Art

Masterpiece of Verdura jewellery

08/02/201208/05/2019 by Viola

Masterpiece of Verdura jewellery
Over 100 jewels have been on exhibition at Masterpiece London 2012, June 28 – July 4, 2012. Verdura joined with the exhibitors of art, design and antiques from around the world at Masterpiece London 2012. Founded in 1939 by Duke Fulco di Verdura (born into Sicilian aristocracy at the turn of the century), its present-day collection exhibits a wide array of beautiful jewels. Available for purchase during the show, the collection includes estate and vintage pieces, along with the classics from the design archives.
Based on designs created by Fulco during his lifetime, its present-day collection also includes vintage estate pieces. Meanwhile, Duke Fulco di Verdura’s life was extraordinary from the start. Discovered by Coco Chanel in 1925 and brought to Paris to redesign her extensive jewelry collection, he began working with her. After eight years working with her, America beckoned. Backed by his friends Cole Porter and Vincent Astor, Verdura opened his salon above Fifth Avenue in 1939. Success was almost immediate for the boldly innovative Duke. He became a legend from Hollywood to the palaces of Europe for his elegant and whimsical jewelry. Today, women of style continue to adore Verdura’s classic elegance.

In the 1930s, Coco Chanel asked Fulco to remount jewelry given to her by ex-lovers. The resulting design, the Maltese Cross Cuff, became a signature look for Chanel and the house of Verdura. In 2009, Verdura recreated 70 Maltese Cross Cuffs based on Fulco’s original design for Chanel.

American fine jeweler Verdura uses large gemstones, yellow gold, and natural objects such as seashells in its work. Verdura was the first jeweler to promote the use of colored stones with gold for everyday wear. It was also the first to transform classical motifs like coins, ropes, and caning into popular jewelry. Cole and Linda Porter were long-time clients; Linda commissioned a specially made Verdura cigarette case to commemorate the opening of each of her husband’s shows, including Around the World in Eighty Days and Kiss Me, Kate. In the fall of 2011, Verdura recreated designs made for screen stars like Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, and Joan Crawford.