Cartier Retro Flower Brooch, circa 1940s
View Similar Items
Cartier Retro Flower Brooch, circa 1940s
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:18k Gold
- Stone:Diamond
- Stone Cut:Old European Cut
- Dimensions:Width: 2.37 in (60 mm)
- Style:Retro
- Place of Origin:United Kingdom
- Period:Mid-20th Century
- Date of Manufacture:1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent condition.
- Seller Location:Idar-Oberstein, DE
- Reference Number:Seller: GCA3900051stDibs: LU6549407862
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.
- 1940s Cartier Diamond Gold Bow BroochBy CartierLocated in Idar-Oberstein, DEA beautiful Cartier Bow Brooch, ca. 1940s. The bow is studded with old-cut diamonds of circa 2.5 carats and is made in 18k yellow gold. Signed...Category
Vintage 1940s French Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- 1940s 18k Gold Retro Sapphire and Diamond Clip BroochLocated in Idar-Oberstein, DEA very sleek and elegant Sapphire and Diamond Clip Brooch made in the 1940s, depicting the typical Retro design. The diamonds weigh circa 1 carats and the sapphires weigh circa 1.5 ...Category
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
- Boucheron 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Double Clips Brooch Retro 1940sBy BoucheronLocated in Idar-Oberstein, DEImportant double clips in 18k yellow gold from the Retro period, ca. 1940s. These collectable clips were made by Boucheron Paris in a very dynamic design with sapphire baguettes and ...Category
Mid-20th Century French Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
- Sasportas Sapphire Citrine Diamond Comet Clip Brooch, circa 1940sBy SasportasLocated in Idar-Oberstein, DEBeautiful Retro Sapphire Citrine Diamond Comet Clip Brooch, ca. 1940s by Sasportas The retro comet brooch consists of a cluster of round cut sapphires of ca. 3 carats and channel set citrines, further accentuated by baguette cut diamonds. The French maison Sasportas has won the gold medal in the Exhibition of Decorative Arts in 1925 and is known for producing fine jewels with geometric elements and combining different gemstones. It was also used as a workshop by other French jewellery houses such as Cartier and Van...Category
Mid-20th Century French Retro Brooches
MaterialsCitrine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
- Mauboussin Trabert & Hoeffer Reflection Gold Earclips and Brooch Set circa 1940sBy Trabert & Hoeffer MauboussinLocated in Idar-Oberstein, DERetro Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin "Reflection" Gold Earclips and Brooch Set, ca. 1940s A very chic set from the 1940s with beautiful and wavy gold work depicting abstract blossoms. The set consists of earclips (2cm diameter) and a central brooch (4cm diameter) and are made in 18k gold. The firm of Trabert & Hoeffer-Mauboussin formed in 1929, and became an important presence on New York’s Park Avenue. Much of its success came from its distinctive line of ‘Reflection’ jewellery. The ‘Reflection’ line was the first to introduce the bold shapes and colours of modern European jewellery to America. Under the tag line ‘Reflection – Your Personality in a Jewel’ women were encouraged to decide on the arrangement of the parts themselves and create personalised jewellery...Category
Mid-20th Century American Retro Clip-on Earrings
Materials18k Gold
- Cartier Retro Diamond Feathers Ring, ca. 1940sBy CartierLocated in Idar-Oberstein, DECartier Retro Diamond Feathers Ring, ca. 1940s A beautiful Cartier diamond ring from the 1940s. The ring has three central diamond elements following the...Category
Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- 1940s Cartier Diamond, Ruby Flower BroochBy CartierLocated in New York, NYAn exquisite piece by Cartier dating back to the 1940s, comprising a brooch designed as two flower heads made of 14k rose gold, each centering a cabochon ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
- Retro Diamond Bow Gold Brooch, circa 1940sLocated in Beverly Hills, CAOne Retro diamond bow motif 18K yellow and white gold brooch featuring 21 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 0.75 ct. Retro, Circa 1940s. Adorable, fluted, chic. Additional info...Category
20th Century Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
- Circa 1940s Platinum Diamond Flower BroochLocated in Atlanta, GAItem Details: Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.4 grams Diamond Details: 2.00ct, total weight. Natural Diamonds. E-F Color, VS Clarity, Baguette and Transitiona...Category
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Cartier 14k Gold Double Clip Pin Brooch, Retro 1940sBy CartierLocated in Beverly Hills, CAChic and timeless double clips made of 14 karat yellow and rose gold. Measurements: 1 3/16" x 1 3/8" (3.5 x 3 cm) each. Weight: 31.9 grams. Stamped with Cartier maker's mark, hallma...Category
Vintage 1940s British Retro Brooches
Materials14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
- Coro Retro Style Ballerina Brooch, 1940sBy CoroLocated in New York, NYRetro Style Coro Brooch circa 1940s. The yellow gold colored brooch of a leaping ballerina with faux pearl cabochon face,a bodice of clear pastes and long...Category
Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches
MaterialsGilt Metal
- Vintage Diamante and Pink Flower Brooch Circa 1940sLocated in New York, NYVintage Diamante and Pink Flower Brooch Circa 1940s. Large and magnificent on anything from a blazer to a coat to a white blouse. Pink Cabochons in ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Modern Brooches
MaterialsMixed Metal
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.