Cartier Rare
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Drop Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century French Art Deco Vanity Items
Gold Plate, Gold
Late 20th Century French Modern Cuff Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s French Clutches
Late 20th Century French Art Nouveau Vanity Items
Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
18k Gold
20th Century Solitaire Rings
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Band Rings
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
20th Century French Band Rings
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Band Rings
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Hoop Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Band Rings
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Artist Brooches
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century French Modernist Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Vanity Items
Gold, Gold Plate
Vintage 1950s American Retro Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
1990s French Link Bracelets
Diamond, White Gold
Late 20th Century Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1940s French Retro Boxes and Cases
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s American Bangles
14k Gold
Late 20th Century French Band Rings
Platinum
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Pocket Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1920s British Brooches
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1980s European Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Modern Charm Bracelets
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Sterling Silver
1990s Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Scarves
French Wrist Watches
Early 2000s French Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Black Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1950s English Boxes and Cases
18k Gold
Vintage 1930s Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire
Vintage 1930s French Brooches
Citrine, Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century French Baroque Vanity Items
18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
1990s French Contemporary Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Paperweights
Crystal
Vintage 1970s French Brooches
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Collectible Jewelry
Gold
Vintage 1950s French Engagement Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces
Gold
Late 20th Century French Sunglasses
Vintage 1910s French Belle Époque Fashion Rings
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s French Wrist Watches
Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s German Contemporary Link Bracelets
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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Cartier Rare For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Cartier Rare?
Cartier for sale on 1stDibs
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.
- Are Cartier watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection, which includes the Tank Française, the Tank Louis Cartier and other models, features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.
While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.
It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904.
Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft. Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911.
Find vintage Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A Cartier engagement ring can cost between $3,000 and $800,000. The price depends on the diamond's carat weight and quality.
- Is Cartier a luxury watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Cartier watches are considered luxury watches. Cartier is a noted jeweler, taking that attention to detail and access to high-quality metals and jewels to their watches—they spare no expense and are highly desirable. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is Cartier cheaper in Paris?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Cartier pieces may be cheaper in Paris than they are in the U.S., but that's because of the exchange rate. Cartier doesn't price the pieces depending on the country.
- How much is a Cartier worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024How much a Cartier is worth varies. Many Cartier pieces do appreciate in value over time, but their potential selling prices depend on their age, style, type, availability and other factors. The condition also greatly impacts value, and there can be variability between very similar pieces. For example, one 1930 Tutti Frutti fetched $1.34 million at an auction in 2020, but a simpler one sold for $508,000 in 2023. Because it can be difficult to estimate the value of a piece on your own, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced dealer. Shop a wide variety of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier the same as Rolex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024No, Cartier is not the same as Rolex. Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847. Some of its most iconic watches include the Tank, the Santos, the Ballon Bleu, the Calibre de Cartier and the Drive de Cartier. Hans Wilsdorf established Rolex in London in 1905. Today, the maker is well-known for its sophisticated watches, including the Submariner, the Daytona, the DateJust, the Oyster Perpetual and the GMT-Master II. Find a selection of Cartier and Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- How much is a Cartier bracelet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The price of Cartier bracelets varies based on age, condition, and rarity. The least expensive versions of the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, can still cost around $4,000. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of Cartier bracelets for sale.
- Does Cartier rose gold fade?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Cartier rose gold doesn't tarnish but over many years of wearing, rose gold generally is said to become darker. Rose gold allegedly becomes slightly yellower in tone, toward a traditional gold.
- Is Cartier real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
- Why is Cartier so popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier famous for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
- What is the Cartier symbol?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
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