There are very few fashion pieces I've coveted for decades. Elsa Peretti's Bone Cuff for Tiffany & Co. is one of them.
Sculptural, timeless and impossibly chic, it's the sort of jewellery item that lifts and transforms everything else you wear. No logos, no sparkle, no fuss – just stunningly beautiful design doing all the hard work.
So when I spotted Mint Velvet's new £49 cuff, I did a double take. No, it's not an Elsa Peretti cuff, which starts at £1800 for the plain silver version, nor is it pretending to be.
But in its sculptural shape, and wrap-around power-bracelet energy it is an homage to the original. One which taps into the same styling principle: one beautiful statement accessory has the power to elevate your style.
The cuff is available in either polished gold or silver - though it is made from zinc, this is £49 after all - and has the kind of clean, modern shape that allows it to work well with white shirts, T-shirts, dresses, a blazer, or your favourite summer dress.
Personally, I'd wear it on holiday with with a white linen shirt, tailored shorts, and a black swimsuit or black tank top. I know that, just putting it on will make my whole outfit look more chic and luxurious.
That's why I don't think of this as a £49 bracelet. I think of it as a styling investment.
If, like me, you're trying to make fewer, better purchases, this is exactly the sort of accessory worth considering. It won't sit in a drawer waiting for a special occasion. Instead, it will become the finishing touch you reach for all the time.
My only word of warning is this: it doesn't like water, so keep it for non beach days, and remember, you don't need lots of pieces. You need a carefully chosen one.
