Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler

About this book

A master of metamorphosis Sicilian duke-turned-jewelry-designer Fulco di Verdura (1898-1978) studded seashells with precious gems transformed sailors knots into pearl-encrusted necklaces and wrapped blazing ruby hearts with braided gold rope. Since the mid-20th century his ultrasophisticated neo-Baroque pieces have been the status symbols of a near-secret society of European blue bloods Hollywood royalty and Park Avenue patricians. Verduras by-appointment-only patrons included Wallis Simpson Marlene Dietrich and Diana Vreeland who considered his Maltese Cross cuffs an essential part of her daily uniform. In this lavish book featuring fresh color photographs as well as vintage images Patricia Corbett presents a deft evaluation of Verduras work and a glimpse inside his impossibly glamorous world.