Over the years I’ve written about this jeweler more than a few times.
I have held him and still hold him and his legacy on a level of awe
bordering on reverence. His talent is rarely equaled in our trade. I
can only think of a very few in our trade who might today be on a par
with him.
Our jeweler was born in 1925 and died in 1975. A child by today’s
standards. His life span is hardly more than a nearly invisible blip
in the scheme of time. And yet his talent and name live on through
the generations. His clientele over the years were Elizabeth Taylor,
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Barbra Streisand, Helen Mirren. the list
goes on ad infinitum.
He was born in Asheville, North Carolina. He was self-taught. As a
quick aside. I have greater admiration for the self-taught because
they sail through life’s hurricanes alone and unaided. In 1964 The
Duke of Windsor purchased a bracelet from him for his wife.
In late 1940 his opened his flagship store on Madison Avenue in New
York. His work was bold. It was daring. He adhered to the most
favorite of my mottos. To wit: “Quality is the meticulous attention
to detail.” The man was outstanding in his adherence to this
principle. not an easy one to maintain.
He was influenced by people like Faberge and Cellini. He was
groundbreaking in his approach. He began designing jewelry as a young
boy. He apprenticed in his uncle’s silversmith shop and ultimately
moved to New York at the age of 17 to begin his career. It is said he
was blond and he was handsome and he was brimming with Southern
charm. How could he fail when all that was taken in conjunction with
his talent.
He quickly began traveling through New York society. made alliances.
and was soon recognized by Bergdorf Goodman. He rapidly became sought
after by the most demanding of customers who knew quality.
Unfortunately. he contracted pancreatic cancer, which caused his
demise. And yet. during his relatively short existence. he left
behind a collection of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry,
which–in my mind–are unmatched in creativity and allure by any
American jeweler I have heard of.
His name. for those of you who have not already guessed… was David
Webb. a man with more talent in his little finger than most of us are
ever blessed to possess.
Today I show you two coral bull bangles. They are not identical to
each other. but they are close enough to enable the viewer to see
each of them from two different perspectives and extrapolate how each
would look the other way. Lordy lord… I do hope you know what I’m
saying. If you do. of course I would expect you to explain it to me.
So there it is. And if this is a tad redundant. please forgive me.
There are those in life for whom there is never enough said in
praise.
Okay. Ready? You are familiar with the rest. Yes? No? The visit to
the image. also known as the viewing experience. You know where. Home
page. http://www.tyler-adam.com. Scroll down. Left side. Tidbits.
Click. And there for your sensory optic pleasure you will see a pair
of stunning coral bulls waiting to decimate their matador.
And there ya have it. That’s it for this week folks. Catch you all
next week.
Benjamin Mark