Elsa Peretti was a highly regarded Italian jewellery designer, philanthropist and fashion model. Peretti designed pieces for Tiffany & Co and is considered one of the finest jewellery designers of the 20th century. In 2015, her trademarked Elsa Peretti designs represented eight per cent of Tiffany’s net sales.
- Name: Elsa Peretti
- Date of Birth: 1st May 1940
- Country of Birth: Florence, Italy
- Date of Death: 18th March 2021 (age 80)
Elsa Peretti’s education began in Rome before continuing her studies in Switzerland. She started her working life teaching French and as a skiing instructor in the Swiss mountain village of Gstaad. She eventually returned to Rome before working for the noted architect Dado Torrigiani in Milan. Her association with Tiffany & Co saw her create over 30 collections for the prestigious jeweller, with contemporary reviews calling her pieces modern, timeless and revolutionary. Peretti drew inspiration from many cultures during her global travels, soaking up the local techniques and styles and bringing them to her distinct creations.
One of her most fondly remembered creations is her Open Hearts collection. Gal Gadot wore an 18-karat gold version in the 2020 film Wonder Woman 1984, and Sarah Jessica Parker wore it as Carrie Bradshaw in the first Sex and the City film. One version of Peretti’s Diamonds by the Yard necklace was priced at $75,000.
