Cartier Circa
Vintage 1910s French Figurative Sculptures
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 1900s French Late Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century French Post-War Brooches
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Cufflinks
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Cufflinks
Yellow Gold, Steel
Vintage 1940s French Cufflinks
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century French Baroque Vanity Items
18k Gold
Late 20th Century French Retro Vanity Items
18k Gold, Gold Plate
1990s Cocktail Rings
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Pocket Watches
Turquoise, 14k Gold
1990s Cuff Bracelets
18k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Charm Bracelets
Ruby, Turquoise, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Clip-on Earrings
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Barware
Crystal, Silver Plate
Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches
Emerald
Vintage 1980s French Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum
Early 2000s French Hoop Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Cufflinks
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Desk Accessories
18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century French Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Clip-on Earrings
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s French Retro Beaded Bracelets
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Bangles
Emerald, Onyx, Sapphire, Platinum
Early 2000s French More Rings
Diamond, Gold
20th Century French More Bracelets
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s French Modernist Fashion Rings
Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century British Brooches
Citrine, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Retro Bracelets
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1970s American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 2000s French Contemporary Band Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Cufflinks
Gold, 14k Gold
1990s Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1990s French Band Rings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wedding Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Link Bracelets
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1950s French Brooches
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Dome Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s French Retro Link Bracelets
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s French Dome Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1990s French Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century French Decorative Bowls
Porcelain
1990s French Contemporary Hoop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Modern Solitaire Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Cartier Circa For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Cartier Circa?
Cartier for sale on 1stDibs
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier a luxury watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Cartier watches are considered luxury watches. Cartier is a noted jeweler, taking that attention to detail and access to high-quality metals and jewels to their watches—they spare no expense and are highly desirable. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is Cartier cheaper in Paris?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Cartier pieces may be cheaper in Paris than they are in the U.S., but that's because of the exchange rate. Cartier doesn't price the pieces depending on the country.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A Cartier engagement ring can cost between $3,000 and $800,000. The price depends on the diamond's carat weight and quality.
- Are Cartier watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection, which includes the Tank Française, the Tank Louis Cartier and other models, features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.
While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.
It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904.
Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft. Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911.
Find vintage Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs. - How much is a Cartier bracelet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The price of Cartier bracelets varies based on age, condition, and rarity. The least expensive versions of the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, can still cost around $4,000. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of Cartier bracelets for sale.
- Is Cartier real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
- Does Cartier rose gold fade?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Cartier rose gold doesn't tarnish but over many years of wearing, rose gold generally is said to become darker. Rose gold allegedly becomes slightly yellower in tone, toward a traditional gold.
- What is the Cartier symbol?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
- What is Cartier famous for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
- Why is Cartier so popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
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How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
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