As I riffled through my jewelry drawer I came across a piece I’ve cherised for many years. An avid collector of beautiful things, I have jewelry that has remained with me for decades and my love for each piece has not diminished. I clearly remember the excitement of receiving my first piece of designer jewelry, Elsa Peretti’s sterling silver doughnut bangle.
Sadly, Elsa Peretti, the iconic Italian jewelry designer passed away last week in Catalonia, Spain at 80. Her legacy will live on through her distinctive designs and the joy they bring to the many people who own them. In honor of Ms Peretti’s unique artistry and revolutionary contribution to jewelry I’ve been wearing my bangle and still marvel at its timeless elegance. Her vision has always been one of sculptural minimalism, giving each piece a purity of design and an enduring timelessness.
Elsa Peretti and Tiffany & Co chairman Henry Platt talk shop c1978 - photo PL Gould, Getty Images
Following her fateful introduction to Tiffany’s executives by Halston, Peretti went on to a phenomenally successful partnership that has spanned well over 40 years. Along with the lacquer and sterling silver iconic doughnut bangles, bone cuffs and the Diamond by the Yard necklace set on a platinum chain, there are also remarkable tabletop and home decor collectibles. Taking natural forms Peretti created the glass and vermeil Teardrop carafe, contoured Thumbprint service plate and Padova bottle opener are classics that remain favorites. I’ve given the Thumbprint bowl and paperweight handmade in cobalt blue Venetian glass as gifts that have become treasured keepsakes.
Members of the exclusive fashion and art social circles of the day included Helmut Newton, Andy Warhol, Halston, Giorgio di Sant’Angelo and Beverly Johnson, a favorite model and muse of Peretti. Here Beverly wears the elegant Diamonds by the Yard on a platinum chain. The genius of this piece made it possible for women to wear diamonds casually every day.
Peretti’s first jewelry design was a sterling silver bud vase strung on a leather cord. With this piece she elevated the status of sterling silver to a coveted luxury item. Modeled here by Beverly Johnson
Doughnut bangle in polished sterling silver makes a statement that is modern, elegant minimalism - Tiffany & C0.
Halston center with Elsa Peretti left in 1971 photo Vernon Shibla New York Post Archives via Getty Images
A statement from Tiffany & Co said that “Elsa was not only a designer but a way of life.” and went on to describe her as “a larger-than-life” person “who touched everyone at Tiffany & Co.”