Ward Landrigan, Chairman of Verdura and Belperron, Dies at 84

Ward Landrigan, chairman of heritage jewelers Verdura and Belperron, died this week at age 84.

Born Edward John Landrigan III on Aug. 7, 1941, in Newark, N.J., Landrigan’s life was a journey from humble beginnings to turning into an influential determine within the fantastic jewellery world who mingled with everybody from royalty to socialites, billionaires to celebrities. However he remained all the way down to earth, and had the flexibility to recollect individuals he met solely briefly years earlier than — and to greet them like a long-lost pal.

As a Boy Scout, he interned with a neighborhood jeweler, an expertise that first woke up his ardour for gems. Many years later, this curiosity would propel him to launching his profession as a junior staffer at Parke-Bernet, which was later acquired by Sotheby’s.

By the age of 24, after what he described as a “stroke of luck,” Landrigan was appointed head of Sotheby’s U.S. jewellery division, the place he grew to become recognized for his eye and skill to discern magnificence and authenticity. His stewardship at Sotheby’s helped rework the jewellery enterprise in America. He oversaw such legendary gross sales because the public sale of La Peregrina Pearl, a historic gem owned by Mary Tudor that was later gifted by Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor. Increasing Sotheby’s U.S. jewellery presence with workplaces in Los Angeles and Dallas, Landrigan was praised for serving to to redefine the American jewellery market.

In 1973, he left Sotheby’s to ascertain his personal property jewellery enterprise and two nice names from Twentieth-century jewellery design quickly captured his creativeness: Fulco di Verdura and Suzanne Belperron. Recognizing the historic and inventive significance of their work, Landrigan acquired Verdura in 1984 and Belperron in 1999, intent on preserving and revitalizing their legacies.

Landrigan rigorously oversaw the manufacturing of knickknack impressed by the archival designs of each homes whereas championing their authentic masterpieces. Collectively along with his son, Nico Landrigan, who joined the agency in 2004 and later grew to become president, the elder Landrigan remodeled the manufacturers into internationally acknowledged homes of artistry. Their Fifth Avenue salon overlooking Central Park provided purchasers a personalised luxurious expertise that merged historical past with fashionable magnificence.

Regardless of his skilled accomplishments, Landrigan remained grounded. A graduate of Drew College in Madison, N.J., he later studied on the Courtauld Institute of Fantastic Arts in London and the Gemological Institute of America. His private passions prolonged to vintage automobiles, as soon as promoting his Ferrari to fund the acquisition of his spouse Judith’s engagement ring.

Verdura and Belperron will proceed to be overseen by his son, Nico.

“My father, by his personal account, was essentially the most unlikely man to finish up main two legendary jewellery homes. Exceptional in additional methods than I can rely, anybody who had the pleasure of assembly him would say it was his heat, humor, and humility that really set him aside, ” mentioned Nico Landrigan.

“Second solely to his love for his household, it was his life’s pleasure to be the steward of Verdura and Belperron into a brand new period. Many will keep in mind him as an awesome raconteur and jewellery visionary, however my household and I’ll keep in mind him as essentially the most loving husband, father and grandfather.”

Landrigan is survived by his spouse; his daughter, India Bayley; his son, and 5 grandchildren.