The Tiffany & Co. Bone Cuff, designed by Elsa Peretti, remains a staple in luxury accessories, revered for its sculptural elegance and timeless appeal.
The Tiffany & Co. Bone Cuff, a noteworthy creation by designer Elsa Peretti, has become a staple in fashion jewelry since its launch in 1970. The design is known for its sculptural elegance, gently curving to fit the contours of the wrist and arm. This unique piece has not only gained a significant presence in the realm of luxury accessories but has also adorned the arms of numerous celebrities and fashion icons throughout its history.
Peretti’s inspiration for the Bone Cuff is rooted in a childhood visit to a Capuchin crypt in Rome, where she was struck by the sight of skeletal remains. Reflecting on this haunting experience, Peretti, as quoted in a previous interview, noted, “things that are forbidden remain with you forever.” Her artistic journey took her from Florence to Spain and then to New York, where she transitioned from modeling to jewelry design. Echoing her creative influences, she also drew inspiration from the works of Antoni Gaudí, illustrating her ability to meld the mundane with the extraordinary.
The Bone Cuff was initially conceived as a gilded bangle designed to embrace the forearm, crafting an aura of strength. Over the years, the cuff’s design evolved, leading to a variety of iterations, including special anniversary versions introduced in 2024, set with pavé diamonds to commemorate Peretti’s longstanding collaboration with Tiffany & Co.
Chelsea Fairless, a notable tastemaker and fashion commentator, highlighted the cuff’s timeless appeal, likening it to “a classic design object, like an Eames chair.” Fairless noted that the cuff embodies the glamour of the 1970s, noting its associations with icons such as Liza Minnelli, who famously sported the cuffs at Studio 54 and in various iconic portrayals. Minnelli, reflecting on her connection to the piece in an interview with Vanity Fair, stated, “everything was so sensual, so sexy. I just loved it. It was different from anything I’d ever seen.”
The reception of the Bone Cuff upon its release was robust, with the piece quickly catching the attention of celebrities like Grace Jones and Sophia Loren. Its allure lies in its unique design and the surprising use of sterling silver, a material that, at the time, was not perceived as being particularly luxurious. Tiffany & Co. President and CEO Anthony Ledru emphasized the lasting impact of Peretti’s creations, stating, “Peretti was able to create an extraordinary universe of groundbreaking designs that changed the course of Tiffany’s history and continues to resonate to this day.”
The recent resurgence in popularity of the Bone Cuff is marked by a significant increase in online searches, reportedly up by 110% in just 30 days, as younger consumers begin to embrace the piece. Celebrities including Margot Robbie helped reinvigorate interest when she wore the cuff to the Met Gala in 2016. The cuff has also made appearances in pop culture, cementing its status as a fashionable icon alongside characters such as Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City.”
The price of the Tiffany & Co. Bone Cuff varies with its size and materials, ranging from approximately £700 for a basic black finish over copper to as much as £58,500 for pieces adorned with diamonds. The design’s versatility allows it to complement a wide array of fashion choices, making it suitable for both extravagant and understated styles.
As the Tiffany & Co. Bone Cuff continues to capture the attention of fashion aficionados, its unique story and distinct design maintain its appeal across generations, marking it as an enduring piece within the luxury jewelry market.
Source: Noah Wire Services
