He was first a shoe designer for Delman and Christian Dior and he used his free time to create fun and flashy baubles. They were such an instant success that Saks Fifth Avenue sold its entire initial inventory in one day. He was one of the persons included for "high fashion" in the Andy Warhol Screen Tests and a guest at Truman Capote's Black And White Ball.

He has created unique designs for Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Vreeland, and Audrey Hepburn. He is probably most well known for his three-strand faux pearl necklace worn by Barbara Bush to her husband's inaugural ball. Some say that Duchess of Windsor is buried in the jewelled belt he created for her.

Current stars wearing his jewelry include the Olsen twins, Mischa Barton, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, and Britney Spears.