Elsa Peretti for Halston Handbags and Purses

Elsa Peretti was a revolutionary jewelry designer and model who is known primarily for the work she did for Tiffany Co. In an era of social upheaval, she reimagined diamonds as jewelry that working women bought for themselves rather than receiving from a suitor. 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, such as the Teardrop collection and her minimalist Diamonds by the Yard necklace, helped establish a young audience for Tiffany’s offerings. Her visionary work elevated sterling silver, which was previously considered unsuitable for fine jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Tiffany Co. pieces.

What happened to Elsa Peretti was that she retired from her work as a designer in 2021 and then passed away later that year. After working as a model, the Italian-born Peretti moved to Manhattan in 1968 and became interested in jewelry design while furthering her modeling career. Through working with Halston, she became known 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. 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. Peretti signed a 20-year, $47.3 million contract with Tiffany Co. in 2012. Find a diverse assortment of Elsa Peretti jewelry on 1stDibs.