1970s VRBA Castlecliff Necklace Pendant MRS Couture

Amazing Mayan – inspired medallion by Larry Vrba for Castlecliff! This pendant features a brilliant red-orange cabochon center, flanked on all four sides by inward- facing chieftains. The figures are enclosed by long, marquise – cut stones in red, green, blue, and brown atop a pewter – tone base. Simply amazing!

Lawrence Vrba began his career in 1969, working as a counter at Miriam Haskell; his talents did not go unnoticed, and he soon found himself designing jewelry. In 1970, when Miriam Haskell’s Head Designer, Bob Clark, left to work at Castlecliff, Vrba followed. Vrba spread his wings at Castlecliff, spearheading the famous Mayan collection, inspired by jewelry and adornments he saw on display at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. In 1973, after a two year stint at Castlecliff, Vrba returned to Miriam Haskell as head designer. Vrba continued to explore and expand the possibilities of costume jewelry, fashioning fine, unique pieces using materials he collected from across the globe. The Egyptian collection – perhaps his most famous Miriam Haskell collection- was inspired by materials he found while in Europe, and was featured in an edition of Vogue. In 1981s, Vrba left Miriam Haskell to work for Les Bernard, where his designs were displayed at Dillard’s for three years. In 1983 Vrba left Les Bernard to create his own eponymous business.

Vrba pieces are noted for their unusual materials, scale, and opulence!

Vrba has created pieces for theatre (including Broadway hits “Wicked”, “Exit the King”, “Blythe Spirit”, “Lend Me a Tenor”, and “Hairspray”, and the Metropolitan Opera), cinema, and private customers. His pieces have been featured at Bergdorf Goodman, Vogue, and Vogue Nippon. Clients include Beyonce, Angela Lansbury, Susan Sarandon, and Katy Perry.