Vintage Cartier Trinity Bangles
View Similar Items
Vintage Cartier Trinity Bangles
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:
- Metal:
- Dimensions:Diameter: 2.5 in (63.5 mm)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: NS ARTO-02201stDibs: LU698909012
Trinity Bracelet
The famed French poet, novelist, artist and filmmaker Jean Cocteau was often photographed wearing two distinctive rings on his pinkie finger: tri-bands of overlapping hoops. Characterized by a Saturnian form involving three movable bands, the Trinity ring was designed in 1924 by Cocteau’s friend Louis Cartier (1875–1942), documented heartbreaker and grandson of Louis-François Cartier, who founded the renowned French luxury house. Cartier soon afterward debuted the distinctive “Trinity de Cartier” design to consumers, which, inspired by the ring, included the Trinity bracelet, a still-popular accessory in its classic simplicity for both men and women.
Notably, the Trinity bracelet was understated in its dearth of embellishments when it was introduced, and the collection offered an alternative to the Art Deco decadence that was then so pervasive in jewelry, including at Cartier.
Each of the Trinity bracelet’s interlaced loops was a different color, with yellow, white and pink 18-karat gold representing the entwining of fidelity, friendship and love. The three materials can also be interpreted as the stages of a relationship — from friendship to love’s passion and, finally, to the loyalty of fidelity. The Trinity design referenced a deep history of iconography related to close bonds, such as the “triquetra,” or “trinity knot,” a traditional symbol consisting of three interconnected leaves. The trinity knot was adopted long ago by the Celts and is incorporated frequently in Irish jewelry.
A model photographed for Vogue in 1925 donned a Trinity bracelet, while the image’s accompanying text celebrated jewelry that its editors deemed “amazingly chic and very moderate in price,” especially compared to Cartier’s elaborate diamond confections. Like the ring, the Trinity bracelet reflects Cartier’s technical skill in the way its three bands of precious metal elegantly overlap and rest smoothly on the skin like an embrace.
The Trinity collection was not the only collaboration between Cocteau and Cartier: When Belle weeps in Cocteau’s 1946 film Beauty and the Beast, her tears become diamonds, which were provided by Cartier during production. The luxury house paid tribute to Cocteau with the Trinity Sauvage bracelet, which incorporated a band with leopard spots that referenced the wallpaper in the study of the filmmaker’s Milly-la-Forêt home.
There have been many variations over the years — featuring diamonds, ceramic, pearls and more — and all maintain the harmonious balance that makes the Trinity designs timeless. Almost a century after Cartier designed the ring for his friend, the Trinity bracelet endures as a classic expression of everlasting friendship and love.
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.
- Mario Buccellati 18k Gold Vintage Bracelet Bangle JewelryBy Mario BuccellatiLocated in Beverly Hills, CAStunning diamond & gold vintage bangle bracelet inspired by floral motifs. Created by Mario Buccellati in Italy in the 1950s. This Mario Buccellati bangle bracelet is made of 18k yel...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Bangles
MaterialsWhite Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Diamond Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet, 1980sLocated in Beverly Hills, CAElegant and wearable bracelet. Made of 18 karat (tested) yellow gold and set with round brilliant cut diamonds (H-I color and VS clarity, total weight is approximately 0.30 carat). ...Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Bangles
MaterialsWhite Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Codognato Enamel 18k Gold Snake Bangle BraceletBy Attilio CodognatoLocated in Beverly Hills, CAStunning snake bangle by a Venetian designer Attilio Codognato. Made of 18 karat yellow gold and enamel. Measurement: 2” x 6 ¾” (5.2 x 17 cm). Fits up to 6 ½-inch (16.5-cm) wrist. ...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Bangles
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage 14k Gold Bangle Bracelet Emerald SapphireLocated in Beverly Hills, CAChic vintage bangle bracelet made of 14 karat yellow gold, cabochon, beaded and faceted emeralds and sapphires. Measurement: 1 7/16” x 6 ½” (3.5 x 16 cm). Fits up to 6 ¼-inch (16-cm...Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Bangles
MaterialsEmerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
- Vintage Bangle Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Estate JewelryLocated in Beverly Hills, CABold and chic bangle bracelet created in the 1980s. Made of 18 karat (stamped) yellow gold and set with round brilliant cut diamonds (G-H color, VS1 clarity, approximately 2.40 cara...Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Bangles
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Mario Buccellati Gold Coin Bracelet Carved Jade Vintage Bangle Estate JewelryBy Mario BuccellatiLocated in Beverly Hills, CAA rare Mario Buccellati gold coin bracelet, featuring carved jade. This sculptured bangle bracelet carries four antique coins. All the coins are bezel set and mounted into beautiful, pierced frames. Two gold framed carved jade elements have gorgeous floral design. The bracelet’s gold texture has an effect of a fabric which is a unique gold finish of the maker. This fabulous bangle bracelet was created by Mario Buccellati in Italy in the 1960s. It is made of 18 karat yellow gold and features two oval carved jade medallions and four antique gold coins: 1) An Austrian 8 Florins / 20 Francs coin, depicting a head of emperor Franz Joseph I (c.1892) 2) A Swiss gold 20 Francs coin with an allegorical female figure as the national symbol of Switzerland (c.1935) 3) A gold French coin of 20 Francs, with a Napoleon III facing right portrait (c.1868) 4) An Italian 20 Lire gold coin, depicting a head of emperor Vittorio Emanuele II (c.1862). The vintage bracelet measures 6 1/2" x 1 1/8” (16.5 x 2.8 cm) and fits up to 6 1/4" (15.5 cm) wrist. The vintage Buccellati bangle weighs 92.0 grams. This vintage bangle is stamped with Mario Buccellati maker's mark, hallmark for 18 karat gold. About Buccellati Brand: Mario Buccellati (1891-1965) established the first brand’s store in Milan in 1919. The jeweler was titled “the Prince of Goldsmiths” by poet Gabriele D’Annunzio due to his extraordinary ability to turn gold and silver into luxury art objects. This ability through the years has been the core of Buccellati’s style. In 1966, Gianmaria Buccellati (1929-2015) with his brother, Luca, took over the family business after their father's death. Today the House is led by third and fourth generation Buccellati, Honorary President and Creative Director Andrea Buccellati and his daughter, Lucrezia Buccellati Wildenstein. Buccellati design is highly recognizable due to multiple engraving and piercing techniques applied to the pieces. Texture of gold resembling the look of Venetian lace, linen and tulle created by handmade Italian techniques inherited through generations. The world of flora and fauna is a big source of inspiration for creating famous Buccellati brooches. Weightless Bucellati butterfly brooch, intricate flowers, or powerful birds — all those pieces are highly sought-after because of their creativity and impeccable quality. All the materials being used by the brand meet the quality standards of high-end jewelry making. Buccellati cuff bracelets...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Bangles
MaterialsJade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold
- Cartier ‘Trinity de Cartier’ Three Bangle BraceletBy CartierLocated in London, GBA Cartier ‘Trinity de Cartier’ three bangle bracelet. This classic, vintage piece is composed of three interlocking bangles, one each in yellow g...Category
1990s Retro Bangles
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Trinity Three Gold 18K Bangle BraceletBy CartierLocated in Geneva, CHCartier Trinity Three Gold 18K Bangle Bracelet Signed Cartier and numbered.Category
1990s European Bangles
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Trinity Bangle, 18k GoldBy CartierLocated in New York, NYA Cartier Trinity Bangle, 18k Rose, White and Yellow Gold. 68.70 grams. Signed and numbered.Category
20th Century Bangles
Materials18k Gold
- Cartier Trinity Three Strand Yellow White Rose Gold Vintage Bangle BraceletBy CartierLocated in Greenwich, CTRepresenting love, fidelity, and friendship this vintage Cartier 'Trinity de Cartier' bangle bracelet has it all. With three interlocking bangles in 18 karat yellow, white and rose g...Category
Vintage 1980s French Modernist Bangles
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Trinity BanglesBy CartierLocated in Dallas, TXCartier's iconic Diamond Trinity Bangles. These bangles are so gorgeous that we don't want to sell them! Retail Replacement Paper Available. Slip on style fits 7-7.5 sized wrist. S...Category
1990s French Modern Bangles
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Trinity Bangle 18k Rare ExampleBy CartierLocated in Litchfield, CTCirca 1970s, 18k, by Cartier, New York City. Trinity bangles are classic Cartier at it's most stylish. This bracelet is an extremely rare version made for the New York store only. Fabricated in ribbed 18 karat gold, this trinity bracelet elevates the form, looking forward to later ribbed motifs. Perfect for anytime, anywhere, it looks fabulous worn alone or stacked with other Trinity bangles. Excellent condition. Noted contemporary box. Noted: Shown with similar Cartier bangle Inv. #24026 both purchased at Cartier New York by the same family. Remark: "Trinity jewelry...Category
Vintage 1970s American Bangles
Materials18k 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.