Elsa Peretti Jewellery & Homeware

Elsa Peretti was all things luxurious, from her modelling years in New York to the unique designs she brought exclusively to the Tiffany and Co. brand. Born in Florence, Elsa (1 May 1940 – 18 March 2021) was the youngest daughter of Fernando Peretti and Maria Luisa Pighini. Following an education in both Italy and Switzerland, she began teaching French and working as a ski instructor in a Swiss mountain village.

After returning to Rome and graduating with an Interior Design degree, Elsa began working for Italian architect Dado Torrigiani. However, the following year, in 1964, she decided to become a fashion model. After modelling in Barcelona for a few years, she was advised by the Wilhelmina Modelling Agency to move to New York in 1968, to further her modelling. This proved to be a turning point in her life and career, as it was in 1969 that she started creating her own silver jewellery styles, taking inspiration from natural and everyday items.

With the help of her close friend Halston, Elsa was introduced to Tiffany and Co., and in 1974, she signed a contract with the brand. This was the beginning of an exclusive collaboration involving the design of sleek, luxurious jewellery and homeware.

Elsa Peretti & Tiffany and Co.

The arrival of Elsa Peretti at Tiffany & Co. in 1974 signalled a revolution in jewellery design. On the day her first collection debuted, it sold out and elevated sterling silver to luxury status overnight. Peretti soon became a true pioneer of design with her unique creations which had a never-before-seen organic aesthetic.

Since working with Tiffany and Co., Peretti has designed various pieces of jewellery. She designed prominently in sterling silver but would also use various precious metals. The Diamond by the Yard collection will always be a historical event in her timeline. Making diamonds affordable by spacing them out on a chain and mixing different sizes, seems simple but the effect is unimaginable.

Many of Elsa Peretti’s designs are still available to buy. Having forever changed the way women wear jewellery, Peretti’s legacy will remain a constant source of inspiration.

Elsa Peretti and Silver

While she was most known for her jewellery designs, her homeware has also proved to be a defining contrast to what was available in other markets. Sterling silver pieces, such as the Timeless Pitcher, soon became a staple in fashionable abodes, with the sleek designs enhancing the homes with unwavering style. These luxurious silver pieces can be found in various museums, namely the British Museum and The Museum of Fine Art in Boston, and Houston’s The Museum of Fine Art.

Peretti was also a leading philanthropist in her later years. She created a charity called Nando Peretti Foundation (NPF) in honour of her father, Fernando, focusing on environmental conservation and humanitarian programs.

The avant-garde style Elsa produced in silver helped to change many opinions on this material. Notably, the homeware that she designed and created, such as Bone, Teardrop, and Thumbprint, are all styles that have remained popular, with many pieces still being sold.

Elsa Peretti at Auction

Jewellery Day One | Tuesday 13th August 2024

Jewellery Day Two | Wednesday 14th August 2024

Viewing times (ID required):

Birmingham

Monday 12th August 10:00-16:00

Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know to buy with confidence. Find out more here.

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Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.

The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available.

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