Vintage Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch with Sapphire Eye
View Similar Items
Vintage Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch with Sapphire Eye
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:18k Gold,Yellow Gold
- Stone:Sapphire
- Stone Cut:Cabochon
- Dimensions:Height: 1.25 in (31.75 mm)Width: 1.5 in (38.1 mm)
- Place of Origin:France
- Period:Mid-20th Century
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: RT706601stDibs: LU2046214158962
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.
- David Webb White Enamel Frog Brooch Set with Diamond Eyes in 18K Yellow GoldBy David WebbLocated in Philadelphia, PAThis iconic whimsical David Webb brooch set features two vintage white enamel frogs with diamond eyes set in 18k yellow gold, each accompanied by a David Webb certificate of authenticity. The larger...Category
Late 20th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold
$29,000 / setFree Shipping - Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Mother of Pearl Clematis Flower Brooch in 18kygBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Philadelphia, PAVan Cleef & Arpels diamond and mother of pearl Clematis flower brooch in 18k yellow gold. This VCA brooch features 5 gray mother of pearl petals with 3 rou...Category
Late 20th Century French Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Michael Beaudry Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold White & Fancy Color Diamond BraceletBy Michael BeaudryLocated in Philadelphia, PAMichael Beaudry Amber Victorian Garden bracelet containing approximately 5.43 carats of diamonds set in platinum with 18k yellow gold accents. The center stone of this bracelet is a GIA certified 1.58 carat fancy vivid yellow-orange marquise cut diamond. The bracelet also contains an additional 2 marquise and 2 radiant cut fancy color diamonds totaling approximately 1.60 carats, as well as a mixture of round and lily cut diamonds...Category
Late 20th Century More Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
- Vintage Panthere De Cartier Green Chrysoprase Ring in 18k Yellow GoldBy CartierLocated in Philadelphia, PAThis vintage Panthere De Cartier ring features a panther holding an oval cabochon green chrysoprase. The panther itself has two round emerald eyes and a carved onyx nose, set in 18k...Category
Late 20th Century French Fashion Rings
MaterialsChrysophrase, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Cartier Emerald and Onyx Panther Trinity Ring in 18K Yellow GoldBy CartierLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Cartier panther trinity ring in 18k yellow, rose and white gold. This Cartier ring features an 18k yellow gold panther with emerald eyes and an onyx nose. The panther is se...Category
Late 20th Century French Fashion Rings
MaterialsEmerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- David Webb Brown and Green Enamel Ram's Head Cufflinks in 18k Yellow GoldBy David WebbLocated in Philadelphia, PADavid Webb brown and green enamel Ram's head cufflinks in 18k yellow gold, accompanied by a David Webb certificate of authenticity. Each ram's head measures approximately 19.5mm x 1...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Cufflinks
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Elephant BroochBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Elephant Brooch. Crafted in 18K yellow gold mounted with round cut pave diamonds of E-F color VVS-VS clarity, a...Category
20th Century French Modern Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Clown Brooch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby SapphireLocated in MIAMI, FLBeautiful vintage creation, the brooch is crafted in 18k yellow gold and depicts a clown. This unique piece shows functionality as even the hands and leg portion of the brooch dangle and show movement. The clown shows...Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Sapphire Ruby Emerald 18k Yellow Gold BroochLocated in Geneva, CH18K yellow gold brooch with round-cut blue, red and green stones. Italian work. Dimensions: 4.80 centimeters x 4.00 centimeters. Gross weight:...Category
Vintage 1960s European Brooches
MaterialsEmerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Jumbo Elephant Clip BroochBy CartierLocated in Tokyo, JPBrand:Cartier Name:JUMBO Clip Brooch Material :2P Emerald,750 K18 YG Yellow Gold Comes with:Cartier box, case, repair certificate (May 2018) Size(inch):4H16.70mm×W30mm/0.65"/1.18"(Ap...Category
Late 20th Century French Brooches
MaterialsEmerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
- Modernist 18K Yellow Gold Brooch with Sapphires, Italy, Circa 1970'sLocated in Chatham, CAModernist 18K (.750) yellow gold brooch with four sapphires (each gemstone round faceted - claw set - approx. 1 mm. diameter - approx. 0.07 carat weight total) - hand made featuring fine and elaborate textured finish - original safety catch and pin - vintage retail...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Brooches
MaterialsSapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,950 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping - Vintage Cartier Double Headed Panther Brooch Set in 18k Yellow GoldBy CartierLocated in London, GBA beautiful vintage Cartier Panthère double headed brooch set in 18k yellow and white gold. From a discontinued Cartier collection, the brooch...Category
1990s Retro Brooches
MaterialsYellow Gold, Gold, 18k 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.