Tiffany and Co: 50 years of the ICONIC cuff

Elsa Peretti, a renowned Italian model and designer, is a testament to the idea that true success is often a result of hard work and determination. Despite her privileged background, Peretti found herself financially independent at the age of 21, which compelled her to forge her own path. Initially, she supported herself by teaching Italian and honing her skiing skills, yet it was ultimately her leap into modeling that transformed her life. Moving to New York opened her up to new avenues where she could fully express her creativity and artistry.

Her journey gained momentum when she began collaborating with American fashion icon Halston, initially creating stunning pieces that she adorned on his runway. This connection eventually paved the way for her introduction to Tiffany & Co., where within a mere 15 minutes of meeting, she was offered a contract. Today, decades later, her creations are not just remembered but revered across the fashion world.

To celebrate the five decades of Peretti’s influential designs, Tiffany & Co. launched the Bone cuff, which is featured in their “With love, Since 1837” campaign. This campaign, revitalized earlier this year, is a heartfelt tribute to the craftsmanship and heritage that Tiffany embodies. It draws inspiration from the legendary window designer Gene Moore, highlighting untold stories behind Tiffany’s iconic jewelry collections while blending these narratives with modern artistic interpretations.

The imagery for the “With love, Since 1837” campaign beautifully captures the spirit of Moore’s enchanting window displays, creating a harmonious blend of the extraordinary with everyday life. The depiction of the Bone cuff resonates with Peretti’s profound influence on the realms of fashion and design. Notably, the image features a hand elegantly gesturing upwards, reminiscent of Peretti’s iconic modeling stances, while a ladybug rests delicately on the index finger—a nod to a famous advertisement captured by Hiro, a beloved friend and photographer of Peretti.

Embracing the Body

Characterized by its flowing, sculptural design, the Bone cuff brilliantly marries modern aesthetics with timeless elegance. It is meticulously crafted to complement the natural shapes of both left and right wrists, allowing the cuff to merge seamlessly with the body. This design philosophy has inspired variations of the original style, while maintaining the foundational design ethos.

Just as the Bone cuff symbolizes sensual creativity, the accompanying Bone ring showcases Peretti’s remarkable ability to transform simplicity into symbols of elegance and allure. The Split ring, with its distinctive central division, adds an interesting twist while preserving the graceful curves synonymous with the original Bone cuff.

While numerous designs may fade into obscurity, the iconic jewelry pieces designed by Elsa Peretti continue to evoke admiration with their enduring elegance and style.

The Tiffany & Co. Bone Cuff by Elsa Peretti collection is currently available in stores and online.

This article originally appeared on Esquire Singapore.