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.
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Snake Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural and unmistakably iconic, these Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti snake drop earrings are crafted in luminous 18k yellow gold. The elongated, articulated silhouette evokes the ele...
18k Gold
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Teardrop Dangle Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These authentic Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. "Teardrop" dangle earrings embody the designer's signature elegance and fluidity. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, each earring feature...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co Tear drop Dangle Earring
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
Crafted in lustrous 18kt yellow gold, these Elsa Peretti Teardrop Dangle Earrings feature the iconic teardrop silhouette on delicate French wire hooks. Measuring 24mm in length with ...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Tahitian Pearl Diamond Platinum Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Westport, CT
An original pair of Tiffany & Co. platinum Tahitian pearl and diamond earrings designed by Elsa Peretti. Each earring is set with one natural Tahitian black pearl measuring approxima...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sevillana Large Circle Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These elegant earrings from Tiffany & Co.'s Elsa Peretti Sevillana collection feature a timeless open circle design, and set in lustrous 18 karat yellow gold. The simplicity of the d...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Free Form Earrings Medium
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Free Form Earrings Medium Metal: 18K yellow gold Weight: 9.90 grams Measurement: 16mm high X 14mm wide, medium size Hallmark: ©TIFFANY&CO...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Vintage Starfish Stud Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Fairfield, CT
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Vintage Starfish Stud Earrings Designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., these 18K yellow gold starfish earrings reflect the organic sculptural ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold JUMBO Bean Earrings by Elsa Peretti
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1980s Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 17.5 grams Measurements: .8inch x .5 inch Condition: Excellent Price: $2600 Payment & Refun...
Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. Diamonds by the Yard Earrings in Platinum
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & co earring Mint Condition Platinum 950 Diamond: .25ct Diamond Clarity VVS Color Grade E-F Earring Diameter 4.8mm Comes with Tiffany earring box
Diamond, Platinum
$395 / set
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.49 in
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Sevillana' Stud Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage pair of silver earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the 'Sevilliana' pattern. Fully marked reverse of each. Secured with replacement earbacks....
Sterling Silver
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Teardrop Hoop Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Teardrop Hoop Earrings Reminiscent of a solitary raindrop or a shining bead of morning dew. Hoop earrings in 18k gold, for pierced ears. Original...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Drop Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Drop Earrings Material 18k Yellow Gold Three Round Diamonds Diamonds: .30 tcw Diamond Clarity: VS Color Grade: F Length 2 inch Condi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. Northern Star Stud Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A stylish pair of stud earrings created by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.'s Northern Star collection, featuring two four point stars finely made of 18K yellow gold. Comes with a post...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co by Elsa Peretti 18k Yellow Gold Jumbo Bean Earrings, 17.5g
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Providence, RI
These elegant Tiffany & Co. Jumbo Bean Earrings, designed by the iconic Elsa Peretti, embody organic beauty and simplicity. Crafted from 18K yellow gold, the smooth, sculptural bean-...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Yellow Gold Bean Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Yellow Gold Bean Earrings Pair of iconic bean earrings , designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co in 18k yellow gold. Earrings measure 23mm x 15mm. Marked...
Yellow Gold
$4,798Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.83 in W 0.47 in Dm 0.28 in
TIFFANY & CO. 1980 Elsa Peretti Tear Drops Clips-On Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Medium tear-drops clips earrings designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. This is a pair of tears-drops clips-on earrings, created by Elsa Peretti for the jewelry house of Tif...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Wave Earrings
Located in London, GB
Here we have a pair of 18ct yellow gold earrings from the world renowned jewellery designer, Tiffany & Co. These earrings are designed by Elsa Peretti and form part of her wave c...
18k Gold
Sold
H 3.15 in W 0.95 in
TIFFANY & CO. By Elsa Peretti Large Long Drop Mesh Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Long mesh earrings designed by Elsa Peretti (1940-2021) for Tiffany & Co. This is a vintage pair of long mesh ear-drops, created in New York City by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany &am...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
TIFFANY & CO. By Elsa Peretti Long Drop Mesh Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Long mesh earrings designed by Elsa Peretti (1940-2021) for Tiffany & Co. This is a vintage pair of long mesh ear-drops, created in New York City by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany &am...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold
H 0.22 in W 0.22 in L 0.91 in
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Elsa Peretti Teardrop Dangle Earrings #23703
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Elsa Peretti teardrop dangle earrings - These elegant Tiffany & Co. teardrop earrings are designed by Elsa Peretti each earring features her si...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany& Co. Elsa Peretti Mesh Scarf Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k rose gold. Signed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 2 inches long
18k Gold
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Teardrop Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Vintage Sterling Silver Teardrop Earrings exemplify timeless elegance and sophisticated simplicity. Crafted from high-quality sterling silver, these ea...
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Large Mesh Drop Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These vintage Elsa Peretti mesh drop earrings for Tiffany & Co. showcase the fluid, fabric-like movement that defines her signature style. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this pair is the large version from the iconic collection. The earrings feature a flexible gold mesh that drapes elegantly from a delicate hook, measuring 3 1/2 inches in length and 1 inch in width. Weighing 14.1 grams, they offer a lightweight yet impactful statement. Each earring is signed “T&Co” and stamped “750” for gold purity. Ideal for collectors and those searching online for vintage Tiffany earrings, Elsa Peretti gold mesh...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Large Mesh Drop Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These vintage Elsa Peretti mesh drop earrings for Tiffany & Co. showcase the fluid, fabric-like movement that defines her signature style. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this pair is the large version from the iconic collection. The earrings feature a flexible gold mesh that drapes elegantly from a delicate hook, measuring 3 1/2 inches in length and 1 inch in width. Weighing 14.1 grams, they offer a lightweight yet impactful statement. Each earring is signed “T&Co” and stamped “750” for gold purity. Ideal for collectors and those searching online for vintage Tiffany earrings, Elsa Peretti gold mesh...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Diamonds by the Yard Pearl Earrings 1.5" 18k Yellow Gold Peretti
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pair of pre-owned Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co Diamonds by the Yard Pearl drop earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold. Diamonds total an estimated 0.10 carats (estimated ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Teardrop Dangle Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Tiffany & Co.'s renowned featured designer, Elsa Peretti, produced these classic "Teardrop" dangle earrings that move fluidly with the body. The closure type is a friction post with...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Round Hook Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A pair of iconic Tiffany & Co. by Elsa Peretti Round earrings made of 18 karat gold. As a larger (30 mm vs 24 mm) version of the contemporary Round earrings, this vintage pair is mor...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Mesh Dangle Earrings #20584
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Mesh Dangle Earrings Elegant and timeless, these sterling silver earrings are designed with a delicate woven mesh pattern, showcasing Pere...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany and Co. Elsa Peretti Sevillana Drop Earrings in Silver
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Tiffany and Co. by Elsa Peretti Sevillana dangle earrings featuring shepherd's hook design. 2 inches long. $550 MSRP.
Silver, Sterling Silver