Elsa Peretti Teardrop Pendant Necklace for Tiffany & Co. in Sterling Silver
Jewelry (Necklace and Pendant) · Tiffany & Co., manufactured for the Elsa Peretti collection. Peretti (1940-2021) was an Italian designer known for revolutionizing silver jewelry in the 1970s through her partnership with Tiffany.
Pattern: Elsa Peretti Teardrop Collection; introduced circa 1974. It remains a signature, active production line for the brand.
Type
Jewelry (Necklace and Pendant)
Maker
Tiffany & Co., manufactured for the Elsa Peretti collection. Peretti (1940-2021) was an Italian designer known for revolutionizing silver jewelry in the 1970s through her partnership with Tiffany.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout, featuring no base metals or plating.
Dimensions
Standard pendant size is approximately 12mm-15mm in length with a 16-18 inch chain. Approximate weight of set is 3.5 to 5 grams depending on chain length.
Description
An iconic example of modern jewelry design, the Teardrop pendant represents the fluid, organic aesthetic that Elsa Peretti brought to Tiffany & Co. Its simple, drop-like form is intended to evoke the sensation of a rain-drop or a tear of joy, finished to a brilliant mirror shine.
Key Features
Signature 'Elsa Peretti' script engraving, seamless teardrop transition, and the delicate 925 sterling silver chain construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout, featuring no base metals or plating.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with minimalist organic contours. The design is sculptural and fluid, characteristic of the 'Bio-morphic' or organic modernism style of the 1970s.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image shows a cursive 'Elsa Peretti' signature and the 'STERLING' fineness mark. Typically accompanied by a 'TIFFANY & CO.' stamp on the opposing side of the link or clasp.
Construction Details
The pendant is cast using the lost-wax process and hand-finished to achieve the seamless fluid shape. The chain is machine-linked with a fused teardrop-shaped bail terminal.
Functional Features
Includes a functional spring-ring or lobster-claw clasp. The pendant is designed to slide freely on the delicate link chain.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item). The teardrop form is smooth to the touch, designed for ergonomic comfort against the skin.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of high-grade finishing; the lack of visible mold lines on the pendant and the clarity of the tiny script engraving indicate authentic Tiffany & Co. craftsmanship.
Authentication Indicators
The engraving of the Peretti signature matches the specific fluid font used by Tiffany. The 'STERLING' mark is crisp and appropriately scaled. The high-quality finish of the soldering on the chain links is consistent with Tiffany production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in Italy/New York; manufactured in Spain or the United States under Tiffany & Co. quality standards.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Contemporary. Designed during the 1970s Modernist revival which championed silver as a luxury material for everyday wear.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s to present. The specific style of the 'STER' stamp and Peretti signature suggest a piece from the last 30 years.
Cultural Significance
This piece represents the 'democratization' of luxury jewelry, where sterling silver was elevated to high-fashion status alongside gold and platinum during the late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition based on the macro image. Shows minimal surface micro-scratching uniform with light wear. No significant dents or deep abrasions are visible.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is driven by brand prestige and the Peretti designer name rather than silver melt weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft silver polishing cloth (e.g., Cape Cod or Tiffany's own cloth). Avoid liquid silver dips which can strip the soft luster. Store in a tarnish-resistant pouch.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany Bean pendant, Open Heart pendant, or bottle pendants. Competitors include Georg Jensen's organic designs, though Jensen pieces typically feature heavier gauge silver and different hallmarks.
Interesting Facts
Elsa Peretti's designs once accounted for nearly 10% of Tiffany & Co.'s entire global sales. The Teardrop design was inspired by the simplicity of a single drop of water.
Notes
Eric