In an era of social upheaval, venerable Tiffany & Co. designer Elsa Peretti reimagined diamonds as jewelry that working women bought for themselves rather than receiving it from a suitor.
By the time the Italian-born Peretti arrived in New York City, she’d already studied design in Rome, worked for a Milanese architect and taught Italian, French and skiing in Switzerland. She settled on interior design as her potential career path but then chose an altogether different route: modeling. Peretti modeled in Barcelona, Spain, and on the advice of Wilhelmina Cooper — a former model who’d by then founded Wilhelmina Modeling Agency — moved to Manhattan in 1968. When she relocated, Peretti was inspired to pick up jewelry design.
After modeling for designer Halston, the undisputed fashion king of Studio 54, Peretti became his close friend and collaborator, eventually creating jewelry and teardrop-shaped perfume bottles for him. By way of her association with Halston, Peretti took to the disco scene, flourishing in a social circle that included artist Andy Warhol and fashion designer Giorgio di Sant’Angelo.
It wasn’t long before models on di Sant’Angelo’s runway were donning two-inch sterling-silver vases, complete with a rose stem, suspended on leather thongs around their necks. The accessory was Peretti’s inaugural piece of jewelry — she designed it in 1969 after finding a flower vase at a flea market. It was hardly the only time that Peretti found motifs in nature and in organic forms. In the years that followed, her Bean pendant necklace, Starfish earrings and other sensuous accessories would draw on human emotion as well as the natural world around her. Each evocative and wholly versatile design is universally adored decades later, and each was made for a storied American jewelry house with which Peretti would be associated for nearly 50 years.
It was Halston who introduced Peretti to Tiffany & Co. She had her own boutique at Bloomingdale’s by 1972, and her partnership with the firm, which signed the venturesome and unorthodox designer to an exclusive contract in 1974, would cement her place in the lofty annals of jewelry legend. Peretti’s simple but sophisticated designs — the Teardrop collection, her minimalist Diamonds by the Yard necklace and Open Heart ring, to name a few — elevated sterling silver, previously considered unsuitable for fine jewelry, and created an enthusiastic young audience for Tiffany’s offerings. In 1977, Peretti’s designs earned the jewelry house more than $6 million. (In some years, her work has accounted for 10 percent of the company’s sales.)
In 2012, Peretti signed a 20-year, $47.3 million contract with Tiffany & Co., but she passed away in 2021, at age 80. Today, her designs are in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the British Museum.
Find an exquisite collection of Elsa Peretti jewelry today on 1stDibs.
Rare 1970s Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Gold Light Bulb Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A very rare, vintage 1970s 18K gold crystal light bulb pendant and chain necklace designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Bulb measures 1" long by 5/8" at its widest and suspe...
18k Gold, Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 1990's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bean Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of cable link chain centering a sliding "bean" shaped pendant With a sinuous organic design and high polish finish Completed by spring clasp closure with logo tag Stamped f...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond 18K Gold Open Heart Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of a 1.5 mm cable link chain suspending a heart-shaped pendant With a sinuous organic design and pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.55 cara...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Sterling Mesh necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in New York, NY
This is an Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Silver Mesh Scarf Necklace. It is a long, fluid necklace crafted from fine sterling silver in an intricate, woven mesh design. The piece is ...
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Solid 18 Karat Gold 'Beans' Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Berkeley, CA
This iconic Elsa Peretti necklace is a beautiful halo around your neck. The 'beans' are solid gold and have a nice weight to them. You can wear it alone or layer with your other favo...
Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace #24543
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace-- This sculptural cross pendant by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. is crafted from rich 18K yellow gold and ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ELSA PERETTI FOR TIFFANY & CO. 18k Open Heart Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Narberth, PA
Born in Florence, Elsa Peretti's first introduction with her collection began at Tiffany & Co. in 1974. During that time her collection debuted to high acclaim. Her inspiration in je...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Open Heart Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of a 1.0 mm cable link chain suspending a heart-shaped pendant With a sinuous organic design and high polish finish Completed by spring clasp closure with logo tag Stamped ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 1980 18K Gold Vintage Eternal Circle Pedant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a black silk cord suspending a dimensional pendant Depicting a stylized teardrop form with tapered tail forming a circle Completed by high polish finish Terminates with l...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Open Heart Pendant #21548
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Open Heart Pendant- Timeless and iconic, this elegant pendant features a sculptural open heart design, a signature of Peretti's celebrated...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Whale Tale Pendant Necklace #19569
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Whale Tale Pendant Necklace- Crafted from polished 18K gold, this elegant pendant is in the design of a whale's tale by Elsa Peretti for T...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 1990's 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Open Heart Pendant
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a sinuous pierced heart pendant Sleek with a high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Circa: 1990s; from the Open ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 1990's 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Open Heart Pendant
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a sinuous pierced heart pendant Sleek with a high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Circa: 1990s; from the Open ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Pearl Yellow Gold Mesh Necklace With Earrings
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
18k Yellow Gold Pearl Mesh Necklace and matching earrings by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. With 55Pearls from 5mm to 4.5mm. Comes in the original Tifanny & co Box. Length of necklac...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 1990's 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Open Heart Pendant
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a sinuous pierced heart pendant Sleek with a high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Circa: 1990s; from the Open Hear...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Peretti Round Black Jade Pendant 18k Gold Mesh Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Crafted by the iconic Tiffany & Co., this Peretti Black Jade Pendant exudes elegance in an 18k gold setting. The pendant hangs gracefully on a 30" mesh chain, making it a versati...
Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your style with this Tiffany & Co. Diamonds by the Yard necklace, designed by the legendary Elsa Peretti. Crafted in radiant 18 karat yellow gold, this piece exudes timeless...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,800
W 3.5 in L 41.5 in
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Mesh Tie Scarf Necklace 41.5" Large
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This is the large-format Elsa Peretti mesh tie scarf, crafted in ultra-fine sterling silver mesh. The construction is extremely delicate and flexible, giving it a silky, fabric-like ...
Sterling Silver
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Diamond 11mm Bean Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Diamond 11mm Bean Pendant Necklace Metal: 18K yellow gold Chain: 16" Pendant: 11mm wide Diamond: round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight .35 approx. Hallmark: "©TIFFANY&Co. PERETTI 18K" on pendant, "TIFFANY&CO. PERETTI" on chain tag, "750" on clasp Condition: Excellent condition This is earlier version Tiffany diamond bean...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti .60 Carat Diamond Platinum By The Yard Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Experience the epitome of elegance with the Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti diamond by the yard necklace in platinum. A masterpiece designed for those who appreciate the finer things in ...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Open Heart 18k Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold open heart pendant necklace , designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Pendant is adorned with approx. 0.54ctw G/VS diamonds. Necklace chain is 17" long, Pendan...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Elsa Peretti Wave Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Tiffany & co. Material: 18k yellow gold Dimensions: necklace measures approximately 19-inches in length Weight: 25.40 grams
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 18K Mesh Scarf Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Queens, NY
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Mesh Scarf Necklace, hand fabricated with gold jumprings linked together forming a flexible mesh necklace joined by hand knotting, mark...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Open Teardrop Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. 18K Gold Elsa Peretti Open Teardrop Pendant Necklace Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Chain: 16" long Pendant: 17.5mm long x 7.5mm wide Hallmark: TIFFANY&CO. 750 PERETTI SPAIN"...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Scarf Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 37 1/2 inches long
18k Gold
$2,093
W 0.87 in L 0.79 in
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Open Heart Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gorgeous open heart pendant necklace by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. exudes minimalist elegance. The timeless design combined with the warm yellow gold setting makes for a piece th...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 2000's 18K Gold Open Heart Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of a 1.0 mm cable link chain suspending a heart-shaped pendant With a sinuous organic design and high polish finish Completed by spring clasp closure with logo tag Stamped ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Elsa Peretti for Halston Sterling Silver Snake Belt & Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in New York, NY
Own a piece of fashion history with this exceptional and highly collectible Elsa Peretti snake belt/necklace. This rare, early production piece...
Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Open Heart Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of cable link chain suspending a heart-shaped pendant With a sinuous organic design and high polish finish Completed by spring clasp closure with logo tag Stamped for 18 ka...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. Diamond Platinum Diamonds-By-The-Yard Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised bezel set diamond stations - diamonds-by-the-yard style Round brilliant cut and weighing approximately 7.80 carats total Well-matched G color with VS2 clarity Completed by ...
Diamond, Platinum
Elsa Peretti 2000's Diamond Platinum Diamonds-By-The-Yard Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of cable link chain centering a transitional cut diamond Weighing approximately 0.18 carat - eye clean and bright Bezel set diamonds-by-the-yard style Completed by spring c...
Diamond, Platinum
Elsa Peretti Scorpion Pendant in Sterling Silver
By Elsa Peretti
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co Scorpion Pendant Metal Sterling silver 925 Gender Women Chain length 16'' Long Condition New Comes with Tiffany& Co Pendant Box
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. 18ct Yellow Gold Elsa Peretti 18mm Bean Design Pendant
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. 18ct Yellow Gold Elsa Peretti 18mm Bean Design Pendant Product Details Xupes Ref: J1498 Brand: Tiffany & Co. Model: Bean Design Necklace Type: Necklace RRP: £2,275 Mat...
Yellow Gold
Vintage Elsa Peretti Tiffany Spain Large Sterling Silver Bean Necklace 1970s
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Vintage 1970's sterling silver bean necklace designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Bean measures 2" wide by 1.25" high and is signed T & CO, Peretti, Sterling, Spain, 925. The...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Fish Pendant 18K Gold Diamonds Signed
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Mārupe, LV
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Fish Pendant – 18K Gold with Diamond Eyes This beautiful Tiffany & Co. pendant, designed by Elsa Peretti, features a delicate fish design crafted ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Octopus Pendant 18K Gold Diamonds
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Mārupe, LV
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Octopus Pendant – 18K Gold with Diamonds This exquisite Tiffany & Co. pendant, designed by Elsa Peretti, features a stunning octopus design, craft...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Elsa Peretti Scorpion Pendant in Sterling Silver
By Elsa Peretti
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Peretti Scorpion Pendant in Sterling Silver Condition New Gender Women Type Pendant Metal Sterling silver 925 Pendant Scorpion Weight 11.5gr Chain length 16'' Comes with Tiffany...
Sterling Silver
Fantastic Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Cursive L Pendant
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Media, PA
This exquisite Elsa Peretti necklace is a standout addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from luxurious yellow gold, this pendant necklace features a unique, flowing design tha...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Scorpion Pendant in Sterling Silver
By Elsa Peretti
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Peretti Scorpion Pendant in Sterling Silver Condition New Gender Women Type Pendant Metal Sterling silver 925 Pendant Scorpion Weight 11.5gr Chain length 16'' Comes with Tiffany...
Sterling Silver