Learn More About Rare and Collectible Cartier Bracelets
Discover the most collectible Cartier bracelets 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 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.
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 & 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. "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.
Rare & Collectible Cartier Bracelets
Whether you are a seasoned collector or new admirer of Cartier bracelets, we have highlighted four rare and collectible Cartier bracelet styles. While some of these specific Cartier bracelets may be hard to source, these provide a foundation for Cartier bracelets you should seek out for your collection. We chose these Cartier bracelets since they are timeless in their design and represent some of the most sought after and iconic designs from Cartier. If you are looking to add rare and collectible Cartier bracelets to your collection, read on to learn more about four distinct styles to consider.
Cartier Love Bracelet
Launched in 1969, the Cartier Love collection was created by Italian jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo. Inspired by the idea of everlasting love, Cipullo's design featured a unique locking mechanism, symbolizing a bond that could only be opened with a special screwdriver, emphasizing the concept of commitment. This innovative approach to jewelry design was admired for its simplicity and symbolic meaning. The Cartier Love bracelet was inspired by the medieval chastity belt, invented to protect a woman's “purity” in the 16th and 17th centuries. Brought into modern days, the Cartier Love bracelet is the ultimate symbol of love and fidelity. Known as a “Love Child of 70s New York”, Cartier recognized the collection as a symbol of free-spirited love and true permanence when it was first launched. Today the Cartier Love bracelet is one of the most popular and most recognized bracelets. Many Cartier collections start with a Cartier Love bracelet and many collectors like to stack different Cartier Love bracelets together.
Cartier Trinity Bracelet
The Trinity ring was designed in 1924 by Louis Cartier for French poet and playright Jean Cocteau. The three bands of yellow gold, rose gold and white gold would become one of Cartier's most recognizable designs. Hollywood icons including Grace Kelly and Cary Cooper were photographed wearing the style. The Trinity bracelet was introduced after the ring and in 1981 Cartier officially named the style the "Trinity". Today the Cartier Trinity Bracelet is a favorite bangle style and also available with and without diamonds. As the Cartier Trinity collection turns 100 this year, it remains as popular and collectible as ever.
Cartier Panthère Bracelet
The Panthère de Cartier motif was first introduced in 1914 and remains one of the most iconic symbols synonymous with the luxury brand. 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. The success of the first Cartier Pantheré ring set off a chain reaction with the creation of Cartier Pantheré bracelets, drop earrings and pendants which became hugely desirable among European and American elite. Modern and vintage Cartier Pantheré bracelets are among the most popular and collectible Cartier bracelets.
Cartier Tutti Frutti Bracelet
The Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelet 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. Vitnage Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelets are often among the most expensive bracelets to sell at auction due to the uniqueness that results from carved colored gem stones. Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelets are among the rarest and sought after Cartier bracelets by collectors. Cartier Tutti Frutti jewelry remains a core High Jewelry collection since it has been emblematic for Cartier for a century. Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelets often sell for over $1 million depending on the design, size and number of carved colored stones and diamonds.
Buying and Selling Cartier Bracelets At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Cartier bracelets available at auction including exceptional Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelets. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Cartier bracelets available for immediate purchase. If you would like to view a Cartier bracelet, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Cartier bracelets 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 bracelets.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280-year history.
