Since 1847 Cartier has become synonymous with exceptional gems, ground-breaking design and exquisite craftsmanship. The company was founded over 170 years ago by Louis-Francois Cartier (1819-1904) but it was not until the early 20th century that his three grandsons propelled the company to international success and acclaim.
As Cartier’s success grew in Paris in the late nineteenth century, global expansion beckoned. Louis-Francois Cartier’s three grandsons made an ambitious and strategic decision to separate; Pierre Cartier (1878-1965) established a store at 4 New Burlington Street, London in 1902, that would later be controlled by the youngest brother Jacques Cartier (1884-1942); Pierre Cartier opened a store on Fifth Avenue, New York in 1909, and Louis Cartier (1875-1942) remained in Paris, the geographical heart and soul of the maison. Reference: Sotheby’s
A ‘Zodiac’ pendant,, circa 1970 The oval plaque depicting a crab to the obverse and the sign of Cancer to the reverse, signed Cartier Paris, numbered, maker’s marks, French assay mark, length 4.2cm
Sold for £ 3,375 inc. premium at Bonhams in 2017
GOLD PENDANT
Of oval shape, one side depicting Aries the ram, the other the zodiac sign
Metal: 18k yellow gold (tested) Size/Dimensions: 4.2 cm, 2.7 cm at widest point Signature: Cartier Paris Marks: numbered Gross Weight: 32.0 grams
Sold for HKD 25,000 at Christies in 2018
18K Gold Aries Zodiac Sign Ring
METAL: 18K yellow gold. MEASUREMENTS: ring size 5. Ring top is 14.5mm at widest point. MARKED: Cartier 18K 38222. WEIGHT: 5.5 grams
Sold for $1,600 at Hampton Estate Auction in 2018
Silver and Rock Crystal Globe, Circa 1935 The silver globe etched with names of six continents and three oceans, pivoted on a silver frame etched with twelve zodiac signs with names of twelve countries and their corresponding national figures, the globe resting on a stand set with rock crystal and silver, signed Cartier, height approximately 480mm.
Sold for 500,000 HKD at Sothebys in 2014
18 Karat Gold Pendant polished and satin finish, Greek zodiac sign for Leo one side and lion in profile verso, signed “Cartier, Paris” on bail, 50 x 35 mm., 51.6 grams.
Sold for $3,250 at Brunk Auctions in 2016
Cartier Makers Mark
