Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Heartfelt Things

The legacy of Elsa Peretti is a thing of beauty – it’s filled with dream jobs, accolades and accomplishments.  Although she was born in Italy and completed some of her studies there, she also studied abroad in Switzerland.  Early in her career, she taught French.  By the 1960’s and 70’s, she was modeling in New York City where she became a favorite Halstonette.  She frequented Studio 54 with friends that included Andy Warhol, Liza Minelli, Cher and Donald Trump.   During that time, Elsa also began designing her jewelry for fashion designers in Manhattan.  She loved working with silver.  Her organic, fluid designs elevated the metal from common to elegant.  After being featured in Vogue and having her own boutique in Bloomingdale’s; she was scooped up by one of the most iconic names in jewelry history… Tiffany & Co.

Peretti created pieces that were sensual and modern – her designs appealed to younger generations.  Elsa’s silver jewelry opened up a new price point for Tiffany, making it accessible for everyone.  She designed more than thirty collections for Tiffany and most styles were produced in gold as well as silver.  The Open Heart collection was one of her most successful lines and is still sought after today.  

The style is effortless and chic – a stylized high-polished heart suspended from a dainty cable chain.  In the past few weeks, we purchased two!  Both are stunning.  The first is a large (36mm at the widest point) shimmery silver pendant.  Simply beautiful, it makes a statement.  

It feels casual; something that you would wear with wide-leg linen pants and a loose tunic.  Priced at just $365.00, it’s sure to sell.  On the other end of the spectrum is an 18-karat yellow gold beauty dazzling with the brilliance of diamonds. 

Smaller, this heart measures about 25mm.  The silhouette is the same, offering fluid lines and organic charm.  Sprinkled along the bottom are twenty-two round brilliant diamonds.  This hint of sparkle elevates the pendant.  Dress it up for evening appeal or dress it down for weekend fun.  This gem is priced at $4,000.00.  While there are no wrong choices here, I can’t help but wonder which one of these you would choose?  This simple silver heart or that diamond accented golden girl?  Or… perhaps you’re lucky enough to get both!

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe