Cartier

The Wade and Vanderbilt families stand as pillars of American achievement, their legacies shaping the nation’s industrial, cultural, and philanthropic landscape. The Wade family’s prominence began with Jeptha Homer Wade (1811-1890), founder of Western Union, whose innovations in communication connected the nation and whose civic leadership enriched the city of Cleveland through the creation of Wade Park and support for institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History. His descendants, notably Jeptha Homer Wade II (1857-1926) and his wife Ellen Garretson Wade (1857-1917), continued this tradition, contributing thousands of artworks from their personal collections to the Cleveland Museum of Art and supporting a wide array of charitable causes.

The Vanderbilt family rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most prominent and influential dynasties of the Gilded Age. Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt (1794-1877) transformed a modest ferry business into a vast shipping and railroad empire, amassing one of the greatest fortunes in American history. Subsequent generations became known not only for their business acumen but also for their visionary patronage of architecture, art, and philanthropic causes. The Vanderbilts’ grand mansions on New York’s Fifth Avenue, their legendary “summer cottages” in Newport, and the palatial Biltmore Estate in North Carolina became enduring symbols of American ambition and elegance.

Philanthropy and civic engagement flourished through successive generations of both families. Jeptha H. Wade III (1924-2008) continued his family’s contributions by supporting major Cleveland institutions and championing environmental causes, including the preservation of natural spaces like the Wade Tract Preserve in Georgia. His wife, Emily “Paddy” Vanderbilt Wade (1925-2025), one of only seven women in MIT’s class of 1945, was a passionate advocate for science, education and land conservation. She served as a trustee of the Bedford Audubon Society and supported institutions such as the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology and the New York Botanical Garden. Together, they embodied the enduring values of service, stewardship, and environmental responsibility that defined both families, ensuring their legacy would benefit their communities and the natural world for generations to come.

Each piece in this exceptional group of jewels, offered from the family of Jeptha Homer Wade III and Emily Vanderbilt Wade, is a masterpiece in its own right, bearing the unmistakable touch of some of the world’s greatest jewelry maisons. The Cartier Art Deco diamond bracelet is a study in precision and elegance, its meticulously positioned stones and geometric design a quintessential expression of the era’s highly sophisticated aesthetic. Showcasing a superb ruby of impressive size and clarity, the Marcus & Co. necklace quietly underscores the refined craftsmanship and careful gem selection that defined the house’s celebrated reputation. Dreamlike Art Nouveau lines characterize the René Lalique pendant, offering a lyrical counterpoint – an intriguing blend of nature and fantasy. And finally, the sumptuous tassel sautoir, richly adorned with rubies, emeralds, pearls and diamonds, reflects the likely hand of Paulding Farnham and exemplifies the tradition of artistry and excellence for which Tiffany & Co. is renowned.

Together, these jewels present a compelling narrative of design innovation across eras. Their artistic and historical significance offer a rare and evocative window into the world of two families whose influence helped shape American society.