Tiffany & Co. Vermeil Sterling Silver Christmas Present Charm
Jewelry (Charm/Pendant) · Tiffany & Co., the prestigious American luxury jeweler founded in 1837. Renowned for high-quality silver and iconic blue-box branding.
Pattern: Holiday Collection / Novelty Charms; distinctive for its giftbox motif with bow and ribbon.
Type
Jewelry (Charm/Pendant)
Maker
Tiffany & Co., the prestigious American luxury jeweler founded in 1837. Renowned for high-quality silver and iconic blue-box branding.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with heavy gold electroplating (Vermeil).
Dimensions
Approx. 15mm height x 10mm width; weight estimated at 2-4 grams. Fine jewelry scale.
Description
A charming Tiffany & Co. pendant fashioned to resemble a wrapped gift. The body features a sophisticated satin-brushed texture that mimics fine wrapping paper, contrasted beautifully by the mirror-finished ribbon and bow. The vermeil finish provides the opulent look of solid gold at a sterling silver price point.
Key Features
Mixed texture (satin vs. high polish), dimensional bow application, and the iconic Tiffany 'gift' theme.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with heavy gold electroplating (Vermeil).
Finish & Decoration
Linear brushed/satin finish on the 'box' surfaces with a high-polish finish on the ribbons and bow. Rectangular form with applied dimensional bow.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'TIFFANY & CO.' and '925' or 'STERLING' on the reverse or bottom edge. Marks may be small and require a loupe.
Construction Details
Lost-wax casting process followed by hand-finishing and subsequent gold electroplating. Integrated jump ring for attachment to a chain or bracelet.
Functional Features
Small jump ring at the top allows it to function as a necklace pendant or a bracelet charm. Fixed, non-opening design.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-striking or casting with meticulous finish contrast between the textured 'paper' and smooth 'ribbon' elements.
Authentication Indicators
Signature Tiffany 'brushed' texture technique; crisp hallmark stamping (if viewable on reverse); weight consistent with solid sterling core rather than hollow base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (New York) or Italy (where Tiffany often sources chains and specific charms).
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th Century (Post-1970).
Age Estimate
c. 1990 - 2010. Part of the recurring holiday accessory lines.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'gift-giving' culture of high-end luxury brands; a popular entry-level collectible for Tiffany enthusiasts.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Light surface wear and natural patina in the crevices. Gold plating appears intact but show minor thinning at high points of the bow.
Value Estimate
$150 - $275 USD depending on the presence of original packaging and the thickness of the remaining gold plating.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, non-abrasive polishing cloth. Avoid liquid silver dips which will strip the gold vermeil plating. Store in a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany Blue Box enamel charm (Sterling with blue enamel), Cartier gift box charms (typically 18k solid gold), or generic gold-plated silver charms which lack the specific Tiffany brushed finish.
Interesting Facts
The gift box motif is central to Tiffany's identity, referencing their world-famous 'Blue Box' introduced by Charles Lewis Tiffany.