1970s WILLIAM DE LILLO Huge Diamante Chandelier Earrings | Highly Collectible

1970s WILLIAM DE LILLO Huge Diamante Chandelier Earrings | Large Faceted Central Crystal & Dangling Lines of Baguettes | Highly Collectible

Vintage haute couture fashion jewelry doesn't get much more impressive than the huge William DeLillo diamante chandelier earrings. Each features a large faceted central crystal that leads to dangling graduated lines of baguettes tipped in square stones.

These stunning, one-of-a-kind, runway statement chandelier earrings have a 9 cm (~3.5") drop and measure 2.5 cm (~1.0") wide.

The William de Lillo company was formed in 1968 by William De Lillo and his partner Roger E Clark, former head designer at Miriam Haskell.  De Lillo had honed his craft by working with the top jewelers of the 20th century, spending time at Tiffany & Co, Cartier, and Harry Winston.  

Together, they designed bold statement jewelry for women and men, with most pieces being one of a kind. 

At the time, their exclusive designs were greatly sought after by Hollywood royalty and actual royalty and because they only produced jewelry until 1976, their work — such as these chandelier earrings — continues to be in great demand from collectors today. 

Several William de Lillo pieces are held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

SUMMARY:
** MAKER: William de Lillo
** DATE: Circa 1970s
** Chandelier earrings
** MATERIALS: Austrian crystals, Rhodium plated metal

** CONDITION: Excellent vintage condition, with slight signs of wear commensurate with age. Please see the photos.
** INTEGRITY: Clip-backs fully functioning with a tight close
** EARRING DIMENSIONS: 9 cm (~3.5") x 2.5 cm (~1.0")
** EARRING WEIGHT: 7.5 g each

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IMPORTANT: These pre-owned vintage chandelier earrings may show wear commensurate with age. The photographs, physical dimensions, and weight form part of the description. If you have any questions, please ask before ordering.

William de Lillo Jewelry: Coveted by Collectors

William de Lillo was a Belgian-born jewelry designer whose work left an indelible mark on the world of fashion. Born in Antwerp in 1925, de Lillo's journey into the world of jewelry began in the 1950s when he moved to the United States. His early career saw him working with some of the most prestigious names in the industry, including Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Harry Winston.

In 1968, de Lillo, along with his partner Robert F. Clark, who was the head designer for Miriam Haskell, founded William de Lillo Ltd. in New York City. This period was marked by significant cultural shifts, including the Vietnam War, the rise of the counterculture movement, and the birth of Gay Pride. These events influenced de Lillo's designs, leading him to create bold, gender-bending jewelry that challenged traditional norms.

De Lillo's first collection, launched in 1968, featured heavy gold-tone rhodium-plated brass pieces, including twisted ropes, chokers, fringe, and tassels. His unique and avant-garde designs quickly caught the attention of high-profile clients, including Elizabeth Taylor and various American and French fashion houses.

He collaborated with designers like Adolfo and Bill Blass, creating exaggerated layered pearl necklaces and geometric, tubular encrusted jeweled collars.

In the early 1970s, de Lillo and Clark moved to a chateau in the South of France, where they continued to innovate and collaborate with renowned fashion houses such as Chanel, Nina Ricci, Schiaparelli, and Yves Saint Laurent. Their impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail earned them a reputable European clientele, including the Duchess of Windsor. In 1978, the Baron and Baroness de Rothschild sponsored an exhibition in Paris showcasing their jewelry and sculptures.

Despite their success in Europe, de Lillo and Clark eventually returned to the United States, settling in Phoenix, Arizona. Their work continued to be highly sought after by private collectors and museums. Pieces from their estate and archives were liquidated in the late 2010s, further cementing their legacy in the world of jewelry design.

William de Lillo passed away in 2011, followed by his life partner Robert F. Clark a few years later. Their contributions to the world of jewelry design remains celebrated, with their pieces considered some of the most scarce and coveted among collectors.