Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Full Heart Bracelet in Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold
Jewelry (Bracelet/Chain) · Tiffany & Co., one of the world's most prestigious luxury jewelry houses founded in 1837. This specific piece was designed by Elsa Peretti (1940-2021), the most successful jewelry designer in the brand's history.
Pattern: Elsa Peretti Full Heart Collection; introduced in the late 1970s/early 1980s. It remains a staple of the Tiffany aesthetic, symbolizing organic minimalism.
Type
Jewelry (Bracelet/Chain)
Maker
Tiffany & Co., one of the world's most prestigious luxury jewelry houses founded in 1837. This specific piece was designed by Elsa Peretti (1940-2021), the most successful jewelry designer in the brand's history.
Material
The chain is Sterling Silver (.925) and the central heart element is 18K Yellow Gold (.750 purity). The silver is solid, and the gold heart is a solid casing rather than plating.
Dimensions
Standard bracelet length is approximately 7 inches (18 cm). The curb link chain is approximately 1mm thick, and the heart is roughly 7mm-10mm in width. Approximate weight: 2.5–3.5 grams.
Description
A sophisticated and understated piece of jewelry, this Elsa Peretti Full Heart bracelet combines Tiffany's hallmark silver with the warmth of 18k gold. The organic, rounded shape of the heart is a signature of Peretti's work, intended to feel tactile and 'soft' against the skin. It represents the height of modern jewelry design where the focus is on form and purity of line rather than ornate embellishment.
Key Features
Mixed-metal composition (Silver/18K Gold), the iconic 'Full Heart' asymmetric shape, and the distinctive lobster clasp with Tiffany branding.
Material & Composition
The chain is Sterling Silver (.925) and the central heart element is 18K Yellow Gold (.750 purity). The silver is solid, and the gold heart is a solid casing rather than plating.
Finish & Decoration
Polished high-mirror finish. The design is characterized by the 'Biomorphic' style of Peretti, featuring a smooth, rounded, hand-carved appearance to the heart with no sharp edges.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped on a small oval tag or on the lobster clasp. Indicated: 'T & CO.' or 'Tiffany & Co.', '925', '750' (for the gold heart), and the designer's signature 'Elsa Peretti'.
Construction Details
The chain is a machine-made curb link; the heart is cast using the lost-wax process and hand-finished/polished. The heart is integrated into the chain via two small apertures.
Functional Features
Includes a lobster claw clasp for security. The heart is fixed in place along the chain but has enough internal clearance to allow for slight fluid movement.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item). Clasp features a smooth mechanical spring-back lever designed for easy one-handed operation.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent attention to polish and transition. The soldering points where the chain meets the heart are cleanly executed without visible excess flux or silver solder.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of both '925' and '750' stamps on Tiffany jewelry is a primary indicator. The font face of the signature and the weight/feel of the chain links are secondary indicators of authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Various origins including USA, Italy, and Spain. Tiffany utilizes high-end workshops in these regions to maintain Peretti's specific craftsmanship standards.
Era & Period
Modern/Contemporary Jewelry. The design reflects the 'Sculptural Minimalism' period of the late 20th century championed by Peretti.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured within the last 15–20 years based on the clasp style and contemporary finishing, though the design dates back to the late 1970s.
Cultural Significance
Peretti's work democratized luxury jewelry, moving away from diamond-heavy Victorian styles to something wearable for every day, fundamentally changing the fashion world of the 1970s and 80s.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirl marks) consistent with silver-on-skin contact. No deep gouges or chain kinks visible. The gold heart maintains its luster well.
Value Estimate
Pre-owned market value: $250 - $450 USD. Current retail for similar mixed-metal Peretti items is significantly higher ($600-$900+).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream or a 'Tiffany Blue' polishing cloth. Avoid dip-cleaners as they can strip the patina from the lobster clasp mechanism. Store in the original felt dust bag to prevent scratches from other jewelry.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany 'Open Heart' (the鏤空 version), Cartier 'Love' cord bracelets, or Georg Jensen organic heart pendants. Differences lie in the specific asymmetric curves unique to Peretti.
Interesting Facts
Elsa Peretti's designs once accounted for 10% of Tiffany & Co.'s global sales. Her heart designs were revolutionary for using industrial materials and organic shapes to represent emotion.