Cartier Double Dolphin Brooch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:18k Gold,White Gold
- Stone:Emerald
- Stone Cut:Round Cut
- Period:21st Century
- Date of Manufacture:Unknown
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- 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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Cartier Multi Gemstone Byzantine Cross Pendant BroochBy CartierLocated in London, GBHere we have a stunning piece from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. This chic brooch/pendant has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold into the shape of a By...Category
20th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Victorian Double Stork Ruby Pearl and Diamond BroochLocated in London, GBHere we have a wonderfully detailed brooch dating back to the Victorian era. This antique piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold into the shape of two crossover stork birds. The features of these famous folklore birds...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Hematite and Emerald Dolphin PendantBy CartierLocated in London, GBHere we have a playful pendant from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. This piece has been crafted into the shape of a dolphin from both 18ct yellow gold and hemat...Category
Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsEmerald, Hematite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Tiffany & Co. Vintage Sword BroochBy Tiffany & Co.Located in London, GBHere we have a lovely vintage brooch by the luxury jewellery designer Tiffany & Co. This piece has been crafted from 18ct gold into the shape of a sword from days of old. A ribbed ye...Category
Late 20th Century Brooches
Materials18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Victorian Carbuncle BroochLocated in London, GBHere we have a fabulous drop brooch dating back to the Victorian period. This rounded piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and features multiple decorated layers consi...Category
Antique 19th Century Brooches
MaterialsGarnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond BroochLocated in London, GBHere we have a delightful bar brooch taken from a time when the Art Deco style was continuing to revolutionise the world of design. This elegant piece has been crafted from both 18ct...Category
20th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
- Cartier A Heart-shaped Dolphins BroochBy CartierLocated in New York, NYAn elegant brooch manufactured by Cartier during the 1980s, representing a heart shape entailed by the encounter of two loveable dolphins. The item presents approximately 10cts of ve...Category
Vintage 1980s French Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Robert Lee Morris Gilded Double Dolphin Wave BroochBy Robert Lee MorrisLocated in New York, NYCreated in 1987 for Donna Karan's fluid clothing, this brooch is gold plated brass, and is a depiction of two dolphins swimming in the sea. The iconic look of these organic motions, ...Category
Antique 1880s American Modern Brooches
MaterialsGold Plate, Brass
- Cartier Paris Yellow Gold and Diamond Dolphin clip BroochBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1990s Cartier Paris Whimsical Dolphin Clip Brooch, measuring 1 1/2 inches in length X 1 inch, set with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds totaling 3.50 Carats, further set with an Em...Category
1990s French Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier London, Diamond & Ruby Double Leaf BroochBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCartier 18K White and Yellow Gold Double Leaf Brooch, set with a Vein of Baguette Diamonds and Rubies on each leaf. Signed and Numbered Cartier London, with original Box.Category
Vintage 1940s English Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
- Ella Gafter Dolphin Emerald Diamond Brooch PinBy Ella GafterLocated in New York, NYThe dolphin springs up from the sea and creates a diamond wave and mist with 2.97 carats of faceted emeralds from Zambia. The body is decorated with tinted New Zealand paua shell (ab...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches
MaterialsCrystal, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Ella Gafter Dolphin Sapphire Diamond Pin BroochBy Ella GafterLocated in New York, NYThe dolphin brooch springs up from the sea and creates a diamond wave and mist with 5.56 carats of faceted blue Ceylon sapphire. The three-dimensional body is decorated with tinted N...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Brooches
MaterialsWhite Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Crystal, Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18...
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.