Vintage Cartier Paris Oval Sunglasses w/ Case
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)Length: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:
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.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Beverly Hills, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Vintage Christian Dior Green Square SunglassesBy Christian DiorLocated in Beverly Hills, CAProduct details: Circa 1970. Featuring yellow/ green matte finish frames with round square lens, silver tone CD logo on each sides of the temple. Signed Christian Dior. Made in Germ...Category
1970s French Sunglasses
- Oliver Peoples Twenty Years Paramount Limited Edition Brown Oval SunglassesBy Oliver PeoplesLocated in Beverly Hills, CA- Tortoise Frame - Brown gradient lenses - Oval/ round shape - Comes with the original caseCategory
21st Century and Contemporary American Sunglasses
- Balenciaga Black Rim Cat Eye SunglassesBy BalenciagaLocated in Beverly Hills, CA- Cat eye shaped frame - Black frame - Black lenses - Featuring white Balenciaga logo on the top left - Made in Italy - Includes caseCategory
2010s Sunglasses
- Burberry Beige Square SunglassesBy BurberryLocated in Beverly Hills, CA- Beige frame - Polar brown gradient lenses - Gold tone hardware - Made in Italy - Includes dust bag and caseCategory
2010s Sunglasses
- Vintage Emanuel Khanh Paris Square SunglassesBy Emmanuelle KhanhLocated in Beverly Hills, CAProduct details: Circa 1970. Featuring clear, black and brown frame with round square brown gradient lens and gold tone EK signature on the sides. Signed Emmanuelle Khanh Paris B. R...Category
1970s French Sunglasses
- Natalie Blank Brown Square Sunglasses w/ CaseLocated in Beverly Hills, CA- Sand, light brown frames - Black gradient lenses - Square shape - Made in FranceCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Sunglasses
- CHANEL clear holographic multi color tinted CC silver rimless SunglassesBy Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for ChanelLocated in Genève, CH- Pink to Turquoise translucent colors - Silver Metal - Late 1990s - Made in Italy - With boxcase - Little sign of use, good vintage conditionCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sunglasses
- Anglo American Eyewear - SPADESBy Anglo American OpticalLocated in HOUTEN, NLPerfect pair of glasses to play poker with. This rare piece has been produced in England in the 80's and is part of the Anglo American Heritage.Category
1980s English Sunglasses
- Christan Dior - 2742 VINTAGEBy Christian DiorLocated in HOUTEN, NLThese gold rectangular vintage sunglasses for women are made by Christian Dior. Christian Dior is a French luxury fashion house controller and cha...Category
1970s German Sunglasses
- 1970's Nouvelle Vague Vintage Glasses S70 Donna 48Located in HOUTEN, NLThis Italian brand has been breathing tradition and passion for more than 50 years! They have perfected the art of eyewear production in the north of Italy and the Nouvelle Vague fra...Category
1970s Italian Sunglasses
- Fred - ISLANDE VINTAGEBy FredLocated in HOUTEN, NLThis high quality Fred Lunettes Islande F2 Col.412 model is made in the Jura Region in France. Fred had produced fine jewellery for decades and their impeccable eyewear is made with ...Category
1980s French Sunglasses
- Silhouette - SunglassesBy Silhouettes & ProfilesLocated in HOUTEN, NLModel 564 of the legendary Silhouette FUTURA Series . DORA DEMEL designed the revolutionary shades in 1974 and it was produced in a limited edition so it is basically part of fashi...Category
1970s French Sunglasses
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.