I hate that impeccable, perfectly perfect look, all matched and prearranged.

I can hold a cup of sake on a full moon in Japan, and the reflection of the moon in that little cup can make me feel so enthusiastic about beauty. That one good, magical moment can give me enough to create other things like the teardrop earring or necklace.

I always write in pencil, so I can erase.

A big diamond necklace is nouveau riche, really. People who have wealth a long time don't wear such things.

I am jewelry and objects together. This is the Elsa Peretti name to me. It is a very good balance for me to try and create with the person in mind or with the space in mind - to imagine a bowl of fruit or something for water. It is a little bit yin and yang.

I would like to get married, but it must be a man who is part of my work, or me part of his.