Must Have Rare and Collectible Cartier Necklaces
Discover the most collectible Cartier necklaces 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 Necklaces
Whether you are a seasoned collector or new admirer of Cartier necklaces, we have highlighted four rare and collectible Cartier necklace styles. While some of these specific Cartier necklaces may be hard to source, these provide a foundation for Cartier necklaces that are rare and collectible. We chose these Cartier necklaces 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 necklace to your collection, read on to learn more about four distinct styles to consider.
Cartier Juste un Clou
Famous Cartier designer Aldo Cipullo created the Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet in 1971, two years after launching the iconic Cartier Love bracelet in 1969. He transformed a nail into an elegant bracelet that was both modern and edgy. The bracelet was originally called the Cartier Nail Bracelet and was inspired by the beauty of every day objects. Like the Cartier Love Bracelet, the Cartier Juste un Clou (just in nail in French) played a pivotal role in Cartier's modern success and identity. The collection was relaunched in 2012 to celebrate Cartier's 165th anniversary and expanded to include an entire jewelry collection including necklaces. The Cartier Juste un Clou collection is now part of Cartier's signature jewelry collection along with the Cartier Love and Cartier Panthère Collections. Cartier collectors often start with a Juste un Clou necklace or other neclace from one of its signature collections.
Cartier Panthère
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. A Cartier Pantheré necklace is also highly desirable by Cartier collectors. We love the Cartier Pantheré Maillon (or link) necklaces, especially with diamonds. Each link is individually attached for comfort and movement and is designed to wrap around the neck like a cat.
Cartier Necklace Diamond Gem Set
Cartier has a rich history in sourcing impressive colored gem stones from India and setting them using French design techniques. 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. The carved center emerald of Colombian origin featured in this necklace from around 1930 is a rare and highly collectible Cartier necklace. The necklace combines the geometric designs popular during the Art Deco period with the colorful stones used in Indian jewelry. Bold and colorful necklaces from this period are highly sought after by Cartier collectors since these one of kind creations rarely come to market.
Cartier Necklace: High Jewelry
Cartier's long association with royalty starting in 1902 when Kind Edward VII commissioned Cartier to create 27 tiaras remains strong today. Cartier was described as the "Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewellers" by King Edward VII. This association naturally led to Cartier being one of the top jewelers for high jewelry by royalty, wealthy elite and celebrities. A one a kind floral and foliate diamond necklace created for a princess is the ultimate Cartier diamond necklace for collectors of Cartier High Jewelry. The brilliant-cut, pear- and cushion-shaped diamonds in this Cartier necklace are D to F color and Internally Flawless to VS2 clarity.
Buying and Selling Cartier Necklaces At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Cartier necklaces available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Cartier necklaces available for immediate purchase. If you would like to view a Cartier necklace, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Cartier necklaces 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 Cartier necklace.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280-year history.
