Peretti, Elsa

(1940- )

   Born in Florence, Italy, to a well-to-do family, Peretti studied interior design at Volbicela School in Rome. She moved to New York in the 1960s and began designing jewelry for designers Oscar de la Renta, Halston, and Georgio Di Sant'Angelo. In addition, she designed the containers for Halston's fragrance and cosmetics lines. In 1974, Peretti partnered with Tiffany & Co. and produced some of the most sought-after jewelry of the time. A trip to Jaipur, India, inspired her gold bra and scarf designs in metal mesh that she did for Halston in 1975. Other revolutionary designs for which she received fame are her "Diamonds by the Yard," her sculptural "Open Hearts" pendants, her "Bone Cuffs," and her "Wave and Sevillana" collections. Another inspirational reference is the traditional craft of urushi (Japanese lacquer) with which she has created the most extraordinary bangles and pendants. Peretti's awards include the 1971 Coty Award for Jewelry, the 1994 Divine Design Award for Jewelry, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Award in 1996 for Accessory Designer of the Year.