David Webb: The Animal Jeweler Who Conquered New York
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Typical of the bracelets that made him famous with American celebrities from the 1960s onwards, this spectacular enameled hippopotamus is a fine illustration of the jeweler's daring creativity. David Webb (1925-1975), "Hippopotamus" cuff bracelet in gold, yellow sapphire, black enamel and cabochon emeralds, c. 1970, signed, l. around 14 cm/5.5 in, 139.9 g/4.9 oz.Estimate: €15,000/25,000 "Women are tired of jewelry that looks like jewelry: they want one-of-a-kind pieces [...] Animals are here to stay," said American jeweler David Webb, creator of this imaginative hippopotamus. Jeanne Toussaint had shown the way in the France of the 1920s by including animals in Cartier's jewelry sets, which were given a
