Playing Card Brooches and Gold Cuff by Cartier
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:Gold,14k Gold,Enamel
- Stone:Diamond
- Stone Cut:Round Cut
- Dimensions:Width: 1.5 in (38.1 mm)Length: 6.75 in (171.45 mm)
- Style:Retro
- Place of Origin:France
- Period:20th Century
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1938
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- 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.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New Orleans, LA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Cartier Diamond Elephant BroochBy CartierLocated in New Orleans, LAThis stately and sophisticated diamond elephant brooch gold puts the spotlight on the more whimsical side of creations made by the legendary French je...Category
20th Century French Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Art Deco BroochBy CartierLocated in New Orleans, LAExuding the decadence of the Art Deco era, this brooch hails from the revered French jeweler Cartier. Taking the form of a classic bow, the pin is crafted of rock crystal with delica...Category
20th Century French Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Rock Crystal, Platinum
- Victorian Pearl and Ruby CuffLocated in New Orleans, LAThis pearl and ruby cuff bracelet epitomizes classic refinement. The 14K Gold bracelet resembles the embroidered cuff of a Victorian-era gown, comple...Category
Antique 19th Century Victorian Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsPearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
- Cartier Tutti Frutti Lovers Bench BroochBy CartierLocated in New Orleans, LACharming and whimsical, this retro brooch by the French jeweler Cartier is known as the iconic Tutti Frutti Lovers Bench brooch. Crafted of 18K yellow gold, the brooch features a min...Category
20th Century French Retro Brooches
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Home Front Spinel Brooch, 6.35 CaratBy CartierLocated in New Orleans, LABursting with patriotism, this original Cartier Home Front clip brooch features a 6.35-carat crimson spinel. Cartier's patented and illusory design gives th...Category
20th Century American Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Gold and Diamond Bonsai Tree Brooch by Henry DunayBy Henry DunayLocated in New Orleans, LACrafted in 18K yellow gold, this brooch by American jewelry designer Henry Dunay takes the form of a bonsai tree with leaves made of 1.36 carats of white diamonds. Dunay is known for...Category
20th Century American Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- 1960s Hobe Chain-Link Brooch and Cuff Set with Metal FringeBy Hobé JewelryLocated in Gresham, ORA wonderful 1960s Hobe milkglass and faux coral rhinestone cuff and brooch set: Chain link mess and chain fringe.Category
Vintage 1960s British Modernist Cuff Bracelets
- Rare Ken Beldin Modern Primitive Antelope Cuff Bracelet and Brooch Pin MexicoBy Ken BeldinLocated in Montreal, QCStunning Museum Quality Artist Signed Cuff Bracelet and Brooch. Hand crafted in Copper and mixed metals featuring an Antelope. Bracelet measures approx. 2" wide in front. The Brooch is unsigned, however, the Bracelet is fully signed by the Artist in electric pen. Signed: ORIGINAL KEN and XOCHITL BELDIN MEXICO 1958. Xochitl may have been Beldin’s wife or mistress. Ken Beldin (1900-?) Was born in Mississippi and educated at U. of C. Berkeley. He retired as head of a successful ad agency in Los Angeles in 1931 to travel through the Southwest. He worked for a time with Mexico’s National Railways attracting tourists to travel to Mexico by rail and was drawn into the rugged beauty of Mexico and its people. He set up a studio in Tenencingo South of Mexico City near Taxco and began creating one-of-a-kind jewelry and sculpture. He was the custodian of a collection of archeological Pre-Columbian stones, and it was from these he derived his motifs. His "modern Primitive" jewelry was considered to have the most feeling and the most authentic look of the Period. He worked throughout the 1940s and 50s with copper, brass, steel, wood and leather. His work was admired and collected by some of the elite of Hollywood including Barbara Hutton, Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney and Sammy Davis, Jr. His friends in Mexico who also purchased his work were: Diego Riviera...Category
Vintage 1950s Mexican Modernist Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsCopper
- Cartier Diamond and Gold BroochBy CartierLocated in New York, NYA French 1950's 18 karat gold brooch with diamonds by Cartier. The highly stylized brooch appears to be caught in motion, as a bouquet of gold ribs makes an elegant, diamond-crowned ...Category
Vintage 1950s French Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Gold
- Cartier Diamond and Gold Pinwheel BroochBy CartierLocated in Riverdale, NYTimeless and classic Cartier Diamond Accented Gold Pinwheel or flower clip in heavy 18k gold. There are 7 x .10 point diamonds which amount to c...Category
Vintage 1970s American Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Cartier Gold and Emerald Lion BroochBy CartierLocated in New York, NYA rare and elegant 18-karat gold and emerald lion brooch-pendant by Cartier, circa 1970s. This is a rare item published in Cartier's book on animal jewelry.Category
Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches
MaterialsEmerald
- Cartier Gold Diamond BroochBy CartierLocated in New York, NYSigned Cartier 18k yellow gold brooch with 2.00 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds.Category
Vintage 1940s French Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, 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.