REVIEW: THE POWER OF PERIOD CARTIER

Period Cartier jewellery is performing strongly, as this stunning mid-20th century ruby, emerald and diamond ring demonstrated in our 15 March Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu auction. Selling at £20,000 – almost three times its high estimate – it was accompanied by another notable Cartier success.

 

That was a circa 1902 gold and diamond set buckle, made in the year that Cartier opened their first boutique in London to coincide with the coronation of King Edward VII.

Five-figure prices outshining their estimates also came for an Arts & Crafts star sapphire and pearl pendant, circa 1900, which sold for £16,000 against an estimate of £6,000-8,000; and a fine ruby and diamond cuff dating from 1980 and mounted in 18 carat gold, which sold for £14,000 against an estimate of £4,000-6,000. An Art Deco diamond bracelet, circa 1930, sold for £11,000. Geometric in design, it was set throughout with old brilliant and rose-cut diamonds and mounted in platinum and white gold.

As Frances Noble, Head of the Jewellery Department and Associate Director at Dix Noonan Webb, commented after the sale: “The sale results illustrate the extremely strong auction market at present, and an overall shortage on the market of good quality pieces, which in turn is leading to competitive bidding. Period Cartier jewels are currently highly sought after and attracting exceptional prices.” 

All of this augurs well for Noonans 14 June Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu auction, with highlights being unveiled in the coming weeks.