Cartier 1980s Orsay Aviator Sunglasses
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please note these glasses are prescription and lenses will need to be replaced.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU167212403462
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: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Giorgio Armani 1990s Black Silver SunglassesBy Giorgio ArmaniLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your eyewear this summer with these beautiful Giorgio Armani dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s! The most elegant sunglasses featuring blue/green tone lenses accompanied by bl...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Versace 1990s Purple SunglassesBy VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZHow special are these Versace dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s?! The perfect aviator style sunglasses in a show stopping pastel purple color. These are the perfect every day sunglas...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Cartier Granite Rimless SunglassesBy CartierLocated in Scottsdale, AZA favorite of both jewelry and fashion lovers, Cartier is always a classic! Circa 1980s, these rimless sunglasses feature an 18k gold plated frame w...Category
1980s French Sunglasses
- Cartier Two-Tone Oval GlassesBy CartierLocated in Scottsdale, AZA favorite of both jewelry and fashion lovers, Cartier is always a classic! Circa 1980s, these glasses feature a two-tone silver and 18k gold plated frame with a knotted design on th...Category
1980s French Sunglasses
- Jean Paul Gaultier 1995 SunglassesBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your look wit these amazing Jean Paul Gaultier sunglasses! Circa 1995, these sunglasses feature an industrial rounded frame with JPG embossed on the bridge and black lenses. ...Category
1990s Japanese Sunglasses
- Cartier Panther Rimless Glasses circa 1980sBy CartierLocated in Scottsdale, AZA favorite of both jewelry and fashion lovers, Cartier is always a classic! Circa 1980s, these rimless glasses feature an 18k gold plated frame with th...Category
1980s French Sunglasses
- 1980s Charme frame- glassesBy charmeLocated in Capri, IT1980s Charme frame- glassesCategory
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- Dior Homme Dior0210s Palladium SunglassesBy Christian DiorLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: black/gun metal Item Code: DIOR0210S Frame Material: Metal Comes With: Leather Sunglass case Condition: Frame & lens show faint scratches. Made ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sunglasses
- Jeremy Scotto smiles sunglassesBy Jeremy ScottLocated in Capri, ITJeremy Scotto smiles sunglassesCategory
1990s Sunglasses
- Chanel CC Monogram Hardware Made in Italy Sunglasses CC-0912N-0006By ChanelLocated in Downey, CAChanel CC Monogram Hardware Made in Italy Sunglasses CC-0912n-0006 These fabulous Chanel sunglasses feature eyed frame style with CC monogram logos ...Category
2010s Italian Sunglasses
- Emporio Armani Semi Half Rim Narrow EA9503 GlassesBy EMPORIO ARMANI EA7Located in Downey, CAEmporio Armani Semi Half Rim Narrow EA9503 Glasses Get the fashionable look with these Emporio Armani semi rim acetate prescription glasses! It features lens and sturdy frame with l...Category
2010s Italian Sunglasses
- Dior Brown Gradient Gold-tone Metal Frame Pilot Unisex Tinted SunglassesBy Christian DiorLocated in Downey, CADior Brown Gradient Gold-tone Metal Frame Pilot Unisex Tinted Sunglasses These DIOR Gold-tone Metal Frame Pilot Unisex Sunglasses are the perfect fe...Category
2010s Italian Sunglasses
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.