Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff Style Sterling Silver Ring
Jewelry (Ring) · Tiffany & Co., designed by Elsa Peretti. Peretti (1940-2021) was an Italian jewelry designer and former fashion model whose sculptural, organic designs revolutionized Tiffany & Co. starting in 1974.
Pattern: Elsa Peretti 'Bone' Collection, inspired by the human anatomy and organic curves. This specific form mimics her famous Bone Cuff bracelet, adapted into a ring format.
Type
Jewelry (Ring)
Maker
Tiffany & Co., designed by Elsa Peretti. Peretti (1940-2021) was an Italian jewelry designer and former fashion model whose sculptural, organic designs revolutionized Tiffany & Co. starting in 1974.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composed of 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% copper for durability. Solid construction without plating.
Dimensions
Approximately 15mm-20mm in width at the widest point; weight generally ranges from 8 to 15 grams depending on size. It is a substantial, wide-band 'cigar' style ring.
Description
This sterling silver ring is part of Elsa Peretti's iconic Bone collection for Tiffany & Co. It features a bold, sculptural silhouette that wraps the finger in a fluid, organic wave of high-polished silver. The design is celebrated for its anatomical integrity, mirroring the curves of the body. It is a statement piece that balances weight with sophisticated simplicity.
Key Features
Asymmetrical contouring, wide concave face, heavy silver weight, and the signature 'Bone' curve that rises at the knuckle.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composed of 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% copper for durability. Solid construction without plating.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with minimalist, sculptural decoration. The style is late 20th-century Modernist/Organicism. The design relies on ergonomic curves and a concave/convex surface rather than applied motifs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Interior band typically stamped with '(C) Elsa Peretti', 'TIFFANY & CO.', and '925' or 'STERLING'. Standard American hallmarks of the late 20th/early 21st century.
Construction Details
Lost-wax cast and hand-finished. The piece is designed to be asymmetrical, specific to either the left or right hand (though some ring versions are more symmetrical than the cuffs). The interior is smoothly finished for ergonomic comfort.
Functional Features
Ergonomic contouring designed to fit the natural curve of the finger and knuckle, allowing for mobility despite the width of the band.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item). The band serves as the grip, featuring a smooth, wide interior surface.
Craftsmanship Details
Evident in the seamless flow of the metal and the high-quality hand-polishing that maintains the crispness of the organic curves without rounding off the intended design lines.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic fluid lines and thickness of the silver. Low-quality fakes often lack the graduated weight and smooth interior transitions of authentic Peretti pieces. Proper hallmark spacing and font on the interior are primary indicators.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (New York) or Italy (where many Peretti pieces were manufactured for Tiffany). Traditionally manufactured in high-end silver workshops using Peretti's proprietary molds.
Era & Period
Contemporary Modernist. The Bone collection was introduced in the 1970s and remains a staple of the Tiffany aesthetic, embodying the 'minimalist luxury' movement.
Age Estimate
c. 1980 - early 2000s based on the visible surface wear and classic sculptural form; the design has been in continuous production for decades.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in jewelry design from ornate, gem-heavy pieces to 'wearable art' that could be worn every day. Peretti's work is in the permanent collection of the British Museum and the MET.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows 'honest wear' with a fine web of light surface scratches ('patina of use') consistent with regular wear. No major dents or structural deformation visible. Tarnish is minimal.
Value Estimate
$350 - $650 USD depending on size, original packaging presence, and current silver market volatility. Rarity increases if it is an early 'Italy' marked piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush for crevices; polish with a high-quality silver cloth (e.g., Jean D'Epremesnil or Hagerty). Store in the original Tiffany felt pouch to prevent scratches from other jewelry.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 1837 Wide Ring (flatter, less organic), Georg Jensen Smithy/Fusion rings (similar modernist weight), or generic 'Cigar Band' rings.
Interesting Facts
Peretti designed the Bone collection after visiting the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars in Rome as a child, where she was fascinated by the shapes of human bones. The Bone Cuff was worn by Gal Gadot in 'Wonder Woman 1984'.