Cartier Letter Opener King Edward VIII
View Similar Items
Cartier Letter Opener King Edward VIII
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Monte Carlo, MC
- Reference Number:Seller: 43861stDibs: LU4161705773
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.
- Cartier Iconic 70's Ring Diamonds, Coral Cabochon Set on Yellow GoldBy CartierLocated in Monte Carlo, MCCartier ring in yellow gold set with an oval coral cabochon and diamonds (approx. 1,70 carat). Signed. Very strong design, made in the 7...Category
Antique 1670s French Cocktail Rings
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Ring Royal Blue Sapphire Emerald Cut and Diamonds BaguettesBy CartierLocated in Monte Carlo, MCRing in platinum Cartier set with diamonds baguettes on the shoulders , in the center a beautiful royal blue sapphire emerald cut of 20 carat...Category
1990s French Art Deco Solitaire Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Price Upon Request - Cartier Edwardian Yellow Enamel Minute Repeater Pendulette, Circa 1900By CartierLocated in Monte Carlo, MCCartier minute repeater clock, in yellow enamel, silver, agate and diamonds. Circa 1900-1905. The dimensions are : hight 9,5 cm approximately...Category
Antique Early 1900s French More Jewelry
MaterialsAgate, Diamond, Silver, Enamel
- Mother of pearl, sapphires, rubies and yellow gold CufflinksLocated in Monte Carlo, MCCufflinks in yellow gold (14K), mother of pearl, saphirs and rubis. Year : 50' - 60' Weight : 10,7Category
Early 20th Century European Cufflinks
MaterialsPearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef and Arpels Yellow Gold Coral and Diamonds RingBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Monte Carlo, MCBeautiful Van Cleef & Arpels ring in gardooned yellow gold, set with an important carved pink coral surrounded by 14 diamonds. Signed VCA and numbered. Made in the 60' Ring Size : ...Category
Late 20th Century French Cocktail Rings
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, Yellow Gold
- Hermes Yellow Gold and Diamonds CufflinksBy HermèsLocated in Monte Carlo, MCCufflinks in yellow gold (18K), the center part set with 9 diamonds. Signed and numbered. Comes with original Hermès box. Year : 70' Weight : 13,7 gramsCategory
Vintage 1970s European Cufflinks
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Clock Letter Opener Limited Edition Never UsedBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2000 Cartier Clock / Letter Opener # 705 of 2000 pieces made, this is new in the Presentation box with outer box and original numbered Certificate, never used. Measuring 9 inch...Category
Early 2000s French Desk Accessories
MaterialsSteel
- Bejeweled Letter OpenerBy Kary AdamLocated in Coupeville, WAThis stunning letter opener is a must-have addition to any desk or collection. The handle is crafted from high-quality silver and adorned with beautiful amethyst, rubellite, and labr...Category
2010s Thai Anglo-Indian Desk Accessories
MaterialsAmethyst, Labradorite, Rubelite, Silver
- Victorian Owl Letter OpenerLocated in New York, NYVictorian Owl Letter Opener crafted of 800 grade silver with celluloid and glass eyes. Charming figural, novelty motif from the late 19th Century. Be...Category
Antique 1880s German Victorian Desk Accessories
MaterialsSilver
- Mid-Century Cartier Sterling Silver Letter Opener or Page TurnerBy CartierLocated in Philadelphia, PAA very fine letter opener. By Cartier. In sterling silver. Model no. 75-10IN Simply a wonderful piece of Cartier silver! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition: It is in ove...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Desk Accessories
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Birmingham 1994 Sterling Silver Letter OpenerLocated in Montreal, QCBirmingham 1994 sterling silver letter opener, dragon design in the original box, 8 1/2 inches long. Hallmarks viisble, good condition, maker unknown.Category
1990s British Desk Accessories
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Gump's Jade Magnifying Glass and Letter OpenerBy Gump's San FranciscoLocated in Southbury, CTA vintage (circa 1980s) Gump's San Francisco letter opener and magnifying glass pair created in gold-tone non-tarnish metal with hand-engraved floral details and with sleek, beautiful black nephrite jade handles. The pair come in their original pale gold brocade fabric pouch but I do not have the original box. This iconic pair of essential desk adornments are a must for the Gump's or jade collector. My grandmother had this same set plus another with green jade handles. I have always preferred the black handles, though. Classic Gump's, timelessly elegant. Maybe you think you're not a magnifying-kind of person but I would beg to differ. You would be surprised by how useful an optically excellent (which this is) magnifying glass actually is. And you can create completely unique photos...Category
Vintage 1980s Hong Kong Contemporary Desk Accessories
MaterialsJade
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.