On October 13, 2001 the American Museum of Natural History in New York opened its “Pearls” exhibition, the most comprehensive exhibit ever presented on the organic gem. An extraordinary corsage brooch by Ella Gafter was one of the very few contemporary pieces included in this show. It is now prominently and permanently displayed in the new Hall of Gems and Minerals, which opened in the Spring of 2021.
On January First, 2005 the "White Magic" exhibition opened at the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum in New York. The exhibition was organized by Paspaley Pearls of Australia to present the inspiring beauty of the finest South Sea pearls when set by top fine jewelers.
There is perhaps no more ubiquitous animal in ancient mythology as the serpent. In its countless incarnations, the serpent has been held as a symbol of temptation, deceit, danger, but also of renewal, medicine, and even eternity...
Mrs. Stefania Cesari, Italian Cavaliere del Lavoro, a world-renowned collector of rare fans and kerchiefs and a longtime friend of Ella’s, entrusted Ella with a stupendous linen needle lace with the challenge to create a fan the like of which has never been seen.
This set of 34 pearls is the result of 34 years of collecting by Ella Gafter, one perfect pearl per harvest year. The pearls have been left undrilled out of respect for their natural perfection: brilliant lustre, round shape, thick nacre, spotless skin, and slight pinkish hues.
