Tiffany & Co. Love Knot Sterling Silver Clip-on Earring
Jewelry (Earring) · Tiffany & Co., founded in 1837 in New York City. Renowned globally for luxury standards and the popularization of .925 sterling silver in the United States.
Pattern: Signature Love Knot / Braided Knot Collection, a classic Tiffany design introduced in various iterations over several decades.
Type
Jewelry (Earring)
Maker
Tiffany & Co., founded in 1837 in New York City. Renowned globally for luxury standards and the popularization of .925 sterling silver in the United States.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Features mixed textures of smooth polished wire and twisted/braided silver rope wire.
Dimensions
Standard size is approximately 12-15mm in diameter; estimated weight for the pair is likely between 6 and 9 grams of sterling silver.
Description
An elegant and timeless Tiffany & Co. clip-on earring featuring a sophisticated love knot design. The piece artfully intertwines smooth sterling silver bands with intricate braided rope textures, symbolizing strength and connection.
Key Features
Interlocking loop design, mixed rope and smooth surface textures, and the specific Tiffany-style paddle clip mechanism.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Features mixed textures of smooth polished wire and twisted/braided silver rope wire.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on outer bands with an oxidized or recessed contrast in the braided rope sections to emphasize the nautical knot texture.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the reverse or clip paddle include '© T & CO.' or 'TIFFANY & CO.' and '925' or 'STERLING'. The clip mechanism may also have a patent number.
Construction Details
Cast components with hand-finished assembly; the knot is formed from overlapping silver wires, and the clip mechanism is soldered to the reverse.
Functional Features
Tension-based clip-on mechanism for non-pierced ears; includes a paddle-back design with a small hinge pivot.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; the 'grip' refers to the earring clip paddle, typically made of high-tension sterling silver to maintain a secure fit.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent symmetry and smooth solder points where the clip meets the knot; the braiding is uniform without casting pits or defects.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the braided detail and the specific shape of the paddle clip are consistent with authentic Tiffany production. Marked '925' is standard.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States or Italy (depending on production year); manufactured in Tiffany & Co. workshops or by authorized high-end contractors.
Era & Period
Modern / Late 20th Century (Post-1970s). The knot motif is a timeless style popular in 1980s-1990s Tiffany collections.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-2010 based on the clip style and the ubiquity of this specific knot design during that period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'preppy' aesthetic of late 20th-century American luxury and remains a staple of the 'investment jewelry' market for entry-level collectors.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with silver wear; minimal tarnish is present in the recessed braids. The clip hinge appears functional.
Value Estimate
$150 - $250 USD for the pair on the secondary market, depending on the presence of the original blue box and pouch.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft silver polishing cloth; avoid jewelry dips which can strip the intentional oxidation from the braided sections. Store in a flannel pouch.
Similar Pieces
David Yurman Crossover Studs (typically feature cable motifs) or James Avery Knot Earrings (often more rustic/thick in construction).
Interesting Facts
The knot is one of the oldest symbols in jewelry, representing an unbreakable bond; Tiffany popularized this specific 'mixed metal' look (even in all-silver) to add depth.