The Four Most Expensive Cartier Earrings

Cartier is synonymous with timeless elegance, exquisite craftsmanship, and a legacy of luxury that spans over a century. Sotheby’s showcased some of the most exceptional examples of Cartier’s artistry, bringing a selection of breathtaking earrings to auction. From historically significant designs to bold, statement-making pieces, these earrings represent the pinnacle of the maison’s innovation and refinement. Whether you're a seasoned collector or newly captivated by the world of fine jewelry, these extraordinary creations offer a glimpse into the enduring allure and value of Cartier.

The Four Most Expensive Cartier Earrings

Rank	Model	Notable Features	Price (USD)
1	Cartier Pink Diamond Earrings	6.32-carat Fancy Intense Pink and 6.03-carat D color diamonds; baguette-cut accents; Type IIa classification; platinum mount with detachable pendants.	$2,878,824
2	Cartier Pearl and Diamond Earrings	Natural saltwater pearls with rosé overtones; detachable pendants capped with brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds; total diamond weight ~7.50 carats.	$287,000
3	Cartier “Tarquin” Panther Diamond Earrings	Pavé-set diamonds and onyx spots forming stylized panthers; emerald eyes and rubellite drops totaling 31.46 carats.	$272,400
4	Cartier Diamond Earrings	Brilliant-, pear-, and cushion-cut diamonds; center stones 4.77 and 4.53 carats (F and E color, VVS1–VVS2 clarity); minimalist platinum design	$258,000

Brief Look at Cartier's Legacy

Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier quickly established itself as one of the world’s premier luxury jewelry houses. The brand opened its first boutique in 1859 and became known for its refined aesthetic and royal clientele. In 1993, Cartier joined other prestigious brands to form the Vendôme Luxury Group, which later became part of Richemont—a powerhouse in the luxury sector that now includes 19 esteemed maisons such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Buccellati.

Below, we explore four of the most expensive pairs of Cartier earrings sold at auction since 2023—each a shining example of the brand’s enduring prestige and creative brilliance.

1. Cartier Pink Diamond Earrings, 22,335,000 HKD

The most expensive Cartier earrings ever auctioned at Sotheby's fetched $2,878,824 (22,335,000 HKD) in April 2025, marking a defining moment in the maison’s high jewelry legacy. Each earring features a suspended pear-shaped diamond—one a 6.32 carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond with SI2 clarity, the other a 6.03 carat D color, Internally Flawless diamond—topped respectively with a 0.62 carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond of VS2 clarity and a 0.54 carat D color, Internally Flawless diamond. Accented with baguette-cut diamonds and mounted in platinum with detachable pendants, this pair of pink diamond earrings reflect Cartier’s sophisticated aesthetic and attention to detail. Accompanied by a Cartier certificate of authenticity and four GIA reports, the ensemble is further distinguished by the D color diamond’s classification as Type IIa—denoting exceptional chemical purity and transparency. This extraordinary pairing of rarity, symmetry, and craftsmanship cements the earrings as one of the most iconic high jewelry creations in Cartier’s history.

2. Cartier Pearl and Diamond Earrings, 254,000 CHF

The second most expensive Cartier earrings sold fetched $287,000 (254,000 CHF) in November 2023. This pair of natural pearl and diamond pendent earrings, created in the 1950s and later, showcase the maison’s refined approach to classic design. Each earring features a detachable pendant set with a drop-shaped natural saltwater pearl and capped with brilliant-cut diamonds. The surmounts are adorned with both baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds, adding a dynamic sparkle to the design. The pearls, slightly grey in body color with rosé overtones, are well-matched in shape, size, and hue. The diamonds are estimated to weigh between 5.00 and 7.50 carats in total, and are graded J-K color with VS clarity. The harmony of natural pearls and expertly set diamonds makes this pair a quintessential example of Cartier’s timeless sophistication.

3. Cartier Diamond Earrings, 241,300 CHF

The third most expensive pair of Cartier earrings achieved a price of $272,400 (241,300 CHF) in 2023. This pair of gem set and diamond pendent earrings, known as ‘Tarquin,’ is a dazzling tribute to one of Cartier’s most iconic design motifs: the panther. Designed as stylized panthers, the earrings are pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds and decorated with buff-top onyx spots. Each panther features a pear-shaped emerald eye and supports a fringe of drop-shaped rubellite beads. The rubellites, which weigh a total of 31.46 carats, exhibit a purplish-pink hue with medium strong saturation and fine transparency, though they are slightly to moderately included. The emeralds are slightly yellowish-green with typical inclusions, while the diamonds are estimated to weigh around 4.50 carats in total, with G-H color and VS clarity. These earrings not only highlight Cartier’s celebrated craftsmanship but also reflect the maison’s deep-rooted fascination with the animal kingdom—an aesthetic legacy that remains central to its identity today.

4. Cartier Diamond Earrings, 228,600 CHF

The fourth most expensive pair of Cartier earrings sold for $258,000 (228,600 CHF) in May 2023. This pair of diamond pendent earrings embody minimalism and brilliance in equal measure. This dazzling pair is set with brilliant-cut, pear-, and cushion-shaped diamonds, culminating in two stunning pear-shaped diamonds that weigh 4.77 and 4.53 carats, respectively. Graded F and E in color and VVS1 and VVS2 in clarity, these diamonds represent the upper echelon of gem quality. Their clarity, brightness, and symmetrical design reflect Cartier’s dedication to showcasing the innate beauty of each stone with precision and elegance. This pair exemplifies how the maison leverages understated design to elevate the natural allure of exceptional diamonds.

Cartier’s earrings are more than exquisite accessories—they are masterworks that encapsulate the maison’s storied heritage, artistic innovation, and unparalleled gemological expertise. These four record-breaking pairs sold at Sotheby’s demonstrate the enduring prestige of the Cartier name and the brand’s ability to transform rare materials into wearable art. Whether evoking history, nature, or the rhythm of dance, each pair tells a story that reflects Cartier’s unwavering commitment to beauty and craftsmanship. For collectors and connoisseurs alike, Cartier remains one of the most celebrated and coveted names in high jewelry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cartier Earrings

Why are Cartier earrings so valuable?

Cartier combines exceptional gemstones with masterful design, producing pieces that balance artistry, rarity, and timeless elegance.

What are the most expensive Cartier earrings ever sold?

The Cartier Pink Diamond Earrings achieved $2.87 million, featuring perfectly matched pink and white diamonds of extraordinary quality.

Buy and Sell Cartier Earrings with Sotheby’s

Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to fine jewelry, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell Cartier earrings on the secondary market.

The Four Most Expensive Cartier Earrings