Cartier Cartier Sapphire Pendant
If you’re looking for a piece of jewellery with a bit of history, then consider this stunning cartier sapphire pendant. It’s the largest sapphire ever offered at auction and its intriguing story makes it a truly special gem to own.
This gorgeous jewel has a fascinating history behind it, starting with Queen Marie of Romania. She wore it as part of her diamond sautoir when she was crowned in 1922 and it became one of her most iconic pieces.
1. Size
Cartier is a luxury jewellery house that is known for their high-quality craftsmanship and excellent design. They are often characterized by their lavish pieces that incorporate other gemstones and diamonds in unique settings for contrast and color.
Their collection is a combination of traditional designs and modern innovations. Their range is designed to appeal to a wide range of people including royal families and aristocrats.
Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, the company quickly became recognized for its exemplary workmanship and taste. They opened a London branch in 1902 and a New York branch in 1909.
As well as designing jewelry, they also manufacture watches and silverware. The brand continues to produce exceptional quality pieces that are loved around the world.
One of their most famous works is their Royal 478 carat sapphire pendant which was originally part of a sautoir consisting of seven other sapphires. The necklace was exhibited in 1919 at the Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian and was viewed by many of the world’s elite.
The sapphire drop was sold two years later to King Ferdinand of Romania, who wore it on occasions such as the Coronation of his daughter Queen Marie in 1922. The sapphire is the largest cut sapphire in history and is considered one of the most beautiful jewels ever created.
Another historic sapphire in this size is the cabochon star sapphire, ‘The Star of India’ which weighs 563 carats. It is now in the American Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Other historical sapphires in this size include ‘Peter the Great’s Nose’, a 547 carat polished sapphire donated to the Smithsonian Institution circa 1900, and ‘Catherine the Great’s Sapphire’, a 337 carat sapphire which was acquired by Harry Winston in 1948.
2. Weight
The weight of a cartier sapphire pendant can vary depending on the design. For example, the heaviest versions of this accessory often feature multiple pieces of diamonds and sapphires that are arranged in an intricate manner to create a dazzling effect.
A sapphire necklace is a longstanding tradition that dates back to Ancient Egypt, where royals used this type of jewelry as a way to adorn themselves. It was a particularly popular choice for the women of the time because it accentuated their natural beauty and provided a bit of sparkle to their otherwise subdued appearances.
Today, this type of accessory is commonly made of gold or 18k gold, and has been crafted in many styles and designs over the years. Whether you are seeking an antique iteration of this piece or a modern creation, it is important to carefully consider all of your options before making a final decision.
It is also important to remember that the weight of a specific accessory can depend on the stone being used, the setting and other factors. Luckily, 1stDibs offers a wide variety of these items for sale so you can find the perfect match for your budget.
While the weight of a cartier sapphire necklace can differ from one design to the next, it is generally considered to be the lightest option available for these accessories. This means that it is likely to be less expensive than other pieces of this type.
The weight of a sapphire necklace is typically the most important consideration for anyone who wants to make the best purchase possible. This is because a well-made item is typically more durable and will last for a longer period of time than a poorly constructed version that will likely break down or wear out quickly.
3. Color
The color of a cartier sapphire pendant can be quite dramatic, depending on its setting and the gemstone used. Some are colored with rare and exotic gems, such as paraiba tourmalines or velvety Sri Lankan sapphires, while others may feature a classic salmon-pink or blue-green hue.
For example, a pinky-orange Padparadscha sapphire, which comes from Sri Lanka, has a deep, rich color that is unlike any other sapphire in the world. This stone is rare and incredibly expensive.
Another rarer gem that appears in a lot of Cartier’s Art Deco jewelry is a large, orange-tinted sapphire called a sugarloaf cabochon. It is a unique stone that has a well-balanced tint of trace elements, and it was used to create this stunning necklace.
This jewel was created by Cartier in 1913, and it was worn by Queen Marie of Romania to the coronation of her husband King Ferdinand of Romania. The royal family owned several pieces of jewelry from the company, and this piece was among their most important.
Throughout the 1920s, this design stayed in style, and it became increasingly popular as a mourning necklace. It was also a very elegant accessory for women who were not wealthy enough to have diamond necklaces.
When shopping for a cartier sapphire pendant, be sure to consider its size and shape. It is also important to check the metal used, as this can have an impact on its look.
The 1920s were a time of great change in jewelry styles, with softer shapes that emphasized curves and volutes. These designs incorporated more rock crystal, and were often framed with diamond swags, coral or enamel motifs. Platinum was also becoming more popular, and Cartier produced a lot of delicate, white gold jewelry with this material.
4. Shape
Cartier is one of the world’s most prestigious jewelry brands, and its exquisite pieces are both classic and contemporary. This is reflected in their wide variety of gemstones and their unique designs, which often reflect a combination of global influences.
While most of the jewels in Cartier’s collections feature dazzling diamonds, the company also has a long history of designing sapphire jewelry, too. These gems are coveted for their color, sparkle and durability.
For instance, the iconic Cartier Pink Sapphire & Diamond Pendant features a.24ct faceted sapphire, set in 18k rose gold. The piece is perfect for a special occasion or an everyday wear.
The most renowned piece in the Cartier collection is Queen Marie of Romania’s 478-carat sapphire pendant, which was made for her by the House and was one of the jewels she wore during the 1920s. She wore it alongside the Vladimir sapphire tiara she had bought from Grand Duchess Vladimir, who fled Russia after World War I. The two jewels were the centerpieces of her coronation in 1922 and she was pictured with them by Sir Philip de Laszlo in 1924.
During the 1910s, Cartier started to use more exotic stones in their creations, such as Indian emeralds and rubies. This became evident in their Garland style designs, which combined traditional eighteenth-century motifs and Neo-classical elements with more modern opulence.
In this period, the firm also experimented with platinum. The new metal was light and flexible, which meant that fine, almost invisible settings were possible. This allowed Cartier to produce intricate delicate designs that would become their hallmark.
During this time, the firm also continued to innovate and create pieces that would reflect the social changes that were taking place across Europe. These were particularly reflected in their demi-parures and easy to wear dress rings.
5. Setting
The setting of a cartier sapphire pendant should be as beautiful as the gemstone it is set with. Cartier is renowned for their exemplary workmanship and taste, so they always create pieces that are both elegant and stunning.
Founded in Paris by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847, the company quickly became a renowned brand for its exceptional quality and fine craftsmanship. As a result, it became a favourite of royal families and celebrities alike.
After Louis-Francois passed away, his son Alfred took over the business and continued the firm’s vision, embracing the modernisation of French society in the late 19th century. In addition to the classic Cartier collections of diamonds and silver, the firm also exhibited a range of objects in the Art Deco style.
This included wrought objects of exceptional and often rare materials that incorporated European and Oriental forms into the design. These objects would become the signature motifs of the Cartier house.
One of the most famous designs from this period is the Tutti Frutti collection, which combines carved emeralds and rubies with diamonds in a fruit-inspired design. This style of jewelry was popular with clients such as the Duchess of Windsor and Daisy Fellowes, who were avid Cartier collectors.
While the jewellery industry was experiencing a recession at the time, Cartier managed to survive the crisis by expanding abroad and introducing new innovations to the market. They opened a London branch in 1902 and a New York branch in 1909.
The 1920s saw a surge in innovation for the luxury jeweler, as they introduced an array of new materials and techniques into their designs. These innovations are reflected in their platinum garland jewelry, which embodies the company’s distinctive aesthetic.
Cartier Cartier Sapphire Pendant