The Icon: Elsa Peretti’s Tiffany Bone Cuff

Peretti redefined luxury with her designs for Tiffany & Co. and the Bone Cuff, originally launched in 1970, was an immediate success. Its sculptural shape and smooth, flowing curves helped it become an instant classic, confirming Peretti’s talent for blending sensuality with sophistication. 

The story behind the Bone Cuff goes back to Peretti’s childhood in Rome. She had a fascination with bones, sparked by visits to the crypt of a 17th-century Capuchin church, where she would steal small samples. Her mother repeatedly sent her back to return the bones, but the forbidden nature of her curiosity stayed with her. This early intrigue would eventually manifest itself in the Bone Cuff’s design, an organic form that reflected Peretti’s lifelong fascination with natural shapes. 

Before partnering with Tiffany & Co. in 1974, Peretti collaborated with American fashion designer Halston, where her designs started catching attention. Liza Minnelli wore the pieces regularly, turning them into emblems of chic minimalism. To this day, the Bone Cuff – available in sterling silver or 14k gold – remains an icon in the jewellery world and is even featured in the permanent collections of leading museums across the globe.