Which Cartier jewels are the most popular?
A PANTHERE NECKLACE BY CARTIER sold for £8,000
Cartier jewels have long been popular amongst jewellery collectors and lovers, either contemporary or antique jewels.
As a longtime French heritage brand with a rich history, there are several different collecting fields, even within this iconic maker. The most popular periods are Art Deco, with their Tutti Frutti designs; the 40s-70s with semi precious stones such as coral and lapis and the present day, with their 'Trinity' and 'Love' ranges.
A TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND CLIP BROOCH, CARTIER CIRCA 1940 sold for £11,000
Cartier flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, characterised by geometric shapes, bold coloured gemstones, and a celebration of innovation and modernity. The marque embraced this aesthetic, intertwining fine craftsmanship with avant-garde design to create iconic pieces that continue to captivate art enthusiasts, museums and collectors today.
During the Art Deco period, Cartier embarked on a journey to redefine luxury jewellery, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and historical periods, including that of Mughal India. The house’s dedication to craftsmanship was evident in the detailing and meticulous artistry found in their jewels of this period.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Cartier's work during the Art Deco period was the use of innovative materials. The maison embraced the use of vibrant gemstones, such as onyx, coral, and jade, to add a striking contrast to the precious metals and geometric shaped diamonds. Additionally, Cartier sometimes incorporated bright enamel work, which added a delicate dash of colour into the well considered design.
Among Cartier's most celebrated creations from the Art Deco period are their iconic ‘Tutti Frutti’ jewels. Inspired by the Maharajas of India and their legendary gemstone collections, Cartier crafted exquisite pieces incorporating vibrant Mughal carved gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. These bold and vibrant stones, contrasting with modern platinum and geometric diamond frames captured the essence of the Art Deco movement and became synonymous with Cartier's skilled craftsmanship and distinctive aesthetic. These superb jewels have become highly sought after by the world’s leading collectors and museums alike.
We at Elmwood’s had the privilege of selling one of these rare Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelets in 2022 for £158,000 against an estimate of £60,000 - £80,000.
CARTIER, A RARE AND IMPORTANT GEM-SET AND DIAMOND TUTTI FRUTTI BRACELET, EARLY 20TH CENTURY sold for £158,000, more than twice its pre sale estimate of £60,000 - £80,000.
Moreover, Cartier was renowned for its collaborations with prominent patrons who appreciated the maison's exceptional craftsmanship and vision of their most notable designers. These individuals included royalty, aristocrats, and prominent personalities, whose patronage enhanced Cartier's reputation as the epitome of luxury and prestige. Amongst these patrons was Wallis Simpson, who became the Duchess of Windsor, and her husband, the former King Edward VIII. Cartier, under the direction of Jean Toussaint, produced a number of extraordinary pieces for the Duchess, including the iconic 'Panther' brooch, which remains an emblematic symbol of the maison's style. This motif still remains to this day one of Cartier's most recognisable and sought after designs, with many pieces achieving exceptional prices at auction.
CARTIER, A DIAMOND, SAPPHIRE, EMERALD, ONYX AND PEARL PANTHERE BROOCH / PENDANT sold for £45,000
A pair of bracelets of similar design in amethyst and lapis, also by Cartier can also be found in US museum collections.
A CORAL AND ROCK CRYSTAL BRACELET, CARTIER CIRCA 1940 sold for £18,000
Created in 1924 by Louis Cartier, the Trinity ring features three intertwined bands of different colours of gold: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Each color represents a different aspect of human relationships—yellow symbolising fidelity, white gold for friendship, and rose gold for love. Since its inception, their Trinity collection has expanded beyond rings and now includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and watches, with many of them encrusted with diamonds for their most elite clientelle.
A TRINITY DE CARTIER DIAMOND RING, CARTIER sold for £11,000
AN IMPORTANT 9.03 CARAT SOLITAIRE DIAMOND RING, CARTIER sold for £195,000
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