Why is Cartier so popular?

There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.

What is Cartier famous for?

Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

What is the Cartier symbol?

Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.

Is Cartier real gold?

As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.

Does Cartier rose gold fade?

Cartier rose gold doesn't tarnish but over many years of wearing, rose gold generally is said to become darker. Rose gold allegedly becomes slightly yellower in tone, toward a traditional gold.

How much is a Cartier bracelet?

The price of Cartier bracelets varies based on age, condition, and rarity. The least expensive versions of the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, can still cost around $4,000. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of Cartier bracelets for sale.

Is Cartier the same as Rolex?

No, Cartier is not the same as Rolex. Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847. Some of its most iconic watches include the Tank, the Santos, the Ballon Bleu, the Calibre de Cartier and the Drive de Cartier. Hans Wilsdorf established Rolex in London in 1905. Today, the maker is well-known for its sophisticated watches, including the Submariner, the Daytona, the DateJust, the Oyster Perpetual and the GMT-Master II. Find a selection of Cartier and Rolex watches on 1stDibs.

How much is a Cartier engagement ring?

A Cartier engagement ring can cost between $3,000 and $800,000. The price depends on the diamond's carat weight and quality.

Are Cartier watches automatic?

Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection , which includes the Tank Française , the Tank Louis Cartier and other models , features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904. Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft . Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911. Find vintage Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Is Cartier a luxury watch?

Yes, Cartier watches are considered luxury watches. Cartier is a noted jeweler, taking that attention to detail and access to high-quality metals and jewels to their watches—they spare no expense and are highly desirable. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier watches from some of the world’s top sellers.

Is Cartier cheaper in Paris?

Cartier pieces may be cheaper in Paris than they are in the U.S., but that's because of the exchange rate. Cartier doesn't price the pieces depending on the country.

How much is a Cartier worth?

How much a Cartier is worth varies. Many Cartier pieces do appreciate in value over time, but their potential selling prices depend on their age, style, type, availability and other factors. The condition also greatly impacts value, and there can be variability between very similar pieces. For example, one 1930 Tutti Frutti fetched $1.34 million at an auction in 2020, but a simpler one sold for $508,000 in 2023. Because it can be difficult to estimate the value of a piece on your own, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced dealer. Shop a wide variety of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

Cartier Blue Sapphire

Cartier Platinum And Diamonds Brooches

Cartier Pin

Cartier Cabochon

1990s Yellow Gold Ring Sapphire

Cartier Art Deco Diamond

Cartier Gold Dome Ring

$5,397

Cartier Lapis Lazuli Travel Alarm Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

The circular steel back of the clock signed ‘Cartier’ with two cabochon cut blue sapphires for the hand setting and the alarm.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Unavailable

Unavailable

W 0.2 in L 6.5 in

Cartier, 18 Karat, Sapphire Line Bracelet

By Cartier

Located in Munich, DE

Fine 18 KT, sapphire line bracelet, channel-set with nice bright blue square cuts.

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary More Bracelets

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Unavailable

Cartier Lanieres Sapphire Diamond Band Ring in 18 Karat White Gold

By Cartier

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Cartier Lanieres wide band in 18-karat white gold with diamonds and blue sapphires.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Cartier Byzantine Cross Pin Pendant 18k Gold Diamonds Rubies Sapphires

Unavailable

W 1.75 in L 2 in

Vintage Cartier Byzantine Cross Pin Pendant 18k Gold Diamonds Rubies Sapphires

By Cartier

Located in Houston, TX

This Vintage Cartier Byzantine gem-set cross is in excellent condition. -- Solid 18k yellow gold set with colorless round diamonds, pear-shaped sapphires, square rubies and a squar...

Category

2010s French Byzantine Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier Silk Scarf backed in Linen Pillow Sapphire Blue Antique Gold

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 16 in Dm 16 in

Going Back to Estate Rare 18-Karat Blue Sapphire Diamond Necklace

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A rare important estate radiant 18-karat white gold Ceylon blue sapphire diamond necklace consisting of over 90-carat of fine round, oval, emerald, and pear shaped Ceylon blue sapphi...

Category

20th Century American Collectible Jewelry

Cartier "Sorbet" Collection Set Ring and Necklace

Unavailable

Cartier "Sorbet" Collection Set Ring and Necklace

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

18 Karat White Gold Cartier "Sorbet" Collection Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Tourmaline Ring and matchinbg Necklace DESIGNER / HALLMARKS: Cartier #62467B METAL: 18k White Gold GE...

Category

Early 2000s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Tourmaline, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Unavailable

Cartier Tank Anglaise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Women's Automatic Watch W5310015

By Cartier

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Signature blue sword hands and sapphire crown. Folding deployment buckle clasp.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier, Pair of 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Tutti Fruti Openwork Earrings

Unavailable

H 0.87 in W 0.87 in

Cartier, Pair of 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Tutti Fruti Openwork Earrings

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

CARTIER, PAIR OF 18ct YELLOW GOLD TUTTI FRUTI OPENWORK EARRINGS, each of abstract foliage design, set with rubies, emeralds, blue sapphires and diamonds.

Category

Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Signed Cartier Vintage Trembleuse Brooch Moveable Flower That Opens or Closes

Unavailable

Signed Cartier Vintage Trembleuse Brooch Moveable Flower That Opens or Closes

By Cartier

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: brooch Condition: excellent condition Brand: Cartier Signature: Cartier Do you wish for a 360° view of this unique jewel? Just send us your request ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...

Cartier 40's 18K Gold Diamond and Gemset Compact, Circa 1940

Unavailable

Dm 3.5 in

Cartier 40's 18K Gold Diamond and Gemset Compact, Circa 1940

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier, London 1940's, 18K Gold, Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz, Compact, Circa 1940 The first letter of each gemstone acrostically spell D(diamond) E(emerald)...

Category

Vintage 1940s British Retro Vanity Items

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Imperial Topaz, 18k Gold

Sold

W 0.95 in L 1.11 in

Vintage Cartier Ruby and Blue Sapphire Flower Brooch

By Cartier

Located in London, England

A beautiful vintage Cartier blue sapphire and ruby flower brooch set in 18k yellow gold.

Category

1990s Modern Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier Meli Melo Blue Sapphire and Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 18k Gold

Sold

18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Band Statement Ring

Located in Coeur d Alene, ID

18Kt yellow gold ring with sapphires and 20 round brilliant cut diamonds. Approximately .50 carats, S12 clarity and H color. Marked "18K" and "750". 7.1 Total grams, ring size 9.75, ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Gypsy Ring, France

$4,400

Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Gypsy Ring, France

By Cartier

Located in Bradenton, FL

Vintage Cartier 18K Gold with Diamond and Sapphire Dome or Gypsy Ring. Ring features a dome-form band centered by an approximately 0.16 carat round flush-set diamond flanked by two r...

Category

1990s French Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

$2,275

Vintage 3 Carat Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Band Ring 14k Gold

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage 3 Carat Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Band Ring 14k Gold. The ring features a natural transparent center blue sapphire weighting approx 0.60 carat and surrounding blue sapphires s...

Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Diamond and Sapphire Three Stone Ring, French, circa 1950

$58,212

Cartier Diamond and Sapphire Three Stone Ring, French, circa 1950

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Cartier diamond and sapphire three stone ring. Centrally set with a square step cut diamond, H-I colour, VVS2-VS1 clarity, with an approximate weight of 0.80 carats, in an open back ...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage KENNETH LANE silver sapphire blue bar brooch

$135Sale Price|40% Off

Vintage KENNETH LANE silver sapphire blue bar brooch

By Kenneth Lane

Located in Palos Hills, IL

DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • silver tone with rhinestones • vintage designer runway brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs ...

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone

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CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

An art deco ring designed by Cartier. This is a magnificent art deco ring, created in Paris France and designed by the jewelry house of Cartier. This colorful cocktail ring is very ...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Clip-On Earrings, 20g

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Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Clip-On Earrings, 20g

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A Timeless Expression of Luxury and Heritage Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Shaped Clip-On Earrings. Steeped in the...

Category

20th Century French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

$4,800,000

Harry Winston Diamond Necklace

By Harry Winston

Located in Sausalito, CA

Gorgeous 18k yellow gold necklace, containing total of 75 emerald cut fancy yellow diamonds signed by Harry Winston. Featured with a 10.75ct. cut-cornerd rectangular diamond as a pen...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano 2001 Chris 1947 Cadillac Denim Saddle Bag

$8,999

UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano 2001 Chris 1947 Cadillac Denim Saddle Bag

By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in Switzerland, CH

A very rare Cadillac denim bag designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior Fall 2001 collection Featured on the runway and in the AD campaign Special piece, produced in a very limit...

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

$64,500

W 1.5 in L 6.75 in

Cartier Playing Card Brooches and Gold Cuff

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

Exuding the decadence of a bygone era, this pair of playing card clip brooches hail from the revered French jeweler Cartier. Each pin is crafted of red, white, blue and black enamel ...

Category

20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

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Cartier Blue Sapphire For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact cartier blue sapphire you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a cartier blue sapphire from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but 1.5 Carat and 2 Carat versions are of considerable interest. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cabochon cut and french cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a cartier blue sapphire, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Cartier Blue Sapphire?

Prices for a cartier blue sapphire can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $975 and can go as high as $750,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $7,966.

Cartier for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Sapphire in Jewelry Design

On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry.

Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.

Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.

America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.

The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.

You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.

Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).

The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)

Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.

Questions About Cartier

Why is Cartier so popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
What is Cartier famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
What is the Cartier symbol?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
Is Cartier real gold?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
Does Cartier rose gold fade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Cartier rose gold doesn't tarnish but over many years of wearing, rose gold generally is said to become darker. Rose gold allegedly becomes slightly yellower in tone, toward a traditional gold.
How much is a Cartier bracelet?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
The price of Cartier bracelets varies based on age, condition, and rarity. The least expensive versions of the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, can still cost around $4,000. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of Cartier bracelets for sale.
Is Cartier the same as Rolex?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
No, Cartier is not the same as Rolex. Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847. Some of its most iconic watches include the Tank, the Santos, the Ballon Bleu, the Calibre de Cartier and the Drive de Cartier. Hans Wilsdorf established Rolex in London in 1905. Today, the maker is well-known for its sophisticated watches, including the Submariner, the Daytona, the DateJust, the Oyster Perpetual and the GMT-Master II. Find a selection of Cartier and Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
How much is a Cartier engagement ring?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
A Cartier engagement ring can cost between $3,000 and $800,000. The price depends on the diamond's carat weight and quality.
Are Cartier watches automatic?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024
Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection, which includes the Tank Française, the Tank Louis Cartier and other models, features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.

While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.

It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904.

Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft. Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911.

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Is Cartier a luxury watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Cartier watches are considered luxury watches. Cartier is a noted jeweler, taking that attention to detail and access to high-quality metals and jewels to their watches—they spare no expense and are highly desirable. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
Is Cartier cheaper in Paris?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Cartier pieces may be cheaper in Paris than they are in the U.S., but that's because of the exchange rate. Cartier doesn't price the pieces depending on the country.
How much is a Cartier worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
How much a Cartier is worth varies. Many Cartier pieces do appreciate in value over time, but their potential selling prices depend on their age, style, type, availability and other factors. The condition also greatly impacts value, and there can be variability between very similar pieces. For example, one 1930 Tutti Frutti fetched $1.34 million at an auction in 2020, but a simpler one sold for $508,000 in 2023. Because it can be difficult to estimate the value of a piece on your own, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced dealer. Shop a wide variety of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

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