Bones, beans, and everything Elsa
On Elsa Peretti: silk, mesh, lacquer, sterling silver...
A bit about Elsa
When Elsa Peretti was in her early 20s, she left Italy for New York and began working as a model for the likes of Halston (favorite!!) and Giorgio Sant’Angelo (another favorite). Elsa soon began crafting designs of her own, and Halston enlisted her to create the packaging for his fragrance and cosmetic lines (examples in Board 1 below: Halston eye shadow palette and perfume bottle).
The fragrance bottles and bean-shaped compartments that Elsa designed for Halston would remain constants throughout her design career. She joined Tiffany & Co in the mid 1970s and introduced designs that you know and love - the bone cuff, the open heart, diamonds by the yard, etc.
Elsa’s work has staying power. You’re unlikely to get sick of her pieces. As someone who usually prefers yellow gold, it is Elsa’s silver, lacquer, and silk pieces that I gravitate towards most. There is a subtle and casual elegance to the way she molded her pieces, and I’m always looking out for them. Below is a round up of what I’d love to buy and wear.
For your body
This piece encompasses so many of Elsa’s classic elements - silk, lacquer, and the bean motif. I adore the bright red bean with the contrast of the black silk cord. This necklace feels special, and that’s because it is - read the seller’s description.
Another bean necklace. This time in classic sterling silver.
These 18k yellow gold teardrop earrings make the perfect everyday set. I also love them in rock crystal.
I read that Elsa’s serpent design emerged from being gifted the tail of a rattlesnake as a ‘good luck charm.’ This 20-inch classic snake necklace is one of her most notable designs for Tiffany. It can be worn in varied ways: as a necklace (duh), bracelet, bag charm, etc.
Snake earrings to match! I’ve had my eye on these for some time - the serpent is anything but rigid, allowing the earrings to move as you do.
This Sevillana Cocktail Ring (size 6) would look great with any and all silver jewelry.
I was very excited when I saw this open-sided cuff because I think it is the same (or at least very similar) to the cuff Elsa is wearing in the bottom lefthand corner of Board 1. It’s the perfect statement cuff, and its weight is similar to that of the Bone Cuff but it’s less known.
Elsa’s mesh pieces are often reminiscent of a 1920s handbag (the best!) - the mesh bib necklace is a forever favorite, and this one is 50% off.
Elsa Peretti for Halston - this necklace is part of the perfume bottle collection that Elsa designed for Halston (see Board 1).
These lacquer bangles were produced in a variety of different colors. This orange is the happiest color.
Another mesh piece, this time a bracelet (the clasp is also great).
For your home
Lidded heart shaped bowl in a beautiful, buttery yellow terracotta - this is the perfect nightstand accoutrement to keep your jewelry or loose cash / coins.
If you’re looking for a lighter, may I suggest this one. It’s sterling silver, bean shaped, and extremely chic. PS: It comes with its original pouch and box. (In case you prefer brass.)
This Halston perfumed soap set includes 3 soap bars in a gorgeous black case that is the perfect bathroom soap rest.
I’ve always loved Elsa’s iconic bone design woven into her homeware designs. These bone candle holders in black ceramic would make a beautiful addition to any table - lit or not.
Imagine cutting your bread with this (never used) sterling silver bread knife…
I’d likely use this bean shaped, sterling silver card holder as an evening clutch. It would be so elegant worn with a simple black dress or anything with a bit of hardware.
I can’t wait to see you (and your home) adorned in Elsa! As always, I want to learn about what you want to see on Mark It. Thank you to those of you who have messaged me / commented on these posts. Your feedback is so helpful as I think about what to write about next.
Till next time,
♥️ Elissa
Loved this one!
Love her