Cartier Jewellery - Second Hand Luxury Jewellery

Cartier – Jeweler of Kings, King of Jewelers

This phrase, attributed to King Edward VII of England, perfectly encapsulates the prestige of the House of Cartier. Since 1847, the name has embodied the excellence of French high jewelry—an enduring elegance that transcends eras without ever going out of style. Acquiring a Cartier jewel, whether vintage or contemporary, means becoming part of a history where exceptional craftsmanship meets creative audacity.

Cartier: A Family Saga Turned Legend

The story begins in 1847 on Rue Montorgueil in Paris. Louis-François Cartier took over his master’s small jewelry workshop and laid the foundation of what would become an empire. Five years later, the first boutique opened at 5 Rue Neuve des Petits Champs. In 1874, his son Alfred took the reins of the family business and moved it to 9 Boulevard des Italiens. But it was with the third generation that Cartier truly rose to legendary status.

Alfred trained his three sons—Pierre, Jacques, and Louis—in the art of jewelry making. Each would play a decisive role in the international expansion of the house. Pierre opened a boutique in London and obtained the Royal Warrant as official supplier to the British Crown for the coronation of King Edward VII. On that occasion, the sovereign commissioned no fewer than 27 tiaras and uttered the now-famous phrase. In 1909, Pierre settled in New York, acquiring an entire building on Fifth Avenue… in exchange for a necklace of natural pearls. On its façade, he installed a monumental clock adorned with the French rooster and the American eagle.

Louis, the eldest, was the one who truly shaped the aesthetic identity of the house. A tireless traveler, he scoured the world in search of exceptional gemstones. He created a design studio—an innovation for the time—and championed the use of platinum as early as 1900, revolutionizing the codes of high jewelry. The Cartier style was born.

The Iconic Cartier Collections

Love has embodied romantic commitment since 1969. This iconic bracelet, recognizable by its visible screws, can only be opened with a special screwdriver. A powerful symbol: love sealed in permanence. Cartier Love jewelry in yellow, rose, or white gold ranks among the most sought-after pieces on both the primary and secondary markets.

Juste un Clou transforms an everyday object into a precious jewel. Born in the 1970s, this collection reflects the controlled boldness that defines the house. The nail—reimagined in gold and diamonds—becomes an aesthetic manifesto: luxury can arise from simplicity.

Panthère celebrates Cartier’s emblematic animal since 1914. With its feline grace and restrained power, the panther adorns rings, bracelets, and brooches in compositions where onyx, emeralds, and diamonds interact with remarkable virtuosity. Vintage Cartier Panthère jewelry, particularly pieces from the 1950s–60s, achieves exceptional prices at auction.

Trinity has intertwined three gold bands—yellow, rose, and white—since 1924. Created by Louis Cartier for poet Jean Cocteau, this collection symbolizes love, friendship, and fidelity. Vintage Cartier Trinity jewelry bears witness to a jewelry-making savoir-faire passed down through generations.

Vintage Cartier Jewelry: Recognizing Authenticity

On the secondary market, authentic vintage Cartier jewelry inspires growing enthusiasm. But how can one distinguish an original piece from a counterfeit?

The Cartier signature is the first indicator. Precisely engraved, it is usually accompanied by a serial number and a metal designation (750 for 18k gold, 950 for platinum). Maker’s marks—specific to each workshop and period—allow for approximate dating of a creation. On older pieces, one may also find the French assay marks: the eagle’s head for gold and the dog’s head for platinum.

Differences between vintage Cartier and contemporary models are also evident in the finishing. Older pieces often display more artisanal craftsmanship, entirely hand-made settings, and proportions that differ slightly from current designs. Far from being flaws, these variations are the hallmarks of an era and contribute to the value of the pieces.

Why Cartier Jewelry Is Sought After by Collectors

The value of Cartier jewelry on the secondary market continues to rise. Several factors explain this appeal among discerning collectors.

Rarity first: certain high jewelry pieces by Cartier, produced in limited numbers, are now available only on the second-hand market. Quality next: the house’s exceptional craftsmanship guarantees jewelry of impeccable execution, capable of enduring decades without alteration. And finally, history: wearing a Cartier jewel means joining a lineage of crowned heads, Hollywood stars, and passionate collectors.

Vintage gold and diamond pieces—particularly creations from the 1930s–50s marked by Art Deco aesthetics—represent premier heritage investments.

Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Cartier Jewel

Acquiring a vintage Cartier jewel requires expert guidance. Our selection undergoes rigorous authentication: verification of signatures and hallmarks, inspection of serial numbers, and gemological analysis of the stones. Each piece is carefully restored in our Parisian workshop, with full respect for its original integrity, and sold with a certificate of authenticity.

Diamond-pavé Love rings, rose gold Juste un Clou bracelets, Panthère brooches set with emeralds—our collection invites you to discover signature creations of the house, bearing witness to a prestige that remains undiminished.

Do you own a jewel you believe to be a Cartier creation? Schedule a free appraisal. Our certified gemologist will examine your piece and provide a detailed estimate of its value on the current market.