most famous works, but there are many more. His designs continue to inspire and influence jewelry designers today, and his legacy as a master of the craft lives on.