For nearly eight decades, the house of Verdura Fine Jewelry Collection has been creating exquisite handcrafted jewelry coveted by style icons, royalty and connoisseurs of fine artistry. Founded in 1939 by the master jeweler Fulco di Verdura, the Verdura name has become synonymous with distinctive designs, exceptional gemstones and workmanship of the highest quality.

In this article, we explore the rich heritage and iconic jewelry that make Verdura a pinnacle of high jewelry today.

The Verdura Legacy

Based in New York, Verdura was established by Fulco Santostefano della Cerda, later known as Fulco di Verdura. Hailing from an aristocratic Sicilian background, Fulco honed his exceptional jewelry making skills in Paris working for renowned houses like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

His unique combination of Mediterranean influence, training in classical techniques and an avant garde sensibility led to the creation of Verdura and its instantly recognizable jewelry style. The atelier quickly gained a following among socialites and celebrities for its inventive, sculptural designs drawing inspiration from history, art, nature and architecture.

Verdura's most prolific era was the 1930s and 40s under Fulco's visionary creative direction. After his passing in 1973, the company changed hands but stayed committed to handcrafting heirloom-quality jewelry true to his legacy. Today Verdura is recognized globally for both its heritage collection and modern designs executed to exacting standards.

Signature Styles Over the Decades

Verdura's eight decade journey has seen several jewelry pieces gain cult status for their enduring beauty and originality.

1930s - Pieces like the Maltese Cross cuff and the seashell brooches with invisible hinges were bold creations that made Verdura a household name.

1940s - Intricate gold mesh evening bags, charm bracelets and colorful gemstone pieces were hallmarks of this era.

1950s - Clean lines, organic shapes and combinations like gold and shell reflected postwar style sensibilities.

1960s - Baroque pearls became a Verdura signature and important pieces from the 30s were revived.

1970s - Precious objects like puzzle boxes, vanity cases were created during this decade.

Across the decades, Verdura consistently pushed the boundaries of jewelry design to new heights while retaining its core vision.

Jewelry Icons Over the Years

Verdura's eight decades of work produced several icons that are both artistically and historically significant.

Maltese Cross Cuffs - Bold imposing designs inspired by Sicily made from the 1920s onwards. Different gemstones were used in varied sizes.

Shell Belle Epoque Cuffs - Feminine, finely crafted cuffs with hidden hinges made from the 30s-50s using natural seashells and gold.

Coral Lacquer Bracelets - Stylized branches and leaves sculpted in coral on lacquered cuffs dating from the 1940s.

Seashell Brooches - Lifelike three-dimensional brooches handmade using actual shells and gold since the 1930s.

Byzantine Link Chains - Intricate long chains up to 72 inches in proofed gold crafted since the 1950s.

Verdura's instantly identifiable designs have appealed to everyone from Hollywood starlets to actual royalty over the decades.

Continuing the Legacy Today

While treasured vintage Verdura creations come up at fine jewelry auctions, the house continues to produce stunning handmade jewelry today.

Working with exceptional gemstones in their Fifth Avenue and London ateliers, Verdura's skilled craftspeople create one-of-a-kind modern pieces as well as limited edition reissues of Fulco's iconic designs.

The heritage collection of signet rings, cufflinks, charms and pendants connects the present with Verdura's rich past. Whether hunting for rare vintage Verdura finds or commissioning new bespoke designs, one is assured of timeless, distinctive jewelry crafted to the highest standards, just as Fulco envisioned eight decades ago.