Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Heart Cord Bracelet in Sterling Silver
Jewelry (Bracelet) · Tiffany & Co., one of the world's most prestigious luxury retailers, founded in 1837. This specific item is part of the Elsa Peretti collection, licensed exclusively to Tiffany since 1974. Peretti is renowned for her organic, sculptural aesthetic that revolutionized 20th-century jewelry design.
Pattern: Elsa Peretti Heart Collection. Introduced in the mid-1970s, this collection is currently in production and remains one of Tiffany's most iconic and commercially successful design lines.
Type
Jewelry (Bracelet)
Maker
Tiffany & Co., one of the world's most prestigious luxury retailers, founded in 1837. This specific item is part of the Elsa Peretti collection, licensed exclusively to Tiffany since 1974. Peretti is renowned for her organic, sculptural aesthetic that revolutionized 20th-century jewelry design.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) combined with a woven silk or cotton textile cord. The silver component is solid sterling, not plated.
Dimensions
The heart charm measures approximately 15mm-20mm in height. The sterling silver weight is minimal, likely under 5 grams, as the item's value is driven by design and brand rather than bullion content.
Description
A quintessential example of Elsa Peretti's 'design for the body' philosophy, this bracelet features a sculptural sterling silver heart on a vibrant red cord. The piece rejects traditional ornate jewelry tropes in favor of a singular, fluid form that feels like a natural extension of the wearer. Its simplicity established a new standard for everyday luxury silver jewelry.
Key Features
Distinctive 'open heart' silhouette with a hooked top for the toggle function; synonymous with Elsa Peretti's signature; identifiable by its high-polish finish and ergonomic shape.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) combined with a woven silk or cotton textile cord. The silver component is solid sterling, not plated.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish. The design is characterized by its minimalist, organic silhouette, featuring a stylized open heart that functions as a clasp toggle. There is no engraving or surface chasing, emphasizing the fluid form of the metal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks (likely on the underside or edge of the heart) include '© Tiffany & Co.', '925', and 'Spain' or 'Italy', along with Elsa Peretti's signature script mark. These stamps are typically laser-etched or finely stamped on the flat reverse side of the heart charm.
Construction Details
The heart component is lost-wax cast in sterling silver and hand-finished to achieve a seamless, rounded profile. The textile cord is threaded through a specialized aperture in the heart design and secured with knots or silver end-caps.
Functional Features
The heart functions as a decorative toggle clasp. The curved 'tail' of the heart hooks through a loop in the cord or serves as a stopper to keep the bracelet secured to the wrist.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as a handle, but the cord is designed for adjustable comfort on the wrist. The silver surface is smooth and rounded to prevent skin irritation.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits superior casting and polishing; the transition from the heart body to the hook is perfectly smooth with no visible casting lines, a hallmark of Tiffany's quality control standards.
Authentication Indicators
The curvature of the heart is consistent with authentic Peretti designs; counterfeit versions often have 'sharper' points or different proportions. Authentic pieces feature extremely crisp, legible hallmarks on the reverse side. The cord quality is dense and resistant to pilling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in New York; manufactured in Tiffany & Co. workshops in either Spain or Italy, which are the primary centers for Peretti's silver production.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modernist (late 20th century to present). It reflects the 'Diamonds by the Yard' era of Elsa Peretti, focusing on accessible, wearable luxury that transitions from day to evening.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000-present. The design has remained largely unchanged for decades, but the crispness of the cord suggests a more recent production date within the last 10-15 years.
Cultural Significance
This item represents the democratization of designer jewelry in the 1970s and 80s, moving silver jewelry into the realm of high fashion and making the Tiffany blue box an accessible aspiration for a wider audience.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. The silver heart shows minor surface micro-scratching (consistent with light wear). The red cord appears clean with no significant fraying or discoloration. Overall Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$150 - $250 USD, depending on the current retail price (approx. $350-$400) and the specific color/availability of the cord. The red cord 'Valentine' variants hold value well on the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Polish the silver heart with a treated silver polishing cloth. Avoid liquid silver 'dips' which can damage the textile cord. The red cord should be kept dry to prevent bleeding of the dye. If the cord becomes heavily soiled, it can be replaced by Tiffany & Co. service centers.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 'Open Heart' pendant; Paloma Picasso 'Loving Heart' bracelet (which features a more angular, scribbled heart style); Georg Jensen 'Hearts of Georg Jensen' collection.
Interesting Facts
Elsa Peretti was a former fashion model who became one of the most successful jewelry designers in history; her designs once accounted for nearly 10% of Tiffany & Co.'s global sales.