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 (1940–2021) 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.
ELSA PERETTI 1980 Tiffany & Co. Pumpkin Trinket Lidded Box In .925 Sterling
By Elsa Peretti, Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Pumpkin box designed by Elsa Peretti (1940-2021) for Tiffany & Co. Beautiful vintage rounded trinket box with a lid, designed in the shape of a pumpkin by Elsa Peretti at the Ti...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Sterling Silver Candle Snuffer
By Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver candle snuffer. In sterling silver. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In the Padova pattern. Marked to the reverse of the handle. Simply wonderful Tiffany d...
Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Sterling Silver Padova Pattern Baby or Infant Spoon
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver feeding spoon. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the Padova pattern. Together with its original pouch and box. Simply wonderful Tiff...
Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Thumbprint' Dish or Vide Poche
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti, Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver shallow bowl or dish. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the 'Thumbprint' series. Fully marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany d...
Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Sterling Silver Baby Utensils
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Sterling Silver Baby Utensils. Twentieth century sterling Padova pattern baby fork and feeding spoon stamped Tiffany & Co Peretti 1984. Italy, 1984 Dimensio...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Padova Pattern Candle Snuffer by E. Peretti signed Tiffany & Co.
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist sculptural sterling silver candle snuffer, designed by renowned artist Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., is part of the celebrated Padova pattern introduced during t...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Elsa Peretti Hand-Mirror
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant sterling silver hand mirror was designed by the iconic Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., rendered in her celebrated and timeless “Padova” pattern. A hallmark of modern min...
Sterling Silver
Set of 3 Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Belt Buckles
By Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti, Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare assortment of 3 Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. sterling silver belt buckles with 5 matching leather belts, from the 1970s, consisting of: a heart-shaped buckle, measuring 2 1/2...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Sterling Bread Knife with Stainless Blade
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed bread knife. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with a stainless steel blade. In the Padova pattern. Marked to both the blade and handle. Sim...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Art Deco Sterling Silver Scalloped Decorative Dish Signed by Tiffany & Co.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Art Deco sterling silver dish was realized by the esteemed American maker Tiffany & Co., circa 1920. It features a round body with raised and scalloped sides, separated ...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co., Sterling Silver Ball/Sphere/Jewelry Box, Modern, Marked
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very pretty sterling silver Tiffany & Co. jewelry ball, box, number 35378 Weighted, 7.
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Tiffany Bowl
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver bowl by the world renowned Tiffany and Company. It has a cutout design along the upper edge and the rest is unadorned. So even while it’s in use ...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Gilded Sterling Bamboo Pattern Centerpiece
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, Sterling, by Tiffany & Co., American. This Tiffany & Co. gilded sterling centerpiece will perfectly complement contemporary or traditional interiors. Its bamboo motif offers elegant visuals, and the generous size and useful form allows duality of function. It can join your silver service at the table or decorate a fashionable moment in your living space. Finely made in sterling silver, larger hollowware in Bamboo pattern...
Sterling Silver
$706
H 3.35 in Dm 6.89 in
Pink Iridescent Glass Bowl by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Signed, Italy 1980s
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century decorative crystal glass bowl designed by Elsa Peretti for Tyffany & co. in Italy in the 1980s. This lovely bowl is made in a stunning iridescent crystal with ...
Crystal
Sterling Silver Tiffany & CO Bowl
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver bowl by the world renowned Tiffany & Company. It has a scalloped rim that folds over with an interconnecting leaf design at each indentation. It...
Sterling Silver
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 2 in W 7.75 in D 4.88 in
Tiffany & Co., Sterling Silver pierced Condiment Dish
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Huntington, NY
Tiffany & Co., sterling silver pierced condiment dish in pattern number 13835 from 1898. They measure 7 3/4'' in length by 4 7/8'' in width by 2'' in height and bear hallmarks as shown. Total weight is 7.6 troy ounces. The legendary Tiffany brand was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in Connecticut as a "stationery and fancy goods emporium," with the help of Charles Tiffany's father who financed the store for only $1,000 with profits from a cotton mill. Tiffany & Co. soon became a highly regarded brand for jewelry, gemstones, and silver. In 1845, Tiffany was a pioneer when it launched the Blue Book, which at the time was the first mail-order catalog...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dish
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s Tiffany & Co. sterling silver dish. Weighs 9.4 ounces.
Sterling Silver
4 Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co Silver Salts
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Huntington, NY
4 Sterling Silver Tiffany & Co Silver Salts : Polished, 4 silver pedestal salts. 4 handsome Edwardian era Sterling silver trencher form salts with oblong octagonal base and traces of...
Silver
$54,975 / set
H 0.25 in Dm 10.75 in
Set of Twelve Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bamboo Pattern Charger/Dinner Plates
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Set of Twelve Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bamboo Pattern Charger/Dinner Plates originates from the United States, Circa 1970. This stunning set can serve as either c...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Baby Comb with Pink Silk Tassel, Italy
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in York, GB
T Tiffany silver baby comb with pink silk tassel A boxed Tiffany & Co sterling baby girl comb with pink silk tassel attached, stamped "TIFFANY & CO STERLING 925 MADE IN ITALY", le...
Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Partridge in a Pear Tree Baby Spoon
Located in Huntington, NY
The Tiffany & Co. “Partridge in a Pear Tree” spoon was designed by Tiffany & Co. and produced in 1997 This sterling silver (.925) spoon features the classic holiday image of a p...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Sterling Silver Candle Snuffer
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine designer silver candle snuffer. In sterling silver. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In the Padova pattern. Marked to the reverse of the handle for T & Co. / Sterling / P...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 2.72 in W 3.51 in D 2.29 in
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Padova Sterling Silver Baby Cup
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage baby cup. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Designed by Elsa Peretti In the Padova pattern. Fully hallmarked to the base. Si...
Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti Designed Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bowl With Green Enamel
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Ross, CA
Tiffany & Co. bowl originally designed by famed designer Elsa Peretti. The design is called Thumbprint and is one of her most famous designs. The bowl is made of sterling silver and ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 7.88 in W 9.85 in D 9.65 in
STERLING SILVER TIFFANY & CO ELSA PERETTI STERLING SiLVER CHAMPAGNE BUCKET
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly collectable Tiffany & Co, vintage, Signed and made by, in the life time of Elsa Peretti, Tumb print Champaign bucket, fully hallmarked to the base in sterling silver A very collectable solid silver champaign bucket, this is an original signed and made by example, not a later mass produced piece. Sadly the genius that was Elsa Peretti passed away in 2021, since then her original made pieces have sky rocketed in price Peretti’s Thumbprint...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 2.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Padova Babe Spoon, a Set of 4
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Plainview, NY
A set of 4 Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti sterling silver babe spoons presented in a dark blue original Tiffany box. each spoon is signed T& Co Sterling Peretti @Italy 1984. A high value collective items for the fans of the model and jewelry designer Elsa Peretti and lovers of Tiffany's vintage pieces. About Elsa Peretti: Elsa Peretti, OMRI OMM, was an Italian jewelry designer and...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 6.25 in W 0.5 in L 6.25 in
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Sterling Silver Padova Baby Feeding Spoon
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova sterling silver feeding baby spoon This authentic Tiffany spoon is approx. 6 1/4" in length Stamped T & Co....
Sterling Silver
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Champagne Cups Glasses
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Elsa Peretti champagne glass. Sterling silver, 5-ounce bowl. Original designs copyrighted by Elsa Peretti. The retail on Tiffany's site is $1,250 per cup. These are a contemporary fl...
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Modern Sterling Thumbprint Ashtray by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Part of Elsa Peretti iconic Thumbprint collection for Tiffany & Co, this sterling silver ashtray was designed in 1978. Peretti, an Italian fashion model, turned designer and philanth...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Peretti Sterling Silver Open Heart Ring Lovely Gift Great Find
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale for stunning Tiffany & Co Peretti open heart ring in sterling silver. The ring is still for sale in Tiffany, it's fully hallmarked on the inside...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Tiffany Sterling Elsa Perreti Design Sterling Bone Candlesticks
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Pair of Tiffany Sterling Elsa Perreti design sterling bone candlesticks. Measures: Height: 9.5 inches. Weight: 668 grams.
Sold
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Thumb Print by Elsa Peretti & Tiffany Co Sterling Silver Snack Set of Four-Piece
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
THUMB PRINT BY PERETTI/TIFFANY Sterling Silver Four-Piece DRINK and SNACK SET WHICH INCLUDES: 2 - Manhattan Glasses, gold-washed - 3 1/2" - 5.8...
Sterling Silver
Set of Eight Crystal and Sterling Goblets by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A lovely set of eight crystal and sterling goblets by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Stamped on the bottom "Tiffany & Co. 925 Spain" with Elsa Peretti's signature (see last image).
Crystal, Sterling Silver