Mid-Century Modern Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Alphabet Pendant
Jewelry (Pendant/Necklace) · Tiffany & Co., manufactured for the Elsa Peretti collection. Peretti (1940-2021) was one of the most significant jewelry designers of the 20th century, joining Tiffany in 1974.
Pattern: Alphabet 'a' (Lowercase), Elsa Peretti Collection, introduced circa 1980s, currently in production/active archive.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant/Necklace)
Maker
Tiffany & Co., manufactured for the Elsa Peretti collection. Peretti (1940-2021) was one of the most significant jewelry designers of the 20th century, joining Tiffany in 1974.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). Solid precious metal construction without base metal fillers.
Dimensions
Approximate width: 15-20mm. Weight: 2.5 to 4 grams. This is the 'Small' or 'Standard' size variant meant for a chain necklace.
Description
An iconic lowercase 'a' charm representing the legendary collaboration between Elsa Peretti and Tiffany & Co. Known for its revolutionary simplicity, this piece transforms typography into a three-dimensional sculpture. The flat profile and circular void create a playful take on initial jewelry, moving away from formal engraving toward bold, modern shapes.
Key Features
Distinctive fluid lowercase font unique to Peretti; extremely high polish; asymmetrical jump ring placement; signed 'Peretti' on the reverse.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). Solid precious metal construction without base metal fillers.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish. This piece features Peretti's signature organic, sculptural lines with smooth, unornamented surfaces that emphasize the fluid form of the letter 'a'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped on the reverse side or edge with '(C) Elsa Peretti', 'Tiffany & Co.', and '925'. Marks are crisp and laser-etched or die-struck.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-finished with hand-polishing. The piece is cut from a flat sheet of sterling silver with beveled or rounded edges for comfort.
Functional Features
Includes a small integrated bail (jump ring) attached at the lower left curve or upper corner to accommodate a fine link chain.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; functional component is a small silver jump ring soldered to the body for suspension.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality precision stamping. The edges are finished smoothly to ensure they do not snag on clothing, a hallmark of Tiffany's quality control.
Authentication Indicators
The curvature of the 'a' loop and the thickness of the silver are consistent with Tiffany production standards. Counterfeits often have sharper edges and thinner sheet metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Spain (where much of Peretti's silver was produced) or the USA for Tiffany & Co., New York.
Era & Period
Modernist/Post-Modernist (late 20th century). Part of the organic minimalism movement that redefined luxury silver as wearable art.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985-2010. The lack of heavy patina and high-gloss surface suggests a relatively modern vintage or contemporary production.
Cultural Significance
Peretti's silver designs made Tiffany & Co. accessible to a younger, broader market in the 1970s and 80s, moving silver jewelry from 'grandmother's heirloom' to 'fashion staple'.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows visible light scratches and 'micro-marring' consistent with wear against skin or other jewelry. No deep gouges or structural bends. Tarnish is minimal.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges from $150 to $350 USD depending on the inclusion of the original chain, box, and retail pouch.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft polishing cloth (e.g., Tiffany Blue cloth). Avoid liquid silver dips which can be too aggressive. Store in the original tarnish-resistant flannel pouch.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany 'Notes' Collection (engraved script), Tiffany 1837 Collection (roman numerals), or contemporary Cartier logo pendants. Peretti pieces are distinguished by their rounded, liquid-like forms.
Interesting Facts
Elsa Peretti's Alphabet collection was inspired by the tactile nature of objects she found in nature and bones. Upon her death in 2021, demand for her early silver designs reached an all-time high.