Brief Background Cartier
Cartier is a French luxury jewelry company founded in 1847 and opened its first boutique in 1859. In 1993, Cartier was merged with other brands, creating the Vendome Luxury Group. The Vendome Luxuruy Group became Richemont now owns 19 luxury brands including Van Cleef and Buccellati. Cartier is one of the most popular luxury jewelry designer brands with over 5M google searches per month. In 2023, Sotheby's sold nearly $30 million in Cartier jewelry with prices ranging from over $2.8 million to $5,000. "Signed jewels by the legendary maisons (including Cartier) continued to dazzle, as connoisseurs hunted particularly for iconic, vintage jewels that represented the best the great houses had to offer." Quig Bruning, SVP Head of Jewelry, Americas & EMEA.
Below we take a closer look at four of the most expensive pair of Cartier earrings sold in 2023 at Sotheby's.
1. Cartier Earrings $287,000
The most expensive Cartier earrings sold for $287,000 in 2023 at Sotheby's. The Cartier earrings feature natural pearls and diamonds in a drop pendent style. The Cartier earrings are from 1950s and later. Each detachable pendant set with a drop-shaped natural pearl measuring approximately 12.85 - 12.95 x 16.20mm and 12.50 - 12.60 x 15.60mm respectively, capped with brilliant-cut diamonds, the surmounts set with baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds. The pearls are natural saltwater and are slightly grey body color, partially with rosé overtones, nicely matches for shape, size and color. Diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 5.00 - 7.50 carats, on average J-K colour, VS clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount.
2. Cartier Earrings $272,400
The second most expensive pair of Cartier earrings sold for $272,400 in 2023 at Sotheby's. The Cartier earrings are gem set with diamonds ‘Tarquin’. The Cartier earrings are designed as a stylized panther pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, with buff-top onyx spots and a pear-shaped emerald eye, supporting a fringe decorated with drop-shaped rubellite beads. During its long history, Cartier has offered the world an entire menagerie of highly refined, gem-set animals, from snakes to crocodiles, parrots and flamingoes to ladybugs. No creature, however, is more inextricably linked to the legendary French Maison than the panther and its majestic feline cousin the tiger. Rubellites weighing a total of 31.46 carats, purplish pink of medium strong saturation, slightly to moderately included, fine transparency. Emeralds slightly yellowish green of medium saturation, with typical inclusions. Diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 4.50 - 4.50 carats, on average G-H colour, VS clarity.
3. Cartier Earrings $258,000
The third most expensive pair of Cartier earrings sold for $258,000 in 2023 by Sotheby's. The Cartier earrings feature brilliant-cut, pear- and cushion-shaped diamonds supporting a pear-shaped diamond weighing 4.77 and 4.53 carats respectively. The diamonds are F and E Colour, VVS1 and VVS2 Clarity.
4. Cartier Earrings $186,000
The fourth most expensive pair of Cartier earrings sold for $186,000 in 2023 at Sotheby's. The Cartier earrings feature Padparadscha sapphires and diamonds and the design is called "Samba". The spiral top and articulated pendants that display lively movement, may bring to mind the energetic Brazilian dance known as the Samba. Each set with an oval Padparadscha sapphire weighing 2.32 and 2.17 carats respectively. The Cartier earrings also feature pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, supporting a detachable pendant collet-set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The sapphires are of Madagascar and Ceylon origin respectively, with no indications of heating. The diamonds are a total of 8.46 carats and on average G-H colour, VVS-VS clarity.
Buying and Selling Cartier Earrings at Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has impressive Cartier earrings available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Cartier earrings available for immediate purchase. If you would like to view a pair of Cartier earrings, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Cartier earrings from its global supplier network.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Speak to a Jewelry Specialist about selling Cartier earrings.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280-year history.
