Gemolithos a Cartier Signed Diamond Brooch, circa 1938
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:Platinum
- Stone:Diamond
- Stone Cut:Old European Cut
- Dimensions:Width: 1.58 in (40 mm)Length: 1.97 in (50 mm)
- Style:Art Deco
- Place of Origin:France
- Period:1930-1939
- Date of Manufacture:1938
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Munich, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU106139282282
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.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Munich, Germany
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Gemolithos, Art Deco Diamond Brooch, French, by Cartier. Circa 1928Located in Munich, DEGemolithos, Art Deco Diamond Brooch, French, 1928 by Cartier. Diamonds est. Total 9.3ct F-G/VVS-Si, measurements: 65x26mm, weight : 15.38gr. platinumCategory
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- GEMOLITHOS Belle Epoque, Pearl and Diamond Line Brooch, 1900sLocated in Munich, DEBelle Epoque, Pearl & Diamond Line Brooch. 1900´sCategory
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Belle Époque Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum
- Gemolithos a "Koch" Signed Platinum Turquoise and Diamond NecklaceLocated in Munich, DEGEMOLITHOS Turquoise and diamond necklace, mounted in platinum, signed Koch, circa 1960´sCategory
Vintage 1960s German Retro Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Turquoise, Platinum
- Gemolithos a Victorian Gold, Silver and Diamond Star Brooch/PendantLocated in Munich, DEA Victorian gold, silver & diamond Star brooch/pendant. Width 5,3cm. Weight 15,95gr. 67 Diamonds. Middle Diamond ca 2,8ct Rest of Diamonds 8,5ct KM/VS2 silver & gold 18kCategory
Antique 1880s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, Silver
- Gemolithos, Victorian, Hardstone Cameo, Pearl and Diamond Pendant-BroochLocated in Munich, DEGemolithos, Victorian, hardstone cameo, pearl and rose´-cut diamond pendant-brooch. Circa 1880s. Measurements 85x37mm, weight: 27,3gr.Category
Antique 1880s Italian Victorian Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsPearl, Natural Pearl, Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold
- Gemolithos, Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Bracelet, circa 1920sLocated in Munich, DEGemolithos, Art Deco emerald and Diamond bracelet ca. 1920s in platinum, diamond weight ca.11.00ct measurments: 184x15mm, weigh...Category
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco More Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Platinum
- Cartier Platinum Diamond Clip Brooch, Signed, Cartier London, 1950By CartierLocated in Heerlen, NLOne (1) White Platinum Brooch, signed: Cartier London. Clip mechanique, set with: 36 brillant cut daimonds 3.00ct VVS/VS -D-E 10 single cut diamaonds 0.20ct VVS/VS - D-E 19 baquette cut diamonds 2.00 ct VVS/VS - D-E weight: 10.43 grams Measerments of the Brooch: 33 x 20 x 10 mm Signed : hand engraved...Category
Vintage 1950s British Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Cartier Antique Diamond Bow Brooch, circa 1910By CartierLocated in London, GBCartier antique diamond bow brooch. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond in an open back millegrain setting with a weight of ...Category
Vintage 1910s Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Cartier emerald and diamond fox brooch, circa 1940.By CartierLocated in London, GBCartier emerald and diamond fox brooch. Set with two oval cabochon natural emeralds in open back rubover settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.35...Category
Vintage 1940s Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
- Diamond and Platinum Brooch by Cartier, Circa 1900By CartierLocated in London, GBA diamond and platinum brooch by Cartier, circa 1900. This elegant brooch by Cartier dates from the turn of the last century and is in beautiful condition for its age. The brooch t...Category
Antique Early 1900s French Late Victorian Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Cartier Diamond BroochBy CartierLocated in Palm Beach, FLMagnificent One-Of-A-Kind Cartier Citrine and Diamond Brooch.Category
20th Century French Art Deco Brooches
- Vintage Cartier Emerald and Diamond Platinum Brooch, Circa 1960.By CartierLocated in London, GBA vintage Cartier emerald and diamond platinum brooch, circa 1960. Designed as a circle, claw set with alternating round brilliant cut diamond...Category
Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Platinum
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.