A GLITTERING HERITAGE

By Katelyn Rutt

Deep in the Land of the Sky, David Webb’s roots produced an eye for the whimsical, the dramatic, and the highly original. Plus, how one Charlotte-based jeweler brings the legacy full circle by carrying the eponymous brand in the designer’s home state.

“I had a tremendous feeling of art in me. I wanted to be an archaeologist, a ceramist, or a jeweler. Jewelry won out.” - David Webb

Asheville may be best known for its gentle mountains and storied Biltmore Estate, but the city also shaped one of the greatest American jewelry icons, David Webb. Infamous for his animal-inspired bracelets, geometric necklaces, and inventive use of gemstones, pearls, and diamonds, Webb dove into the untapped potential of artistic jewelry and collected more than a few celebrity clientele including Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Following his sudden death in 1975, the designer left behind an archive of 40,000 jewelry illustrations—allowing future generations a small insight into the mastery of Webb’s mind.

“The David Webb pieces embolden and empower women and give them a feeling of somehow being connected to the past,” Tiny Gods Owner Mary Margaret Beaver says. “While also offering confidence that the piece they are wearing by this brand will forever be with them and beyond.”

When Beaver left a 20-year career in the jewelry industry to chase the dream of opening her own store, Tiny Gods, she never imagined her passions would connect her with the opportunity to participate in the legacy of such an iconic heritage designer.

“It has long been a dream of mine to own a piece of David Webb jewelry, and more importantly, to connect my clients with this immaculate and special brand,” Beaver says. “When I opened Tiny Gods two years ago, I didn’t think that I would have the great privilege of bringing this collection back to North Carolina by way of my jewelry store.”

Tiny Gods offers an unparalleled collection of glittering jewelry sourced from around the world. Designed with incredible craftsmanship, emotion, and significance, each of Beaver’s sourcings is mindfully selected for her Charlotte clientele and beyond. But, despite the many unique items she comes across on a daily basis, the jeweler’s David Webb pieces are her favorite for their timelessness— and the thought that each lucky wearer gets to take part in a story that spans more than half a century.

“Dreams can come true,” Beaver says. “These are collector's pieces that are bold and feminine at once. It is an absolute privilege and joy to be able to share my passion for discovering and sourcing the best in fine jewelry from all over the world with my other passion—my clients.”

IT WASN’T CARTIER

“A little-known fact is that the Nail collection originated with David Webb, not Cartier. One of the most famous jewelry designers, and one who never had his own brand, was Aldo Cipullo. He and David Webb were working on a collection called ‘Tool Box’ in 1970, and shortly thereafter Cipullo left David Webb to design for Cartier. Cartier introduced their Nail collection a year later.” - Beaver

During a three-year apprenticeship with his uncle, Webb created his first design—a copper ashtray signed with a spider in its web. Some speculate this was the start of the designer’s affinity for animal-themed motifs.

TAKING OFF

By the age of 23, Webb had opened a shop in New York City. And by 25, Vogue was at his doorstep, requesting to photograph his earrings for the cover of their fall issue.

A MASTER OF HIS TRADE

Webb was the Houdini of gold. He was known for going on weekly trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and studying Egyptian and Incan artifacts, among others, in order to create alloys with a patina of ancient gold.

CELEBRITY ATTENTION

In 1962, Webb was selected by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to design the official Gifts of State for the White House. The jeweler created a collection of paperweights, including a special coral paperweight for President Kennedy. Elizabeth Taylor was commonly seen wearing David Webb jewelry in her films and fell in love with Webb’s iconic bangle bracelet—now known as the Elizabeth Taylor Makara Bracelet. The brand was also donned by Barbara Streisand, Princess Grace of Monaco, the Rockefellers, and the Vanderbilts. In recent years, celebrities like Amy Adams, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lawrence have styled David Webb pieces at high-profile events.

CHARLOTTE CHARLESTON NANTUCKET NEW YORK Nationwide Design Services Jlaytoninteriors.com @jlaytoninteriors layton@jlaytoninteriors.com 1720 E 7th St. Charlotte NC 28204

ESCAPE

TO SEE, TO SEEK, TO JOURNEY

pg. #90 Montego Bay, Magnificence at Round Hill Hotel and Villas pg. #98 The Unveiling of RH Guesthouse in New York.