Five exquisite jewels designed by Fulco di Verdura are featured in the September 2021 Fine Jewelry auction. The assemblage includes earrings, two brooches, a gold watch, and an iconic Maltese Cross bracelet with an alternate cuff option. With auction estimates from $6,000 to $60,000, there’s something for everyone’s budget.
Verdura Jewelry for Sale at Auction – Preview, Place a Bid, or Track
The following Verdura jewelry items are for sale in the 2021 September 27 Fall Fine Jewelry Signature Auction #5521:
Verdura Diamond, Black Onyx, White Gold Earrings
Verdura Diamond, Platinum, Gold Brooch
Verdura Diamond, Gold Covered Dial Watch
Verdura Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold Brooch
Verdura Multi-Stone, Cultured Pearl, Gold Bracelets
View all Verdura jewelry for sale in this auction. Research past sale prices for Verdura designs.
Read More About Verdura
Duke Fulco di Verdura (1898 – 1978) led a vibrant life. His awe-inspiring designs and iconic patrons are legendary. His great friends and supporters Cole (pictured below) and Linda Porter introduced him to Coco Chanel, who immediately recognized his talent.
Autographed photo of Cole Porter sold by Heritage Auctions.
He created a pair of Maltese cross cuffs for Coco, using cabochons set in white enamel. Inspired, she had them remade as costume jewelry for her shop, thus beginning an eight-year collaboration between Verdura and Chanel.
Devoted client Diana Vreeland (pictured below) introduced Verdura to Paul Flato, “Jeweler to the Stars.” Soon after, he set up his own boutique in New York, backed by Cole Porter and Vincent Astor. A prolific artist, Verdura’s business partner Joseph Alfano is credited with saving much of his original artwork, which is still in use today.
The name and designs were acquired by Ward Landrigan, in 1985, who continues crafting timeless Verdura treasures to the same high standards as the company’s namesake.
What Was Verdura’s Inspiration for the Maltese Cross Cuff Design?
In the late 1920s, Chanel and Fulco di Verdura set out on a European tour, hoping for fresh inspiration. They visited fine jewelry museum collections and exhibitions and emerged from the tour excited about the recurring Byzantine pattern they saw. Soon after, Fulco created his revolutionary and now legendary brooch motifs, combining precious and semi-precious gemstones in asymmetrical patterns with different colors of gold. Fulco was eventually inspired to mount the brooches on a pair of cuffs he crafted for Chanel, thus defining the signature look for which she is most notably remembered, and launching the creation of Verdura’s signature motif – the Maltese Cross.
Preview the Verdura jewelry for sale, place your bids online, and join us for the exciting live auction on September 27, 2021.
Related reading: Happy Birthday, Verdura!
Who was Fulco di Verdura, how did he get started designing jewelry, and where can you preview his jewelry for sale? Read more…
Learn More About Antique and Vintage Jewelry
Browse jewelry for sale, value your item or request a free appraisal to sell your collection.
Subscribe to the Jewelry Newsletter
Get collecting news, auction recaps, and sneak previews when you subscribe to the Heritage Auctions jewelry collecting newsletter.
Free Offer – The Collector’s Handbook
Protect your investment. Download a free copy of The Collector’s Handbook – your step-by-step guide for documenting and safeguarding your collection.
Leave a Comment