Founded in 1847 by Parisian watchmaker Louis-Francois Cartier, Cartier is one of the most luxurious and sought-after brands in the world.
The French brand was family-owned up until 1964, today it forms part of the prestigious Swiss Richemont Group. Operating more than 200 stores across 125 countries, with three Temples (historical maisons) in London, Paris and New York. With an estimated brand value of 10.4 billion pounds, I’m sure we’d all agree that Cartier is one of the most prominent global status symbols to date.
The Love Collection
Unlikely to ever be otherwise, the Cartier Love bracelet is as sought after as it is iconic. First created in 1969, it has remained popular for decades and its popularity shows no signs of abating. With its oval shape ensuring it sits tightly on the wearer’s wrist, it must be physically screwed on, thus signifying the permanence of true love as two people are needed to secure the screws in place, a truly decadent symbol of love and commitment.
When it was first released, it is rumoured that Cartier gifted pairs of the bracelet to some of the world’s most famous couples during the 20th century, from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen to Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti to name a few.
Nowadays the love bracelet is seen on the wrists of many famous celebrities, the most stylish of the fashion crowd and even royalty with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sporting matching love bracelets on the cover of TIME magazine in 2020, while Meghan has been spotted wearing hers on numerous occasions over the years.
Due to the craftsmanship that goes into the production of each and every exquisite piece, not only will Cartier jewellery hold its value but in many cases it will even increase in value over time, the Love Collection, in particular, is adored by collectors of fine jewellery the world over and it is our opinion that it is one collection which is here to stay.
Cartier at Lanes & Co
As part of our upcoming Summer Sparkle auction, we have been fortunate enough to procure a few Cartier pieces. We have a number of wristwatches as well as a stunning piece from the Panthère de Cartier collection. This necklace was first purchased in 2021 and has a RRP of £8100.
Now synonymous with the luxury brand, the Panthère collection began with one woman, Jeanne Toussaint. When Toussaint, a Parisian style icon, became acquainted with founder Louis Cartier, she became his lover and inspiration for the famous jewellery line. As a result of Toussaint’s elegance and finely decorated apartment adorned with leopard skin, she earned the nickname “La Panthère” and shortly afterwards, in 1914 the first Cartier Panthère wristwatch was produced.
The elegant panther design has endured for more than a century and the Cartier Panthère collection continues to evolve and remains as desirable and popular as ever.
In 1948 the then Duchess of Windsor approached Toussaint and asked her to create a brooch which would incorporate the panther design. The Duchess being so taken with the now iconic feline, later purchased a further six pieces to add to her growing collection, perhaps the most famous piece being a brooch which consisted of pave diamonds and sapphires perched atop a 152.35ct sapphire cabochon.
Also in our Summer Sparkle auction, we have a 2009, 18ct yellow gold, La Dona De Cartier wristwatch. This stunning timepiece features a silver dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and blue hands, quartz movement, diamond bezel, sapphire crystal, scratch resistant glass on an 18ct bracelet.
Possibly one of our most luxurious auctions to date, the Summer Sparkle is one which is definitely not to be missed.
