Falco Santostefano della Cerda, Duke of Verdura, moved from his latest Palermo to Paris in 1926, where he began working with Coco Chanel, initially as a textile designer, and eventually as head jewellery designer. After relocating to the USA in 1937, he took a position as designer at Paul Flato’s jewellery establishment, first in NYC, then in California. He remained with Flato for two years before opening his own salon in 1939 at 712 Fifth Ave and a second, in Paris on Rue Boissy d’Anglas in 1947. His jewellery featured gold mountings with precious and semi precious stones, an old undertaking at the time when platinum was the most popular metal. In 1972, Verdura, sold the business to his associate Joseph G.Alfano, and retired to London living there until his death in 1978. In 1985, Edward J. Landrigan purchased Verdura, Inc and established a salon at 745 Fifth Avenue where he continues to produce fine jewels from Verdura’s original drawing in a manner consistent with the Duke’s tradition.