Cartier’s Art Deco Era: Timeless Craftsmanship
Anyone who knows me knows I am never at a loss for words about estate jewelry and what it is about the world of fine vintage pieces that clicks with me. Certainly, I have seen my fair share of good and bad over the years, but on the whole, there is magic in the history and inherent value of a timeless estate piece.
Sometimes in this jewelry career, I feel I am in the presence of greatness. A piece that makes me stop in my tracks and relish what it is that I do. Yesterday, I had the good fortune to acquire an exceptional and extraordinary Cartier Art Deco platinum, rock crystal, and diamond bracelet.
At the height of the Art Deco period, Cartier was at the forefront of a burgeoning interest in exceptional artistic and stylish jewelry designs. Finding inspiration in the Indian and Islamic cultures the Cartier designers, under the watchful eye and tutelage of Louis Cartier, created masterpieces of art on the wrist for a discerning and demanding clientele.
This particular bracelet is a perfect example of the juxtaposition of the strength of fitted platinum and diamond double panel design with a virtually invisible clear rock crystal connection. Positive and negative—Yin and Yang. Night and day it strikes a chord of sacred and divine in the articulated Hindu-influenced panels. It both demands your attention and seduces you.
As artistically incredible as the design of this classic art deco style jewel is, it is only surpassed by the quality of manufacture. In its heyday, Cartier had craftsmen beyond par. The platinum panels are seamlessly fitted and each piece has its own degree of curve that when joined will hug the wrist with no gap, all joined to clear rock crystal links that appear from the top to float on the wrist. It is the ultimate example of the spirit of the time.
Historically, jewels from this time period have only ascended in value and are a collector’s dream. As prolific as the great houses like Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef, and Arpels were in this era, few examples of this caliber come to the market and usually disappear again into a private collection for the next generation of jewelry “junkies” to savor.
At our shop, we strive to represent the best of design and craftsmanship in the estate pieces we offer. I never get tired of great jewels. Along with this tour de force Cartier bracelet I happily acquired an amazing Art Deco cabochon sapphire and diamond bracelet that is just a lovely thing—a pair of jeweled hair barrettes that are so feminine and a 3.33 carat unheated superb Burma ruby that makes me understand where the adage “a ruby beyond price” comes from. It is a treasure. A pair of vintage Hemmerle bracelets. A great David Webb turquoise and diamond pin. I should feel guilty about having this much fun. I don’t.
All these special art deco pieces fit my criteria for a piece we can stand behind. Our moniker of “Fine, Rare, and Unique” is how to assess what to acquire for your own collection. Just because it is old does not make it great. Even a great signature does not give a piece carte blanche—just like all aspects of life and art. Even the best shops made mistakes. You learn not to buy those but to seek out what is not replaceable.
Knowledge is power and it gives the confidence you are wisely purchasing something that speaks to you. If you can make a wise and interesting decision you have done your homework and if you have learned it from me, I did my job.
Sincerely,
Warren Lagerloaf
Famille Jewelers
To learn more about our collection of fine estate jewelry, contact us today at 203-489-0464. We look forward to connecting with you!