David Webb’s First In

David Webb's frog brooch made with cabochon rubies, green enamel, and 18K gold, and twin frog bracelet with cabochon rubies, brilliant-cut diamonds, green enamel, 18K gold, and platinum. Photo: Courtesy of David Webb

Looming large in David Webb's myriad collections of statement-making bijoux are the exotic animals and playful fauna crafted using a stunning array of diamonds, gemstones, and enamel in 18K gold and platinum. Having received the Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award in 1964 for these vivacious pieces, the late jewelry designer repeatedly reinterpreted the theme, conjuring jungle cats and woodland creatures from breathtaking stones and metalwork.

Now, the jewelry house's planned 2020 exhibition "A Walk in the Woods: David Webb's Artful Animals" is finally coming to fruition at its Madison Avenue flagship.

David Webb's giraffe bracelets made using cabochon rubies or emeralds, brilliant-cut diamonds, enamel, 18K gold, and platinum. Photo: Courtesy of David Webb

Photo: Courtesy of David Webb

"We’re thrilled to be finally opening the doors to David Webb's first in-house exhibition, ‘A Walk in the Woods,’" says Levi Higgs, head of archives and brand heritage at David Webb. "The show celebrates David Webb's rich history of animal designs, which spans decades and is easily one of the house's most recognizable motifs. The pieces within the exhibition evoke a transcendent stroll through a leafy forest while simultaneously showcasing the breathtaking craftsmanship that is synonymous with the house."

Archival sketch of a jungle cat jewelry piece from David Webb's collection. Photo: Courtesy of David Webb

Animal kingdom pieces from David Webb. Photo: Courtesy of David Webb

On view by appointment from September 19 through October 2, the show will include two newly made Owl pieces and other works from the Kingdom collection that incorporate monkeys, zebras, frogs, snakes, and other wildlife. Also featured will be archival sketches and a film by Noah Kalina, with music by cellist Patrick Belaga, that reinterprets the A Walk in the Woods original by fashion photographer Milton Greene and illustrator Joe Eula that accompanied the 1964 Coty Award presentation.

David Webb Leopard bracelet made withyellow gold, platinum, diamonds, emeralds, and black and white enamel. Photo: Courtesy of David Webb

Archival sketch of a monkey bracelet from David Webb's collection. Photo: Courtesy of David Webb

Highlights include the Hoot brooch, made using green and white enamel in 18K gold and platinum punctuated by a heart-shaped amethyst, as well as a reinterpretation of the iconic Elizabeth Taylor bracelet entitled the Midnight Owl Torsade bracelet with various strands of gemstone beads. After the show, each of the pieces will be available for purchase at the boutique.

News