Vintage Jewelry

Falco di Verdura Fine Jewelry

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Falco di Verdura Fine Jewelry
Sophia Loren wearing Verdura jewels, Vogue November 1966. Falco di Verdura Fine Jewelry

The name Falco di Verdura (1898 – 1978) is associated with the highest levels of craftsmanship in jewelry. Verdura created an entire gallery of jewelry masterpieces that, in addition to high craftsmanship, also boast a touch of surprise.

Traditionally, Verdura used not only precious stones and metals, but also ordinary shells and pebbles he picked up on the seashore. By decorating a found shell with precious stones, Verdura transformed it into a work of art.

Mrs. Vincent Astor and Duke Di Verdura, Life February 1944
Mrs. Vincent Astor and Duke Di Verdura, Life February 1944

When he was 21, his father died, leaving him a comfortable inheritance. During the Great Gatsby era of the early 1920s, Verdura moved from Venice to Paris, then to Cannes, spending his money on entertainments. But one day, he decided to change everything, turning his innate artistic talent into a profession.

Designer for Coco Chanel

Starting as a fabric designer for Coco Chanel, he soon earned a high reputation and the respect of Madame Chanel. Promoted to head of the jewelry department, he created bracelets with Maltese crosses for her. Chanel, who never parted with these bracelets, brought fame to the young designer.

Mrs. Jay O’Brien’s aquamarine jewellery designed by the Duc de Verdura at Paul Flato’s. Vogue January 1937
Mrs. Jay O’Brien’s aquamarine jewellery designed by the Duc de Verdura at Paul Flato’s. Vogue January 1937

Leading designer for Paul Flato

In 1934, Verdura went to New York, where he worked as a leading designer for Paul Flato until 1939, when Verdura opened his own business. Falco di Verdura revived the art of multi-layered enameling of gold and created an original collection of hat pins distinguished by their flexibility.

Paulette Goddard, wearing deep-sea real shell clip with diamonds by Verdura, Vogue January 1941
Paulette Goddard, wearing deep-sea real shell clip with diamonds by Verdura, Vogue January 1941

Retiring in 1968, Duc Fulco di Verdura sold his business and settled in London. There he continued to work, painting exquisite miniatures and writing memoirs.

Lady with torch Verdura Vogue 1946 ad
Lady with torch Verdura Vogue 1946 ad

Verdura jewelry ads

Jewels by Verdura, Vogue April 1960
Jewels by Verdura, Vogue April 1960
Aquamarine, sapphire and diamond clips, Vogue March 1946
Aquamarine, sapphire and diamond clips, Vogue March 1946
Arab Warrior, Chinese Junk, natural American pearls mounted with gold, October 1950 Vogue
Arab Warrior, Chinese Junk, natural American pearls mounted with gold, October 1950 Vogue
Brooch and bracelet by Verdura, Vogue September 1957
Brooch and bracelet by Verdura, Vogue September 1957
Flexible Lilac clip, amethyst, peridote and diamonds, Vogue October 1945
Flexible Lilac clip, amethyst, peridote and diamonds, Vogue October 1945
Gold bracelet, ring, clips, powder box, compact made in 14 K gold set with diamonds, November 1953
Gold bracelet, ring, clips, powder box, compact made in 14 K gold set with diamonds, November 1953
Smart Cigarette case gold grill with pigskin lining, Vogue December 1947
Smart Cigarette case gold grill with pigskin lining, Vogue December 1947
Sophia Loren wearing Verdura necklace earrings and rings by Verdura, Vogue November 1966
Sophia Loren wearing Verdura necklace earrings and rings by Verdura, Vogue November 1966
Unicorn clip, pearl, rubies and diamonds, Vogue October 1946
Unicorn clip, pearl, rubies and diamonds, Vogue October 1946
Dolphin clip chased gold with pink rubies and diamonds, Vogue March 1945 ad
Dolphin clip chased gold with pink rubies and diamonds, Vogue March 1945
Flying Dragon Vogue October 1949
Flying Dragon Vogue October 1949
Vogue April 1957
Vogue April 1957
Thistle Gold and Diamond clip, Vogue November 1943
Thistle Gold and Diamond clip, Vogue November 1943
Vogue August 1951
Vogue August 1951
Designed by Verdura, Vogue October 1940
Designed by Verdura, Vogue October 1940
Twin Flower pin, Vogue November 1956
Twin Flower pin, Vogue November 1956
Masterpieces of Verdura jewelry
A man flying in hot air balloon gold, diamond, sapphire, pearl and enamel brooch
A man flying in hot air balloon gold, diamond, sapphire, pearl and enamel brooch
Lily of the Valley diamond cultured pearls emeralds gold brooch
Lily of the Valley diamond cultured pearls emeralds gold brooch
Pinecone gold and diamond brooch
Pinecone gold and diamond brooch
Sea shell gold diamond and ruby brooch
Sea shell gold diamond and ruby brooch
Wings brooch in 18 K gold set with pink topaz and diamonds
Wings brooch in 18 K gold set with pink topaz and diamonds
Wrapped Heart gold brooch set with rubies and diamonds
Wrapped Heart gold brooch set with rubies and diamonds
Seashell gold and diamonds brooch
Seashell gold and diamonds brooch