In 1974, a former model turned jewellery designer by the name of Elsa Peretti was hired by America’s most renowned jewellery house, Tiffany and Co. Peretti, whose jewellery pieces were a clear deviation from the costume jewellery of the time, was an unexpected choice for a posting at such a traditional house. Playing with organic and sculptural forms, as well as sterling silver — a material rarely used in fine jewellery — Peretti’s designs broke the mould in more ways than one. When her first collection debuted, it sold out almost immediately, and a new era for Tiffany & Co. began.  

50 years on and one of Peretti’s earliest designs, the Bone Cuff, remains as beloved as ever. Moulded on the anatomy of the wrist, the Bone Cuff was inspired by places and spaces she’d seen as a child. Having grown up between Barcelona and Rome, Peretti’s visits to Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Milá and a 17th century Capuchin crypt in Rome inspired the sculptural nature of the cuffs. Designed to fit either the left or right wrist, the Bone Cuff is as much a feat of design as it is a testament to Peretti’s aesthetic prowess. “I have always been interested in the mechanics and its feel,” Peretti said of the cuffs. “Every jewellery piece should be captivating and comfortable to wear.” Crafted from either sterling silver or 18 karat gold, the Bone Cuff is a symbol of strength and power. So much so, in the 2020 film Wonder Woman 1984, Gal Gadot wore the medium gold Bone Cuff as a nod to the fire-deflecting cuffs worn by her alter ego.  

Despite its statement finish, a Bone Cuff is elegant enough to wear everyday. “Because these cuffs make such an impact, you can refrain from wearing a lot of other jewellery with one,” advises InStyle market editor, Annie Doig. “Of course, one is perfect for wearing with short or rolled-up sleeves so it’s on full display, but a clever way to style it in winter is over a blazer or jumper sleeve,” Doig continues. “Not only does it add extra impact, but it also creates a new and interesting sleeve silhouette, which can be a fun way to play with shapes when we’re wearing more oversized cuts and layers (especially if you’re lucky enough to own two).” 

In celebration of the Bone Cuff’s 50th anniversary, Tiffany & Co. have released two new styles to accompany the cuff: ring versions of both the Bone and Split cuffs, which are now available to shop in store at Tiffany & Co. on Ground Level.  

SHOP NOW: Elsa Peretti Medium Gold Bone Cuff, $38,800 from Tiffany & Co., Ground Level