Cartier 18 Karat Gold Zodiac Aries Ram Pendant, 1970s
View Similar Items
Cartier 18 Karat Gold Zodiac Aries Ram Pendant, 1970s
About the Item
Cartier
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.
- Georges Lenfant for Cartier Yellow Gold Aries Zodiac Pendant 1970sBy CartierLocated in New York, NYA rare and highly collectible, vintage, 18 karat yellow gold Aries zodiac pendant, by Cartier, c. 1970. Stamped Cartier Paris, 750, French assay marks, (partial) George Lenfant maker...Category
Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Georges Delrue Yellow Gold Aries Zodiac Pendant 1970sLocated in New York, NYA vintage, 18 karat yellow gold Aries zodiac pendant, by Georges Delrue, c. 1970. Signed by the artist, stamped 18k. French-born Georges Delrue (1920 – 2010) was a pioneer of the ...Category
Vintage 1970s Canadian Modernist Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Tiffany & Co. Large Heavy Vintage Aries the Ram Zodiac Pendant, circa 1970sBy Tiffany & Co.Located in London, GBA large vintage Aries zodiac pendant by Tiffany & Co, circa 1970s, the circular disc pendant measuring 1.7” in diameter and formed of 18ct gold with a textured finish, on one side it depicts the head and shoulders of a ram in high relief, the reverse also with textured finish and featuring a stylised version of the zodiac sign for Aries, suspended from a circular bale. These vintage zodiac pendants...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Pendant Necklaces
Materials18k Gold
- Yellow Gold Ram's Head Pendant - 18k Astrological Zodiac Sign Aries Circle DiscLocated in Greensboro, NCMetal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Theme: Ram's Head, Astrological Zodiac Sign Aries Features: Smooth & Matte Finishes Measurements Tall (from stationary bail): 7/8" (21.6mm) Wide: 3/4...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier 1970s 18 Karat Gold Ankh PendantBy CartierLocated in Cincinnati, OH70s Ankh Pendant by Cartier. The 1 3/4" x 1" ( with bale) 18k yellow gold pendant in the shape of an Ankh. A Groovy vintage pendant by Cartier. Looks gre...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Gold
- Circa 2000s Diamond and Ruby Aries Ram Pendant in 18 Karat GoldLocated in Atlanta, GAItem Details: This diamond-studded pendant is a great way to show your Aries pride! It has ruby eyes and hammered gold detailing on the horns. Circa: 2000s Metal Type: 18 Karat Yell...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
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.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.