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 becoming an influential figure in the fine jewelry world who mingled with everyone from royalty to socialites, billionaires to celebrities. But he remained down to earth, and had the ability to remember people he met only briefly years before — and to greet them like a long-lost friend.
As a Boy Scout, he interned with a local jeweler, an experience that first awakened his passion for gemstones. Decades later, this curiosity would propel him to launching his career 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. jewelry division, where he became known for his eye and ability to discern beauty and authenticity. His stewardship at Sotheby’s helped transform the jewelry business in America. He oversaw such legendary sales as the auction of La Peregrina Pearl, a historic gem owned by Mary Tudor that was later gifted by Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor. Expanding Sotheby’s U.S. jewelry presence with offices in Los Angeles and Dallas, Landrigan was praised for helping to redefine the American jewelry market.
In 1973, he left Sotheby’s to establish his own estate jewelry business and two great names from 20th-century jewelry design soon captured his imagination: Fulco di Verdura and Suzanne Belperron. Recognizing the historical and artistic significance of their work, Landrigan acquired Verdura in 1984 and Belperron in 1999, intent on preserving and revitalizing their legacies.
Landrigan carefully oversaw the production of jewelry inspired by the archival designs of both houses while championing their original masterpieces. Together with his son, Nico Landrigan, who joined the firm in 2004 and later became president, the elder Landrigan transformed the brands into internationally recognized houses of artistry. Their Fifth Avenue salon overlooking Central Park offered clients a personalized luxury experience that merged history with modern elegance.
You May Also Like
Despite his professional accomplishments, Landrigan remained grounded. A graduate of Drew University in Madison, N.J., he later studied at the Courtauld Institute of Fine Arts in London and the Gemological Institute of America. His personal passions extended to antique cars, once selling his Ferrari to fund the purchase of his wife Judith’s engagement ring.
Verdura and Belperron will continue to be overseen by his son, Nico.
“My father, by his own account, was the most unlikely man to end up leading two legendary jewelry houses. Remarkable in more ways than I can count, anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him would say it was his warmth, humor, and humility that truly set him apart, ” said Nico Landrigan.
“Second only to his love for his family, it was his life’s joy to be the steward of Verdura and Belperron into a new era. Many will remember him as a great raconteur and jewelry visionary, but my family and I will remember him as the most loving husband, father and grandfather.”
Landrigan is survived by his wife; his daughter, India Bayley; his son, and five grandchildren.
