(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Investment Group Middle West Partners has acquired David Webb Holdings LLC (“David Webb”), a storied American jewelry house known for its bold, colorful designs and master craftsmanship.
Founded in 1948 by visionary jeweler David Webb, the house has long been celebrated for its signature animal motifs, intricate gold work, and exquisite use of vibrant gemstones. David Webb’s creations have adorned Hollywood icons, fashion elites, and collectors with an appreciation for distinctive, statement-making jewelry. The house has been in continuous operation for more than 75 years; its workshop, archives and flagship salon are based on Madison Avenue on New York’s Upper East Side.
“We were drawn to David Webb because among luxury houses, David Webb truly stands alone. The extensive original archives and unwavering commitment to exceptional craftsmanship – all deeply rooted in the house’s American heritage – made this an opportunity we simply couldn’t overlook. In our new stewardship, we feel a profound responsibility to honor our founder’s vision, serve our loyal clients, and preserve the remarkable legacy of this iconic house,” said Kevin Kelleher, Managing Partner of Middle West Partners.
The investment group will take a careful, long-term view on growth, focusing on the house’s retail footprint, its marketing and events, and its team, while helping to support its existing customer relationships and highly-personalized customer experience.
Leading this next chapter is its newly appointed CEO, James Weiss, who advised the Company on the transaction and has been involved with the house since 2017. Weiss said, “David Webb is an American treasure. Its unique design vocabulary, its heritage, its remarkable atelier, and its untapped archives provide an extraordinary foundation for continued growth.” Weiss continued, “It is my honor to partner with the Middle West team to lead the house forward.”
Prior owner Mark Emanuel will continue to hold a minority stake and play an active role in the company. New York-based POP Capital co-invested with Middle West Partners in the transaction, with jewelry veteran Ray Simpson joining the David Webb board.
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David Webb currently has three retail salons, located in New York, New York; Beverly Hills, California; and Doha, Qatar. The house also has active partnerships with select retailers around the country, and conducts exclusive retail activations around cultural moments worldwide.
Middle West Partners was advised on the transaction by Gordon Brothers, which also provided debt financing, and Dentons LLP. David Webb was advised by Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe LLP. Owner Mark Emanuel was advised by Cyrulnik Fattaruso LLP.
For more information, please contact Heather Zachary at [email protected] or [email protected]. To view the full collection, visit www.davidwebb.com.
About David Webb
Founded in New York in 1948, David Webb is an iconic, high-luxury jewelry house that has consistently redefined luxury jewelry with its bold and unique designs. Hand hammered gold work, colorful enamel, and signature animal pieces distinguish David Webb jewels, which are highly sought by leading tastemakers and style icons. 30 long tenured master jewelers create each piece in the David Webb workshop, which sits above the flagship boutique on New York’s Upper East Side – making it the only fine jewelry house exclusively made in America. David Webb is available at the house’s boutiques in New York City, Beverly Hills, and Qatar, and through a network of specialty boutiques around the world. Visit www.davidwebb.com for more information, and follow David Webb on Instagram at @davidwebbjewels.
About Middle West Partners
Founded in 2022, Middle West Partners is an investment platform focused on the consumer retail, sports and entertainment sectors. Middle West’s strategy focuses on investing long duration capital; the partnership believes strongly that the greatest brands and teams are built patiently, and consumer brands in particular don’t often fit into a prescribed timeline.
