Learn More about Our Favorite Rare and Collectible Cartier Earrings
Discover the most collectible Cartier earrings for your collection.
Brief History of Cartier
Cartier was founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier and opened its first boutique in 1859. With a roster of visionary designers such as Charles Jacqueau, Pierre Lemarch and enigmatic creative director Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s designs articulated a wide range of influences into highly original and elegant jewels that defined their eras. Aldo Cipullo created two of the most important modern collections for Cartier including the Cartier Love in 1969 and Cartier Juste un Clou collections in 1971.
In 1993, Cartier was merged with other brands, creating the Vendome Luxury Group. The Vendome Luxuruy Group became Richemont and now owns 19 luxury brands including Van Cleef & Arpels 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 $5,000 to over $2.8 million.
Rare & Collectible Cartier Earrings
Whether you are a seasoned collector or new admirer of Cartier earrings, we have highlighted four rare and collectible Cartier earring styles. While some of these specific Cartier earrings may be hard to source, these provide a foundation for Cartier earring styles that are rare and collectible. We chose these Cartier earrings since they are timeless in their design, represent the most iconic motifs or reflect Cartier's heritage of quality and luxury. If you are looking to add rare and collectible Cartier earrings to your collection, read on to learn more about four distinct styles to consider.
Cartier Panthère Earrings
The Panthère de Cartier motif was first introduced in 1914 and remains one of the most iconic symbols synonymous with Cartier. Cartier's earliest connection to the panther was an advertisement in 1913 called Dame à la Panthère featuring an elegant model and a sleek black cat. According to some, Louis Cartier chose the panther in tribute to Jeanne Toussaint, who he called his ‘Petite Pantheré (she also famously wore a full-length coat made of panther fur). The first Cartier Panthère jewelry piece was crafted for the Duchess of Windsor, Wallace Simpson in 1948. The Cartier Pantheré brooch was gold and enamel set with a cabochon emerald. Cartier Pantheré earrings are a must have for Cartier jewelry collectors for their distinct design. The Cartier Pantheré is one of the most iconic brand motifs. We love Cartier Pantheré earrings styled after bold cats wiht colored gem stone eyes and the more subtle spotted designs with onyx, sapphires, rubies or emeralds mixed with diamonds. A pair of Cartier Pantheré earrings with sapphires and diamonds sold for just over $65,000 in 2024, 44% more than the high estimate.
Cartier Diamond Earrings Bombé
A Cartier bombé earrings are also rare and collectible due to their unique modern design. The term bombé refers to the distinctive domed shape that is a recurring design for Cartier earrings either as circles or ovals. Cartier bombé earrings set with pave diamonds and gemstones require skilled artisans to set diamonds and gem stones in this rounded shape. This bold silhouette is sought after by Cartier earring collectors for its unique profile that showcases the design and craftsmanship of Cartier.
Cartier Tutti Frutti Earrings
The Cartier Tutti Frutti jewelry was first introduced in 1925 and featured engraved sapphires, emeralds and rubies cut into plant like shapes. The design is a combination of French design and Indian royalty. Jacques Cartier traveled to India in 1911 to witness the coronation of King George as Emperor. This trip would introduce Cartier to the stone carving techniques of Indian jewelry. The colorful carved stones was a departure from the white diamond garlands and bow designs and geometric Art Deco jewelry of the 1920s. Vintage Cartier Tutti Frutti earrings are rare in the secondary market and are extremely popular with collectors do the the uniqueness that results from carved colored gem stones. Cartier Tutti Frutti jewelry remains a core High Jewelry collection since it has been emblematic for Cartier for a century. Cartier Tutti Frutti earrings often sell for between $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on the design, size and number of carved colored stones and diamonds.
Cartier Art Deco Diamond Earrings
Cartier Art Deco (1920-1939) era jewelry is among the most collectible. Cartier Art Deco jewelry was a product of the roaring 20s and is known for its sophisticated glamour, symmetrical patterns and geometric shapes. Cartier Art Deco jewelry was inspired by the Far East and Egyptian motifs. The short bob haircut of the era also popularized bold dangling earrings to accentuate the new hairstyle and jawline. Cartier diamond earrings with dangling diamonds in bold geometric shapes are highly prized by modern collectors. Cartier diamond earrings from this period are perfect for a formal wedding, gala events and dramatic finishing touch to the little black dress. Cartier earrings from the Art Deco era range in price from $20,000 to over $100,000 depending on the design, size and stones featured in the earrings.
Buying and Selling Cartier Earrings At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible 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 a pair of Cartier earrings.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280-year history.
