Necklace

Elsa Peretti

1973–74 · Sterling silver, enamel · Costume Institute

With few exceptions, Elsa Peretti's jewelry is inspired by nature or the gesture of the human hand, whether as spontaneous calligraphy or the pressure of the thumb in clay. The sensual lines of bones, shells, a kidney bean, or the drape of metal mesh may be seen in her work. In this instance, the articulated form of a snake is rendered in sterling silver. The snake's jaw adjusts to clamp down on itself at any point of the wearer's choosing, leaving the tip of the tail to hang like a pendant.

Artist

Elsa Peretti

Date

1973–74

Medium

Sterling silver, enamel

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Purchase, Irene Lewisohn Bequest, 2004