Cartier sterling silver letter opener
About the Item
- Creator:Cartier (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Sterling Silver,Metalwork
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:n/a
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Shows cleaning and ware , scratches , vintage .
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU808937057232
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: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Arnaldo Pomodoro Unsigned Rare Letter Tray "Il Sestante"bronzeBy Arnaldo PomodoroLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a rare bronze made for the very well known artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. This is one of the pieces of the desk set, entitled , " Il Sestante" Normally you can see the boxes in a...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Christofle , silver plate paperweight " Lucky Dice ".cube .By ChristofleLocated in Los Angeles, CAGreat paperweight design in this Christofle ornament .Category
Late 20th Century French Post-Modern Paperweights
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Enzo Mari, Rare Cube Resin with Black Ball Sphere, Sculpture/PaperweightBy Enzo MariLocated in Los Angeles, CAVery nice modern resin cube by the very well known designer Enzo Mari, Measures in cm 7 x 7 x 7.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Paperweights
MaterialsResin
- Enzo Mari, Rare Resin Cube, Sculpture, Paperweight, with Polyhedral InsideBy Enzo Mari, Danese MilanoLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a very rare Mari resin cube from the 1950s, it measures in cm 7 x 7 x 7, has a couple of flee bites in 2 corners. Similar sample with black inside in Progressione di sculptur...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Paperweights
MaterialsResin
- Venini Two Colors Mini Hourglass/Clessidre, UnsignedBy Paolo VeniniLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a great and rare find because is one of the small hourglass ever made by Venini. Also this piece was purchased from a collection of a very important Hollywood Star estate. Th...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Glass
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Ben Seibel for Jenfred-Ware Bookends in Brass FinishBy Ben Seibel, Jenfred WareLocated in Los Angeles, CAGreat modern design in this pair of bookends by Ben Seibel.Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Bookends
MaterialsMetal
- Sterling Silver Letter OpenerLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis sterling silver letter opener is a handsome piece that makes a great gift. Not only is it functional but a beautiful accent to your desk. Sleek and unadorned it works with any d...Category
Vintage 1940s Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Bvlgari / Bulgari Sterling Silver Letter OpenerBy BulgariLocated in New York, NYBvlgari / Bulgari sterling silver letter opener with heavy gage silver. This high-quality decorative piece measures 7 1/2'' in length by 1'' in width, marked "Bvlgari", is sure to be...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver
MaterialsSilver, Sterling Silver
- 1980s Sterling Silver Swan Letter OpenerBy Sarah Jones Silver 1Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneAn exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Elizabeth II English sterling silver letter opener; an addition to our diverse ornamental collection This exceptional vintage Elizabeth II cast sterling silver letter opener has a sabre shaped form. The arched terminal of this letter opener has been realistically modelled in the form of a swan's neck and head. Condition This vintage sterling silver letter...Category
Vintage 1980s Great Britain (UK) Letter Openers
MaterialsSilver, Sterling Silver
- Silver Plate Letter OpenerLocated in Los Angeles, CASilver plate letter opener - a large and well designed letter opener in silver plate - ergonomically designed and weighted on one end for easy handling and an artful design - handsom...Category
20th Century Modern Letter Openers
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Horse Equine Sterling Silver Plate Letter OpenerBy Reed & BartonLocated in New York, NYA substantial sterling silver plate letter opener with horse head handle made by Reed & Barton, circa mid-20th century, USA. A great desk, office, library, etc., accessory. With make...Category
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Letter Openers
MaterialsMetal, Silver Plate
- Vintage Sterling Silver Letter Opener Torchon, Italy, 1970sLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage sterling silver letter opener torchon, Italy, 1970s.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Letter Openers
MaterialsSilver Plate
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.