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At first glance, this necklace might appear simple but take another look. The ease and elegance that emanate from Peretti’s designs often disguise the complexity of their craftsmanship. This is an extraordinary example of lapidary arts. The circular beads, which have been hollowed out, were hand carved. Peretti was extraordinarily loyal and excelled in partnership with the people who made her jewelry. She worked with many skilled artists around the globe, and then their descendants, for decades.
Rock Crystal necklace
American
around 2013
Medium/Technique
Rock crystal, silver, and silk cord
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 16 x 14.5 x 2.5 cm (6 5/16 x 5 11/16 x 1 in.)
Lender accessory (box): 10.2 x 15.2 cm (4 x 6 in.)
Lender accessory (box): 10.2 x 15.2 cm (4 x 6 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Monica S. Sadler
Accession Number2017.62
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Jewelry, Contemporary Art, Americas
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Necklaces and neck bands
At first glance, this necklace might appear simple but take another look. The ease and elegance that emanate from Peretti’s designs often disguise the complexity of their craftsmanship. This is an extraordinary example of lapidary arts. The circular beads, which have been hollowed out, were hand carved. Peretti was extraordinarily loyal and excelled in partnership with the people who made her jewelry. She worked with many skilled artists around the globe, and then their descendants, for decades.
DescriptionThis Elsa Peretti necklace is composed of nine hollow rock crystal balls; five are large and the two at either end are much smaller. They are strung onto a black silk cord knotted between each bead. The balls form a semi circle and the rest of the cord completes the necklace on either side. The cord is threaded through an oval silver bead which can be moved to adjust the length of the necklace. The ends of the cords terminate in silver tips.
Signed
The bead is stamped "Tiffany & Co." and underneath "Elsa Peretti" in script, and beneath that "Au 750 Hong Kong."
Marks
The bead is stamped "Tiffany & Co.", underneath copyright "Elsa Perretti" in script, and Au 750 Hong Kong.
ProvenanceBy 2014, an anonymous private collector; 2017, anonymous gift to the MFA. (Accession date: January 18, 2017)
Copyright© Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation