Verdura 75th Anniversary Collection

This fall, the launch of the Verdura 75th Anniversary Collection will celebrate three quarters of a century of the iconic jeweler’s legendary style. Focussing on his early years, owners Ward and Nico Landrigan searched the archives for inspiration that would showcase Fulco di Verdura’s unique and pioneering talents. His use of yellow gold for day to evening wear, bold mixing of precious and semi-precious stones with his “pressed in” settings and nature influenced pieces set him apart at the time. Reflecting his childhood on the Sicilian coast, his use of shells has influenced generations of designs.  The incredible Lion’s Paw Shell brooch, with cabochon sapphires and diamonds below, originally designed for Millicent Rogers, will be reproduced for the collection. The original shell was purchased by Verdura from the Museum of Natural History.

Verdura 75th Anniversary Collection Lion's Paw Shell brooch for t

Cabochon stones are seen in many of the Verdura designs but no where more lavishly than in the Basket Cuff bracelet, a 40’s design recreated for the first time for the anniversary. Those of you who follow along on Instagram may have seen this shot as I took the bracelet out for a spin when visiting the showroom. Luminous Burmese sapphires, sprinkled with diamonds in a fluid asymmetrical design, are encased in gold rope, a Verdura signature. Truly a spectacular statement piece.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection Basket cuff braceletAnother seminal design being reproduced for the first time since its original 1941 debut, is the Scarf necklace. Dorothy Paley Hirshon had originally commissioned it to showcase emeralds she brought back from a trip to Columbia, specifically requesting Verdura to forgo diamonds so it would be appropriate for daytime.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection Scarf necklaceThe Stardust necklace, with ethereal cabochon moonstones evokes Verdura’s years in Paris working for Chanel.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection Stardust necklace

It’s amazing to realize that the pearl Lace bracelet is from 1935. It feels modern, flirty and fun. Perhaps that’s why it was recreated for Betsey Whitney in 1943.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection pearl Lace braceletOne of my favorite Verdura rings, eternally on my wish list, is the Cage ring – I’m sporting it below with peridots.

Verdura cage ringOriginally designed in the late ’40’s for Dorothy Paley Hirshon, the ring is now joined by the new Cage bracelet. Designed for the Verdura 75th anniversary collection, it features a rare collection of natural quartz crystals called “Herkimer diamonds,” found in upstate New York.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection Cage braceletFor John (Jock) Hay Whitney’s presentation to Queen Elizabeth as US Ambassador to England in 1956, his wife Betsy wore the now famous Indian Headdress Tiara made for her by Verdura.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection Feather TiaraThe same mold was used to create the new beautiful new Feather bracelet, modeled for this photo by another visiting journalist,

Verdura 75th anniversary collection Feather bracelet

as well as the Feather earrings.

Verdura Feather earrings

Of course new additions to the one of a kind vintage cuff collection were a must for the anniversary.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection cuffs

While all exquisite, these two struck me as eminently wearable.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection cuffs

The pièce de résistance, however, is the limited edition Theodora cuff, symbolizing Verdura’s and Chanel’s collaboration, which revolutionized the jewelry scene for the 20th century and beyond.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection Theodora cuffInspired by the Byzantine mosaic of Empress Theodora at the Italian Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, the cuff is exactingly based on one of Chanel’s orignal Maltese Cross cuffs, using the motif of the iconic Theodora brooch. I knew you would want to see how it looked on.

Verdura 75th anniversary collection Theodora cuffMade in a limited series of 200 with engraved edition number, it will debut on October 7 to coincide with a 75 year retrospective “The Power of Style: Verdura at 75.” Featuring 150 original pieces from the archives and on loan from owners, it will be curated by Carolina and Reinaldo Herrera and their daughter Patricia Lansing.

The Power of Style | Verdura at 75So much to look forward to from this legendary house of style!

all photos by Quintessence

9 thoughts on “Verdura 75th Anniversary Collection

  1. “The anniversary”…I think those feather earrings or cuffs might be a must for ‘my anniversary’. ;)

  2. Jewels that are gorgeous beyond. Stacey to me they do look so fresh and current, all very wearable!

    xoxo
    Karena
    C. Z. Guest: American Style Icon
    The Arts by Karena

  3. Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing. I’m still swooning from the emerald scarf necklace.

    Cheers,
    Stephanie

  4. How wonderful were his designs they are still so wearable today. Would love to own a piece one day . Thank you for a great piece

  5. Drool worthy—all of it! Thanks for sharing. How lucky am I do have a gorgeous KJL vintage reproduction of that Theodora cuff? Naturally, an original would be sublime, but for now, I’m happy :0.

    xo
    DD

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