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Cartier Lapel

Cartier Brooch Turtle Clip in 18K 750‰ Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Cartier Brooch Turtle Clip in 18K 750‰ Yellow Gold and Diamonds

Cartier Brooch Turtle Clip in 18K 750‰ Yellow Gold and Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in Paris, FR

CARTIER Lapel clip brooch in 18K 750‰ yellow gold, representing a turtle whose carapace in grating

Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris Belle Époque Lapel Watch
Cartier Paris Belle Époque Lapel Watch

Cartier Paris Belle Époque Lapel Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

an early model by Cartier Paris. The watch with black enamel case, signed, silvered engine-turned

Category

Early 20th Century Pocket Watches

CARTIER American Indian Hunter Turquoise Diamond Ruby Sapphire 18k Gold Brooch
CARTIER American Indian Hunter Turquoise Diamond Ruby Sapphire 18k Gold Brooch

CARTIER American Indian Hunter Turquoise Diamond Ruby Sapphire 18k Gold Brooch

By Cartier

Located in New York City, NY

A Legacy on Your Lapel: Rare Cartier Brooch Depicts American Indian Hunter This exceptional

Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold

Recent Sales

Cartier Lapel Pin
Cartier Lapel Pin

Cartier Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The great Cartier panther as a lapel pin. With emerald eyes and sapphire nose. In 18k gold. Signed

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1960s Cartier Diamond Gold Lapel Clip Brooch Pin
1960s Cartier Diamond Gold Lapel Clip Brooch Pin

1960s Cartier Diamond Gold Lapel Clip Brooch Pin

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

This authentic vintage 1960's Cartier 18K yellow gold lapel brooch bears the Cartier signature and

Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Cartier Turtle Lapel Pin Chalcedony Tie Tac 18k Rose Gold Estate COA Signed
Cartier Turtle Lapel Pin Chalcedony Tie Tac 18k Rose Gold Estate COA Signed

Cartier Turtle Lapel Pin Chalcedony Tie Tac 18k Rose Gold Estate COA Signed

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish estate Cartier lapel pin crafted in 18k rose gold (circa 2012). Chalcedony measures 10mm

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Turtle Lapel Pin Grey Moonstone Tie Tac 18k Rose Gold Estate Signed
Cartier Turtle Lapel Pin Grey Moonstone Tie Tac 18k Rose Gold Estate Signed

Cartier Turtle Lapel Pin Grey Moonstone Tie Tac 18k Rose Gold Estate Signed

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish estate Cartier lapel pin crafted in 18k rose gold (circa 2012). Grey moonstone measures

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Lapel Watch
Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Lapel Watch

Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Lapel Watch

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

Cartier lady's platinum and diamond lapel watch. Manual-wind movement in working condition

Category

20th Century Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Turquoise Yellow Gold Turtle Tie Lapel Pin
Cartier Turquoise Yellow Gold Turtle Tie Lapel Pin

Cartier Turquoise Yellow Gold Turtle Tie Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Turtle Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier. With 3 Turquoise stones. Details

Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin
Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin

Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Panther Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier. With Round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Duck Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin
Cartier Duck Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin

Cartier Duck Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Enamel Duck Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier. With Round brilliant cut diamonds

Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin
Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin

Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Diamond, Emerald Black Onyx nose Panther Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier. With Round

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Vintage Cartier Diamond Panther Lapel Pin Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Diamond Panther Lapel Pin Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier Diamond Panther Lapel Pin Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold

By Cartier

Located in London, England

A rare vintage Cartier diamond panther pin brooch set in 18k yellow gold. This beautiful piece

Category

Early 2000s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1950s Cartier Gold Fan Pin Brooch
1950s Cartier Gold Fan Pin Brooch

1950s Cartier Gold Fan Pin Brooch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

This authentic vintage 1950's Cartier 14K yellow gold lapel brooch is of French provenance, bearing

Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Art Deco, Cartier Diamond Arrow 'Jabot Pin'
Art Deco, Cartier Diamond Arrow 'Jabot Pin'

Art Deco, Cartier Diamond Arrow 'Jabot Pin'

By Cartier

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

Cartier which could be lovely worn by a lady or even on a man's lapel. Marked - 'CARTIER' & '3' & '5622

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Cartier Red Enamel Ladybug Yellow Gold Pin Clip
Vintage Cartier Red Enamel Ladybug Yellow Gold Pin Clip

Vintage Cartier Red Enamel Ladybug Yellow Gold Pin Clip

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Red Enamel Ladybug Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier. The Vintage Cartier Ladybug 18k

Category

1990s American Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel

Cartier Bumble Bee Lapel Pin in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Cartier Bumble Bee Lapel Pin in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Cartier Bumble Bee Lapel Pin in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

By Cartier

Located in Hicksville, NY

1990s Cartier Lapel Pin Bumble Bee Crafted in 18 karat Yellow gold Pin details: Gold: 18 Karat

Category

1990s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Diamond Panthere Lapel Pin 18 Karat
Cartier Diamond Panthere Lapel Pin 18 Karat

Cartier Diamond Panthere Lapel Pin 18 Karat

By Cartier

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This Cartier Diamond Panthere Lapel Pin has been discontinued. This iconic Panthere was made in

Category

1990s French Artisan Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Cartier Turquoise Yellow Gold Turtle Tie Lapel Pin
Cartier Turquoise Yellow Gold Turtle Tie Lapel Pin

Cartier Turquoise Yellow Gold Turtle Tie Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Turtle Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier. With 3 Turquoise stones. Details

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin Brooch
Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin Brooch

Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin Brooch

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Panther Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier. With Round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Cartier Panthere Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Panter Tie Lapel Pin
Cartier Panthere Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Panter Tie Lapel Pin

Cartier Panthere Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Panter Tie Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

This classic Cartier tie lapel pin from the iconic Panthere collection features a sitting panther

Category

1990s French More Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Cartier Vintage 18K Gold and Enamel Lady Bug Lapel Pin
Cartier Vintage 18K Gold and Enamel Lady Bug Lapel Pin

Cartier Vintage 18K Gold and Enamel Lady Bug Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This late 20th-Century Cartier creation is so lifelike that one would expect it to fly away at any

Category

1990s Unknown Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage Panthere De Cartier Diamond Lapel Pin / Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Vintage Panthere De Cartier Diamond Lapel Pin / Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold

Vintage Panthere De Cartier Diamond Lapel Pin / Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold

By Cartier

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Panthere De Cartier diamond lapel pin / brooch in 18k yellow gold. This cartier walking

Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Sterling Silver, 18-Karat Gold and Red Coral Lapel Pin or Brooch
Cartier Sterling Silver, 18-Karat Gold and Red Coral Lapel Pin or Brooch

Cartier Sterling Silver, 18-Karat Gold and Red Coral Lapel Pin or Brooch

By Cartier

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine, modernist brooch or lapel pin by Cartier. Comprised of sterling silver, 18-karat yellow

Category

Late 20th Century French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold

Cartier London Amethyst Turquoise 18 Karat Gold Coffee Bean Brooch Clip
Cartier London Amethyst Turquoise 18 Karat Gold Coffee Bean Brooch Clip

Cartier London Amethyst Turquoise 18 Karat Gold Coffee Bean Brooch Clip

By Cartier

Located in New York City, NY

dapper on a lapel. Hallmarks: Cartier London, reference numbers, scratch numbers.

Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold

CARTIER Gold 'Aztec' Lapel Clip with Ruby

CARTIER Gold 'Aztec' Lapel Clip with Ruby

By Cartier

Located in Greenwich, CT

'Aztec'-style lapel clip, accented by circular-cut ruby, mounted in 18k yellow gold, signed Cartier.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Cartier Frog Lapel Pin Ruby Enamel 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Cartier Frog Lapel Pin Ruby Enamel 18 Carat Yellow Gold

Cartier Frog Lapel Pin Ruby Enamel 18 Carat Yellow Gold

By Cartier

Located in Paris, FR

Cute and lovely Lapel pin signed Cartier depicting a yellow gold frog set with cabochon rubies for

Category

1990s French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Lapel Watch
Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Lapel Watch

Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Lapel Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier lady's 14k yellow gold lapel watch, suspended from woven mesh pin. Watch is mechanical and

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

9 Kt Yellow Gold Cartier Style Jewel Encrusted Panther Tie Pin/Lapel Brooch
9 Kt Yellow Gold Cartier Style Jewel Encrusted Panther Tie Pin/Lapel Brooch

9 Kt Yellow Gold Cartier Style Jewel Encrusted Panther Tie Pin/Lapel Brooch

Located in Windsor Forest, Berkshire

A 9 Kt yellow gold Cartier style jewel encrusted panther tie pin / lapel brooch. The finely modeled

Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

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Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set
Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set

Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set

By Cartier

Located in Palm Springs, CA

An 18 karat gold and diamond rose flowering brooch and matching earrings created by Cartier of France. The set has a Florentine finish to the petals with 15 full cut diamonds in the ...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Door Knocker Earrings, 1.5 Inch
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Door Knocker Earrings, 1.5 Inch

Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Door Knocker Earrings, 1.5 Inch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A striking statement from one of the world’s most iconic maisons, these vintage Cartier door knocker earrings are crafted in Step into the world of timeless luxury with this extraord...

Category

Early 2000s French Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate Cartier Diamond and Platinum Bow Pin, Circa 1940's-1950's.
Estate Cartier Diamond and Platinum Bow Pin, Circa 1940's-1950's.

Estate Cartier Diamond and Platinum Bow Pin, Circa 1940's-1950's.

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

Classic Estate 1940's-1950s platinum bow brooch signed by Cartier, containing approximately 7 carats total weight of round brilliant and baguette cut diamonds.

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Jean Schlumberger Platinum & Gold Butterfly Motif Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet
Jean Schlumberger Platinum & Gold Butterfly Motif Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet

Jean Schlumberger Platinum & Gold Butterfly Motif Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Jean Schlumberger Platinum & Gold Butterfly Motif Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet. A sophisticated butterfly motif defines this platinum and 18k gold design that shines with dazzling ...

Category

20th Century French Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Cartier Carved Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Ring, Circa 1991
Cartier Carved Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Ring, Circa 1991

Cartier Carved Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Ring, Circa 1991

By Cartier

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

Cartier Tourmaline ring set with three carved pink tourmalines and round brilliant cut diamonds. Made in 18 karat yellow gold the ring features approximately 0.45ctw of brilliant rou...

Category

1990s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany & Co Cabochon Emerald Brooch
Tiffany & Co Cabochon Emerald Brooch

Tiffany & Co Cabochon Emerald Brooch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Tiffany & Co Cabochon Emerald Brooch A Tiffany & Co. brooch that converts to a pendant, set with 12 round-cut diamonds and a cabochon emerald. Approximate Length: 1.50" Metal Type:...

Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian, 23.17 Carat Old Cushion Shape Diamond Earrings
Victorian, 23.17 Carat Old Cushion Shape Diamond Earrings

Victorian, 23.17 Carat Old Cushion Shape Diamond Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Stunning Victorian drop earrings! 36 gradual old European diamonds set in gold & silver in a circular shape & filigree workmanship, with estimated total weight of 8 carats Center di...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Van Cleef & Arpels S-Shaped Diamond Gold Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels S-Shaped Diamond Gold Brooch

Van Cleef & Arpels S-Shaped Diamond Gold Brooch

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Lined along the center of an elegant S shape, this brooch has multiple diamonds in varying sizes weighing a total of 1.20 carat. The S is outlined with 18 karat yellow gold in twiste...

Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Iconic 18 Karat Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch, by Cartier
Iconic 18 Karat Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch, by Cartier

Iconic 18 Karat Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch, by Cartier

By Cartier

Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse

Brooch around 1980, esigned as a family of elephants walking along a bamboo path, of polished and brushed design in soid 18 K yellow Gold, all elephants with a circular-cut emerald e...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Thistle Brooch in 18K Gold & Gems
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Thistle Brooch in 18K Gold & Gems

Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Thistle Brooch in 18K Gold & Gems

$22,800Sale Price|20% Off

W 1.58 in D 5.36 in L 2.17 in

Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Thistle Brooch in 18K Gold & Gems

By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.

Located in North Hollywood, CA

I am so happy to offer this magnificent Tiffany Schulmberger Thistle piece to all of you. As you may know I source anything I desire and this was 1 year in the making to source and ...

Category

Early 2000s French Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s Diamond Gold Flower Brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s Diamond Gold Flower Brooch

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s Diamond Gold Flower Brooch

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

1960s vintage Van Cleef & Arpels brooch, in 18k gold, with approx. 0.60ctw FG/VVS diamonds. Brooch measures 1 5/8" x 1 5/8". Hallmarked Van Cleef & Arpels, 750, 10400, French mark. W...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Cartier Diamond Three Row Gentiane Rice Link Yellow Gold Necklace
Cartier Diamond Three Row Gentiane Rice Link Yellow Gold Necklace

Cartier Diamond Three Row Gentiane Rice Link Yellow Gold Necklace

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Gentiane 3 Row Rice Link Necklace by Cartier. With 54 Round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity F color Total Diamond Weight approx. 1ct This beautiful neckl...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Cartier Maillon Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Link Collar Necklace
Cartier Maillon Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Link Collar Necklace

Cartier Maillon Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Link Collar Necklace

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Maillon Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Link Collar Necklace From the luxury brand's iconic Maillon collection, this collar necklace is made of alternating steel and 18 karat yellow...

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Cartier Delices Pink Gold Diamond -Set Bracelet Watch ref 3382
Cartier Delices Pink Gold Diamond -Set Bracelet Watch ref 3382

Cartier Delices Pink Gold Diamond -Set Bracelet Watch ref 3382

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Delices Pink Gold Diamond -Set Bracelet Watch ref 3382 Brand/Designer: CARTIER Model Name: Delices De Cartier Reference Number: 3382 Gender: Ladies Movement: Quartz Cas...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

7.55 Carat Peach Tourmaline Emerald Cut Platinum Diamond Ring
7.55 Carat Peach Tourmaline Emerald Cut Platinum Diamond Ring

7.55 Carat Peach Tourmaline Emerald Cut Platinum Diamond Ring

By Merkaba

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A 7.55 carat peach tourmaline emerald cut platinum diamond ring, handcrafted by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills as a romantic collector jewel and meaningful alternative engagement ring...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Van Cleef and Arpels 8.85 Carat No Heat Oval-Cut Ruby 18k Gold GRS Cert Ring
Van Cleef and Arpels 8.85 Carat No Heat Oval-Cut Ruby 18k Gold GRS Cert Ring

Van Cleef and Arpels 8.85 Carat No Heat Oval-Cut Ruby 18k Gold GRS Cert Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Miami, FL

From the famed house of Van Cleef and Arpels, this ring centers an 8.85 carat oval-cut unheated Ruby and is flanked by an additional 2.00 carats of marquis-cut diamonds. The ruby is ...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Cartier Lapel For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact cartier lapel you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 28 vintage or 1 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a cartier lapel may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. While most can agree that any cartier lapel from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 9 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. See these pages for a brilliant cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also round cut cut and cabochon cut versions available here, too. Finding a cartier lapel for sale for women should be easy, but there are 15 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Cartier Lapel?

The price for a cartier lapel starts at $850 and tops out at $62,000 with these brooches, on average, selling for $2,900.

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.