Object Description
Classic 18ct chunky curb link necklace by Verdura c.1970s, the necklace formed of thirty uniform heavy curb links in polished 18ct yellow gold making a seventeen inch necklace, with a concealed clasp. The original curb link piece was a bracelet designed by Fulco di Verdura in the late 1930s. This became a signature jewel and was beloved by Hollywood stars such as Greta Garbo who was regularly photographed wearing hers. Over time the style was adapted to necklaces, rings and earrings and the pieces made today are still made in the same workshop and in the same way as the originals. This timeless necklace is wonderfully versatile, it can be dressed up or down and looks as modern now as it ever has.
Maker
Verdura
Period
Circa 1970s
Origin
America
Setting
18ct yellow gold signed Verdura and stamped 750
Weight
210 grams
Dimensions
17″ / 43 cm long and 0.78″ / 2cm wide
Condition
Very fine
Provenance
From the Private Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Simcox Swensson
Directors Notes
The original curb link jewel was a bracelet designed by Fulco di Verdura in the late 1930s. After years of working with both Chanel and Flato, Verdura set up his own boutique in 1939, with the backing of friends Cole Porter and Vincent Astor. His new independence coupled with his lack of regard for the formal rules of design left him free to create pieces as original and exuberant as he was himself and success came quickly. Once described by Cecil Beaton as having a “heart of gold and a tongue of quicksilver” he was every bit as stylish as his wealthy and glamourous clients. From European Royalty to Hollywood royalty, it seemed every style icon of the period wanted a piece of Verdura.
Some of his most memorable designs include the emerald ‘scarf’ necklace made for Dorothy Paley Hirshon and the yellow gold and diamond Indian Headdress Tiara for Betsy Cushing Whitney. Amongst his most iconic and instantly recognisable pieces are the bold Byzantine inspired Maltese Cross cuff bangles he originally designed for Coco Chanel but which went on to become one of Diana Vreeland’s favourites as well. Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo were all devotees and Garbo was regularly photographed wearing her curb link bracelet on one wrist and her matching curb link bracelet-watch on the other. She had worn them in the publicity photographs for her final film in 1941 and was regularly photographed wearing them for decades after. This curb link design became a signature Verdura jewel and was beloved by many a Hollywood star. Over time this style was adapted to necklaces, rings and earrings and the pieces made today are still made in the same workshop and in the same way as the originals. Verdura’s pieces are highly sought after by today’s collectors and discerning jewellery lovers, as keen now as ever to adorn themselves with a piece of Verdura magic.