Cartier Trinity Earrings 18 karat Gold
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:
- Metal:
- Weight:9.4 g
- Dimensions:Width: 0.28 in (7 mm)Depth: 0.16 in (4 mm)Length: 1.11 in (28 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1990
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU
- Reference Number:
Trinity Earrings
The Art Deco movement was in full swing and the seductively opulent flapper style was at its peak when Cartier introduced its Trinity collection, a line of minimalist jewelry that now includes Trinity earrings. Although the line broke with the decorative trends in jewelry at the time — the era’s designers looked to African art, crafted geometrically rich diamond brooches and opted to set rings with colorful stones such as coral and turquoise — the Trinity earrings and other pieces in the collection are an example of French elegance, interlacing naturalism and classicism in a simple and timeless way.
Designed in 1924 by Louis Cartier (1875–1942), the grandson of the heritage jewelry house’s founder, the Trinity earrings share the same simple aesthetic as the tricolored Trinity ring. Like the ring's bands, the earrings consist of three connected hoops, each a different type of gold to represent the three phases of a relationship: the white stands for friendship, the pink for love and the yellow for fidelity. The Trinity collection may have debuted with the ring, its three bands forever joined in embrace, but in the decades since its original design, the ring has given way to a broader beloved series of Trinity jewels, including the Trinity necklace, Trinity wedding band, Trinity earrings and more.
While the original Trinity earrings are still in production and the most popular, variations on the motif have yielded a bold reshaping of the hoops, so much so that they’ve ended in a knot on occasion. The jewelry house has also introduced versions that outfit the three hoops with diamonds or colored gemstones. Some iterations are adorned with so many pavé diamonds that the metal beneath is barely visible.
While the Trinity knot itself has appeared in Irish jewelry and has roots in other cultures, Louis Cartier reportedly crafted the now classic and instantly recognizable Trinity ring at the request of his friend Jean Cocteau. The French poet, novelist and Surrealist filmmaker dreamed of Saturn’s rings in his slumber — some several hundred years after they were first observed by Galileo through his telescope — and hoped to see the otherworldly visions brought to life as jewelry. Cocteau was understandably impressed with the modern and richly symbolic accessory that followed.
Trinity earrings have been a staple of Cartier’s collection since they were added to the original, and marquee admirers such as Princess Diana and Gary Cooper contributed to the line’s fame. But thanks to Cocteau’s dream, the design has always had “star power” in the most literal sense.
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: Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Artlinea 18 karat Yellow Gold Italian EarringsLocated in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LUThe Artlinea 18 karat Yellow Gold Italian Earrings are a luxurious and stylish accessory that showcases meticulous craftsmanship and fine materials. ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Polello Hand-Made 18 karat White Gold Earrings with DiamondsLocated in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LUThe Polello 18-karat White Gold Earrings with Diamonds embody a chic and modern design, showcasing a harmonious blend of precious materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Crafted from...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Cartier Trinity "Les Must de Cartier" White, Yellow, Rose GoldBy CartierLocated in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU"Les Must de Cartier" Ring is a famous and iconic jewelry design created by the luxury French jeweler Cartier. The Trinity Ring is known for its distinctive and timeless design, cons...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Fashion Rings
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Diadea 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds EarringsBy CartierLocated in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LUThe Cartier Diadea model in white gold is a stunning pair of earrings crafted by the renowned luxury jewelry brand, Cartier. These earrings are designed to exude elegance and sophist...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Stud Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Art Deco 18kt Gold Earrings with Old-cut DiamondsLocated in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LUThe Art Deco 18kt Gold Earrings with Old-Cut Diamonds are a stunning piece of jewelry that embodies the elegance and sophistication of the Art Deco era. The earrings are crafted fr...Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Moncara 14 karat Gold Earrings with DiamondsLocated in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LUThe Moncara 14-karat Gold Earrings with Diamonds are a luxurious and sophisticated accessory that seamlessly combines elegance and craftsmanship. These exquisite earrings are crafted...Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 14k Gold
- Cartier Earrings Trinity Gold 18 KaratsBy CartierLocated in Vannes, FRCartier Trinity Earrings in 18 Carat Rose, White and Yellow Gold These magnificent Cartier Trinity earrings embody the essence of refinement and elegance. With a harmonious fusion o...Category
1990s French Modern Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Trinity EarringsBy CartierLocated in London, GBA sparkly pair of 18k yellow gold Cartier diamond hoop earrings from the Trinity de Cartier collection. The earrings comprise of 3 intertwined yellow gold bands with round brilliant ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Hoop Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Modern 3 Colors 18 Karat Gold Cartier Trinity Clip EarringsBy CartierLocated in Poitiers, FREarrings in 18 karat yellow, white and rose gold. Pair of second- hand Cartier ear clips, each one is made of three yellow, white and rose gold rings...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
- Cartier Trinity Earrings in Tri-Color Gold and DiamondsBy CartierLocated in Houston, TXCartier Trinity collection earrings are composed of 18K tri-color gold and round diamonds. Marked on the back "Cartier 1995 D33102 Cartier 750". The diamonds are inset into the cen...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold
- Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Panthere Hoop EarringsBy CartierLocated in Philadelphia, PAUntamed beauty and fierce elegance with these Cartier gold hoop earrings adorned with captivating diamond panthers. This pair of Cartier ea...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Cartier Bamboo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings, Circa 1990By CartierLocated in London, GBA vintage pair of Cartier Bamboo 18 karat yellow gold hoop earrings, circa 1990. This bold pair of earrings were first designed by Cartier in the 1970's, the 'Bamboo' collection rad...Category
Vintage 1980s French Modern Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.