Skip to main content

Cartier 70s Jewelry

Cartier Vintage 18k Gold Square Roman Watch - '70S
Cartier Vintage 18k Gold Square Roman Watch - '70S

Cartier Vintage 18k Gold Square Roman Watch - '70S

By Cartier

Located in Milano, Lombardia

An exquisite vintage Cartier timepiece, masterfully crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring a sleek square case, minimalist dial with Roman numerals, and a finely textured integrated b...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

70s Vintage Cartier Ring Sz 7 CC Logo Sterling Silver 18k Gold Band Signed
70s Vintage Cartier Ring Sz 7 CC Logo Sterling Silver 18k Gold Band Signed

70s Vintage Cartier Ring Sz 7 CC Logo Sterling Silver 18k Gold Band Signed

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Out of production vintage Cartier ring crafted in sterling silver & 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). The Cartier "CC" logo in 18k yellow gold adorns the center of the ring, with the...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Recent Sales

Vintage 70s Cartier Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry
Vintage 70s Cartier Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry

Vintage 70s Cartier Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier Mabe pearl bracelet crafted in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). One 11mm Mabe pearl is set into the bracelet. The pearl exhibits a g...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Bangles

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage 70s Cartier Garnet Necklace Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed Jewelry 15"
Vintage 70s Cartier Garnet Necklace Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed Jewelry 15"

Vintage 70s Cartier Garnet Necklace Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed Jewelry 15"

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier garnet necklace crafted in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). One garnets measures 10mm x 7.5mm. The garnet is in very good condition ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage 70s Cartier Ring 6.5 Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry
Vintage 70s Cartier Ring 6.5 Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry

Vintage 70s Cartier Ring 6.5 Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier Mabe pearl ring crafted in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). One 12.5mm Mabe pearl is set into the ring. The pearl exhibits a glossy ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage 70s Cartier Earrings Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry
Vintage 70s Cartier Earrings Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry

Vintage 70s Cartier Earrings Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier Mabe pearl earrings crafted in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Two 10mm Mabe pearls are set into the earrings. The pearls exhibit a...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Must de Cartier Tank Gents 70s Manual Wind "Tortoise/Wood" Vermeil
Must de Cartier Tank Gents 70s Manual Wind "Tortoise/Wood" Vermeil

Must de Cartier Tank Gents 70s Manual Wind "Tortoise/Wood" Vermeil

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Must de Cartier Tank Gents Watch – 1970s Manual Wind Model: "Tortoise/Wood" Dial – Vermeil Case A rare and elegant 1970s Must de Cartier Tank watch for gentlemen, featuring: manual ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Vermeil

70s Vintage Cartier Bangle Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Yellow Gold France
70s Vintage Cartier Bangle Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Yellow Gold France

70s Vintage Cartier Bangle Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Yellow Gold France

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier bangle bracelet crafted in sterling silver & 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). The sterling silver bangle features a hook closure crafted in 18k yellow gold. ...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Bangles

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

70s Cartier Cuff Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Gold Vintage Signed CC Logo
70s Cartier Cuff Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Gold Vintage Signed CC Logo

70s Cartier Cuff Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Gold Vintage Signed CC Logo

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier cuff bracelet crafted in sterling silver & 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). The sterling silver bangle features an interlocking iconic "CC" Cartier logo to t...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage 70s Cartier Necklace Onyx Choker Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl
Vintage 70s Cartier Necklace Onyx Choker Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl

Vintage 70s Cartier Necklace Onyx Choker Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier onyx choker necklace finished with a sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold Mabe pearl set clasp (circa 1970s). One 18.5mm Mabe pearl is set into the cla...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

70s Cartier Ring Larter & Sons Lapis Lazuli Signet Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6
70s Cartier Ring Larter & Sons Lapis Lazuli Signet Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6

70s Cartier Ring Larter & Sons Lapis Lazuli Signet Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Overview: Finely detailed vintage Cartier lapis lazuli signet ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). Lapis lazuli measures 15mm x 11.5mm. The vintage signet ring, signed C...

Category

Vintage 1970s North American Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

70s Cartier Ring Larter & Sons Lapis Lazuli Signet Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6
70s Cartier Ring Larter & Sons Lapis Lazuli Signet Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6

70s Cartier Ring Larter & Sons Lapis Lazuli Signet Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Finely detailed vintage Cartier lapis lazuli signet ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). Lapis lazuli measures 15mm x 11.5mm. The vintage signet ring, signed Cartier, was...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Leo 1970s Zodiac Ring
Cartier Leo 1970s Zodiac Ring

Cartier Leo 1970s Zodiac Ring

By Cartier

Located in Cincinnati, OH

An iconic piece of Cartier 70's jewelry. Most likely sold between 1969-1974 when Michael Thomas resided as president of Cartier NY.

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier 18 Karat Gold Pendant the Order of the Golden Fleece, French, 1970s
Cartier 18 Karat Gold Pendant the Order of the Golden Fleece, French, 1970s

Cartier 18 Karat Gold Pendant the Order of the Golden Fleece, French, 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A lovely piece of French Cartier 70's jewelry. Don't know about the Order of the Golden Fleece?

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier 70s Bird Brooch
Cartier 70s Bird Brooch

Cartier 70s Bird Brooch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier 1970s Green and Blue stone with diamond eyes bird brooch, 10.1 g, marked 18 Cartier #B-53023

Category

1990s Brooches

Vintage 70s Cartier Garnet Earrings Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed Jewelry
Vintage 70s Cartier Garnet Earrings Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed Jewelry

Vintage 70s Cartier Garnet Earrings Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed Jewelry

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier garnet earrings crafted in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Two garnets each measure 7.5mm x 5.5mm. The garnets are in very good con...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage 70s Cartier Set Earrings Brooch Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed Jewelry
Vintage 70s Cartier Set Earrings Brooch Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed Jewelry

Vintage 70s Cartier Set Earrings Brooch Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed Jewelry

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier set (earrings & brooch) crafted in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Onyx is inlaid into the earrings and brooch. Designed in the Ar...

Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage 70s Cartier Earrings Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry
Vintage 70s Cartier Earrings Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry

Vintage 70s Cartier Earrings Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Signed Jewelry

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier Mabe pearl earrings crafted in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Two 12mm Mabe pearls are set into the earrings. The pearls exhibit a...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage 70s Cartier Necklace Onyx Choker Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl
Vintage 70s Cartier Necklace Onyx Choker Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl

Vintage 70s Cartier Necklace Onyx Choker Sterling Silver 18k Gold Mabe Pearl

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Cartier onyx choker necklace finished with a sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold Mabe pearl set clasp (circa 1970s). One 18mm Mabe pearl is set into the clasp...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterli...

CARTIER 70s Textured Gold Earpendants

CARTIER 70s Textured Gold Earpendants

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Designed as pairs of textured yellow gold elements with clip backs, suspending flexible cascades of similar textured yellow gold elements, signed Cartier NY, numbered #22047, French ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Chandelier Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

CARTIER 70s Gold Knot Earclips
CARTIER 70s Gold Knot Earclips

CARTIER 70s Gold Knot Earclips

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Designed as polished yellow gold knots at the tops of polished yellow gold triangle knockers, signed Cartier in script and engraved K18 and ITALY, clip backs, ca. 1970. I believe thi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

CARTIER 70s Gold Knot Earclips

CARTIER 70s Gold Knot Earclips

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Designed as polished yellow gold knots at the tops of polished yellow gold diamond-shaped knockers, signed Cartier in script, numbered 55606, engraved K18 and ITALY, clip backs and p...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier 70s Vermeil Belt

Cartier 70s Vermeil Belt

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

The straight row of 22 heavily textured sterling silver discs suspending two slightly larger discs, hand-dipped in 24kt gold, worn as a belt with the pendants hanging stylishly off-c...

Category

Vintage 1970s American More Jewelry

Materials

24k Gold, Sterling Silver

People Also Browsed

Piaget Possession Diamond Eternity Ring - 18k Rose Gold - Spinning - Sz 6
Piaget Possession Diamond Eternity Ring - 18k Rose Gold - Spinning - Sz 6

Piaget Possession Diamond Eternity Ring - 18k Rose Gold - Spinning - Sz 6

By Piaget

Located in Orlando, FL

Authentic Piaget Possession diamond eternity band set with 36 round brilliant cut diamonds graded F color, VS clarity weighing an estimated 0.72ctw The band is approximately 4.7mm w...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Cartier Trinity 18K Tri-Color Gold Money Clip or Tie Pin Signed 728222
Vintage Cartier Trinity 18K Tri-Color Gold Money Clip or Tie Pin Signed 728222

Vintage Cartier Trinity 18K Tri-Color Gold Money Clip or Tie Pin Signed 728222

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Experience the timeless elegance and storied heritage of Cartier with this exceptional 18K Tri-Color Gold Trinity Tie Pin. Drawing inspiration from one of the Maison’s most iconic de...

Category

Early 2000s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Chanel 2023 Coco Masters White Mini Tennis Cloth Crossbody Bag
Chanel 2023 Coco Masters White Mini Tennis Cloth Crossbody Bag

Chanel 2023 Coco Masters White Mini Tennis Cloth Crossbody Bag

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The Chanel 2023 Coco Masters White Mini Tennis Cloth Crossbody Bag is a whimsical yet refined statement piece that captures the essence of sporty luxury. Crafted from high-quality cl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Charm and Blue Alligator Watch
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Charm and Blue Alligator Watch

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Charm and Blue Alligator Watch

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Charm and Blue Alligator Watch. The epitome of luxury with this stunning VCA charm watch, a true marvel of craftsmanship and elegance. M...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Set of 3 Cartier Hindu Diamond Rings EU 45 US 3 1/4 Estate 18k Gold Flower Band
Set of 3 Cartier Hindu Diamond Rings EU 45 US 3 1/4 Estate 18k Gold Flower Band

Set of 3 Cartier Hindu Diamond Rings EU 45 US 3 1/4 Estate 18k Gold Flower Band

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Pre owned set of 3 Cartier Hindu diamond rings crafted in 18 karat white, rose and yellow gold. Twelve round brilliant cut diamonds (4 per ring) total an estimated 0.36 carats (es...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag
Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag

Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

Rare Item - Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag Crossbody bag crafted from matte crocodile Niloticus skin in Ficelle. Designed with branded, palladium hardware an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Silvorra Sculpted Sterling Silver Wide Band Ring with Scattered Cubic Zirconia
Silvorra Sculpted Sterling Silver Wide Band Ring with Scattered Cubic Zirconia

Silvorra Sculpted Sterling Silver Wide Band Ring with Scattered Cubic Zirconia

Located in New York, NY

This bold statement ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver and designed as a wide, sculpted band with softly undulating edges for a modern, organic look. Mixed-size round cubic zirco...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver

18 Karat Gold British Style Cigarette Case - Micheletto
18 Karat Gold British Style Cigarette Case - Micheletto

18 Karat Gold British Style Cigarette Case - Micheletto

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Add a touch of timeless luxury to your collection with this elegant cigarette case. Crafted in 18K gold, it features a refined and minimalist design with a smooth, polished finish th...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown More Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier Ring c1945 Bombe Fluted Dome 14k Gold Sz 5.75 Shell Jewelry
Vintage Cartier Ring c1945 Bombe Fluted Dome 14k Gold Sz 5.75 Shell Jewelry

Vintage Cartier Ring c1945 Bombe Fluted Dome 14k Gold Sz 5.75 Shell Jewelry

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Finely detailed vintage Cartier bombe cocktail ring (circa 1945) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The stylish vintage ring features a fluted high dome in a textured shell motif. Th...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

EPIC John Galliano Evening Gown Black Silk Dress FW 08/09
EPIC John Galliano Evening Gown Black Silk Dress FW 08/09

EPIC John Galliano Evening Gown Black Silk Dress FW 08/09

By John Galliano

Located in Berlin, BE

This black silk evening gown by John Galliano, from his Fall/Winter 08/09 Collection is one of those moments: a love letter to the art of couture at its most theatrical and refined. ...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black
Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black

Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Berlin, BE

Manfred Thierry Mugler distilled the drama of midnight velvet and the intrigue of bare skin into this impossibly rare devoré cocktail dress: a piece that feels less like clothing and...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

HERMES Grenat red Epsom leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
HERMES Grenat red Epsom leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw

HERMES Grenat red Epsom leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès 'Birkin 30' bag in Rouge Grenat (dark red) Veau Epsom leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a z...

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Natural diamond pearls drop sterling silver convertible tiara head band necklace
Natural diamond pearls drop sterling silver convertible tiara head band necklace

Natural diamond pearls drop sterling silver convertible tiara head band necklace

Located in Delhi, DL

This Vintage tiara is a symbol of beauty and self-love. It is handmade with natural pave diamonds and pearl drops in sterling silver. Diamond- pave diamonds Diamond color- White wit...

Category

2010s Indian Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver

Lily of the valley silver, gold ring
Lily of the valley silver, gold ring

Lily of the valley silver, gold ring

$423Sale Price / item|55% Off

Lily of the valley silver, gold ring

By Daizy Jewellery

Located in Istanbul, TR

Lily of the Valley Ring. Flower Engagement Ring. Gold Lily Wedding Ring for Women. Birthday Flower Ring. Metal type: silver 925 + gold plating Weight 3.5 g depends from size We can...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Givenchy Haute Couture Gown 1995 Spectacular Silk  Evening Dress
Givenchy Haute Couture Gown 1995 Spectacular Silk  Evening Dress

Givenchy Haute Couture Gown 1995 Spectacular Silk Evening Dress

By Givenchy

Located in Berlin, BE

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE 1995 gown, numbered archival piece This breathtaking evening gown is a testament to timeless elegance infused with modern sensibility. The dress features a st...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Confetti Galaxy Cigar Band, 18K Gold 12mm Wide, Satin Finish, MADE TO ORDER 6wks
Confetti Galaxy Cigar Band, 18K Gold 12mm Wide, Satin Finish, MADE TO ORDER 6wks

Confetti Galaxy Cigar Band, 18K Gold 12mm Wide, Satin Finish, MADE TO ORDER 6wks

By Five Star Jewelry

Located in Austin, TX

This Galaxy Diamond Cigar Band is Breathtaking! The 77 diamonds represent the stars in the sky and are scattered all over the ring. The diamonds are heavily patterned on the edges of...

Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Cartier 70s Jewelry", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Cartier 70s Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of cartier 70s jewelry you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of 18k Gold, Gold and Platinum, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 4 vintage editions and 9 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect item from our selection of cartier 70s jewelry may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cabochon and oval cut alternatives. Finding a choice in our collection of cartier 70s jewelry for sale for women should be easy, but there are 2 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Cartier 70s Jewelry?

Prices for a piece of cartier 70s jewelry can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $4,550 and can go as high as $36,375, while this accessory, on average, fetches $17,876.

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.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Read More

This Cartier Panthère Watch Is as Effortlessly Elegant as It Is Wearable

Cartier understands the value of preserving the signature codes of great design, and how to tweak it for modern aficionados.

These White Lotus Guests Have the Most Compelling Watches

Throughout the season, timepieces are clues to the characters' character.

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.

Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner

The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.

This 1950s Cartier Toi et Moi Ring Is a Summer Stunner

Made with Sardinian coral, this gem packs so much presence — and is perfect for poolside soirees.

Discover Why Islamic Art Is an Enduring Influence on Cartier Jewelry

Through both his collection and his innovative designs, Louis Cartier’s passion for Islamic continues to resonate.

15 Scintillating Jewelry Watches to Elevate Your Holiday Style

Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.