The Cartier Destinee Necklace
The Cartier Destinee necklace is made from 750/1000-grade rose gold and is paved with a brilliant-cut diamond. The total carat weight varies depending on the size of the creation ordered. The necklace is available in different lengths. The diamonds used to set the necklace are typically 0.23 to 0.29 carats in size.
Cartier’s first royal client
Cartier was successful in France and sold to the French aristocracy for decades, but Alfred was considering expanding internationally. After learning about Faberge, he sent his sons, Pierre and Jaques, to Russia and New York to look for business opportunities. Jaques was then sent to London to open Cartier’s first shop. Louis, on the other hand, chose to stay in Paris and pursue his own affairs in familiar territory.
Cartier’s first royal client was the Duchess of Windsor, who became the first monarch to wear a Cartier creation. She had a particular fondness for panther jewels and was fascinated by the artist’s work. As a result, the Duke of Windsor commissioned a gold and onyx panther brooch for his wife. In fact, the Duchess acquired 12 “big cat” accessories from Cartier during her lifetime.
Throughout the exhibition, the creative process of Cartier is showcased in a unique way. From the first family member, Louis Cartier, to the third generation, he sought to imitate the famous jewels of Peter Carl Faberge. Eventually, Louis Cartier shifted to the new “style moderne,” an era of modernity and innovation.
Following the success of his London branch, Cartier quickly expanded its client list. The company had also been able to attract the attention of the Russian court. Two years later, the company became an official supplier of jewellery to the Imperial Court. From there, the firm continued to service the French royalty and aspirant bankers and industrialists. This continued to be a lucrative period for Cartier. It’s no wonder that it was able to flourish.
Louis Cartier’s relationship with the royal family continued for decades. King Alfonso XIII welcomed the French company and the two of them worked together to develop and design new pieces for the royal family. They commissioned pieces like the Mystery Clock and diamond garland tiara. Another of Cartier’s most famous creations was the Art Deco diamond Stomacher, which was sold at Christie’s in 1977.
The Tank watch
The Tank is one of the most well-known Cartier watches. This square dial timepiece was first introduced in 1917. In those days, wristwatches were rare, and pocket watches were more common. However, Louis Cartier decided to challenge the conventions of the timepiece and drew the first square case in 1904. The tank’s design was inspired by the plan view of a tank. Its strap and brancards represent the treads, and the case is the turret. During World War I, the Tank watch became an instant style icon for both men and women.
Despite being a classic watch, the Tank has an impressive history. The design is iconic and has become an iconic part of the brand’s collection. It was once worn by Pierce Brosnan and Rolling Stone Keith Richards. Now, a century later, it has made the transition to the 21st century and remains a style classic. This timepiece was designed to make an impression on the wearer and evoke a feeling of awe and wonder.
The Tank is one of the most iconic watches from Cartier. Its design was inspired by the Renault tanks used on the Western Front. In fact, a prototype of the watch was given to General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force. This awe-inspiring timepiece continues to be one of the most sought-after timepieces in the world.
The Tank watch is a geometric masterpiece that has a long and distinguished history. It was first introduced in 1919 at the Cartier salon in Paris. It became an icon and symbol of modern design, and has since been worn by royalty, artists, and warriors alike. The Tank has a universal appeal, and its design is both masculine and feminine.
The mystery clocks
Cartier’s mystery clocks are a masterpiece of craftsmanship. These timepieces are one-of-a-kind and require the services of a large team of jewelers, horologists, and craftspeople. Cartier’s designers are also meticulous when it comes to selecting precious materials. They never settle for less than the best, and they travel to exotic locations to find the finest rock crystal.
Cartier began designing mystery clocks over 110 years ago. These intricate and elegant timepieces feature bejeweled hands and crystal clear cases. These pieces were considered a “miracle of horology” by La Gazette du Bon Ton in 1925. The design of these pieces owes much to the illusionist Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin, who created some of the most dazzling illusions of all time.
The mystery clocks are made of gold, platinum, and rock crystal. They are adorned with rose-cut diamonds, onyx, and coral cabochons. They are set in an enamel base. They are part of the Cartier Collection, which includes more than 1,600 pieces.
The mystery clocks on the Destine necklace are made in various designs. The elephant clock, for example, is one of fourteen in a series that was made between 1922 and 1931. This model was inspired in part by 18th-century clocks with a clock on the back of the animal. It is a revealing example of Cartier’s fascination with the East. Elephants are used in South-East Asia as transporting royalty, and the elephant has a symbolic meaning in the region.
Cartier’s Mystery Clocks have always had a sense of mystery and enigmatic appeal. The brand has refused to publicly state the number of clocks it has created and has remained discreet about its production. The mysterious dials are made of translucent disks that are driven by a hidden clock movement inside the base. The dials are positioned in such a way that they seem to float in space and rotate.
The Tutti Frutti collection
The Tutti Frutti collection is iconic of the Cartier style. The collection was inspired by India and uses a combination of precious carved gems, colours, and volumes to express a unique style. The designs use a combination of diamonds, sapphires, and onyx and are set in platinum. Each piece is adorned with a different coloured accent. Often reminiscent of fruit salads, these pieces are extremely eye-catching.
The Tutti Frutti style was first popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It uses Moghul style carved colored gemstones, which are commonly used in traditional Indian jewelry. Cartier mounted the gems in diamond and platinum settings to create these designs. The Tutti Frutti collection is highly prized and collectible.
This collection is one of Cartier’s most popular pieces. During the Art Deco era, it became incredibly popular. It also incorporated the panthre motif into its designs. Another recognizable piece is the Love bracelet, a modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts.
The Cartier brothers were the right people for their time. They each brought their own talent, personality, and style to the business. As a result, they set the stage for a remarkable jewelry design journey that is still written in history. Their designs and craftsmanship were unmatched since the days of Faberge.
The Love bracelet
The Love bracelet is one of Cartier’s most iconic designs. This close-fitting oval bracelet is made of 18K rose gold. Its clasp features two functional screws and comes with a screwdriver. Designed by Aldo Cipullo in 1969, the bracelet is a nod to the classic Santos watch. Its oval shape mimics the shape of the wrist.
In the last decade, the Love bracelet has become even more popular than it was before. The jewelry house Assouline even published a book about its inventor Aldo Cipullo, celebrating this iconic accessory. In the book, you can find 10 interesting facts about the history of the Cartier love bracelet.
In 2016, the Cartier Love bracelet became the most Googled piece of jewelry. It pushed traditional notions of jewelry and redefined the way women wear them. The Love bracelet is secured with a screwdriver and cannot be taken off daily, making it a perfect choice for women who want to stand out.
After Cipullo created the design, he worked with Tiffany & Co and David Webb to create a prototype of the necklace. However, the design was rejected by Tiffany & Co, so he took his design to Cartier New York. At the time, Cartier was a family-owned French brand. It was sold in 1969, and then split into three international branches. In 1976, the three branches reunited and became Cartier Worldwide.
Cartier is a jewelry manufacturer and watchmaker that has been affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The famous Cartier Ruby and Diamond Bracelet once belonged to Duchess Wallis Simpson. This stunning piece sold for an incredible price in November 2021. With its rich history, this bracelet has a story to tell.
The Cartier Destinee Necklace