The Five Most Expensive Cartier Necklaces

C artier is renowned for its extraordinary craftsmanship and timeless elegance, and in 2023, Sotheby’s spotlighted some of the most remarkable Cartier necklaces ever sold at auction. From iconic designs steeped in history to breathtaking statement pieces, these necklaces showcase the pinnacle of Cartier's artistry and enduring allure. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of fine jewelry, these exceptional necklaces provide a glimpse into Cartier’s legacy of innovation, luxury, and beauty. Read on to discover the most expensive Cartier necklaces sold at auction in 2023.

1. Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Necklace - 2,843,000 USD

The Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Necklace sold for 2.8 million USD in June 2023. This 1950 Cartier necklace features 34.91 carats of sapphires and 40.09 carats of diamonds. The Cartier necklace is a swag design featuring five emerald- and square emerald-cut sapphires weighing 10.01, 7.66, 7.35, 5.45 and 4.44 carats, accented by round, baguette and square-cut diamonds. The sapphires are medium to medium deep blue, richly saturated, eye-clean to slightly included and are of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. The diamonds are approximately E-G color, predominantly VVS-VS clarity with a few SI clarity examples.

2. Cartier Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace - 10,130,000 HKD

The second most expensive Cartier necklace, Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace, sold for 10.12 million HKD in April 2023. The Jadeite bead necklace is accompanied by a diamond Cartier clasp. The necklace is set with 31 slightly graduated bright green jadeite beads of very good translucency, complete with a Cartier marquise-shaped diamond clasp, mounted in 18 karat white gold. The jadeite beads are approximately 16.93 to 14.68mm and tested as natural, known in the trade as "A Jade". The diamonds on the clasp are estimated to weigh approximately 2.80cts, about E-F colour, SI clarity.

3. Cartier Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Onyx 'Panthère' Necklace-Brooch Combination - 711,200 USD

The iconic Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Onyx 'Panthère' Necklace-Brooch Combination, sold for 711,200 USD in June 2023. The Cartier Panthère necklace offers versatility, transforming from a statement necklace into a brooch and a separate necklace, allowing for multiple styling options. This stunning necklace features sapphires, diamonds, emeralds and onyx. The diamonds, stated to weigh a total of approximately 30.71 carats, are approximately F-G color, VVS-VS clarity. The sapphires, stated to weigh a total of approximately 16.57 carats, are medium blue and slightly included. The emeralds, stated to weigh a total of approximately 0.24 carat, are medium green and slightly included. For more than 100 years, the Cartier Panthère has been a keystone of Cartier design. The Panthère has provided seemingly endless inspiration for each generation of Cartier jewelry designers.

4. Cartier Diamond Necklace - 596,900 CHF

The magnificent Cartier Diamond Necklace, sold for 596,900 CHF in May 2023. This necklace is a floral and foliate design set with brilliant-cut, pear- and cushion-shaped diamonds. The diamonds are D to F Colour, Internally Flawless to VS2 Clarity. The necklace was previously the property of a Princess.

5. Cartier Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace - 508,000 GBP

The fifth most expensive Cartier Natural Pearl and Diamond necklace sold for 508,000 GBP in February 2023. This necklace from the 1930s is composed of graduated rows of natural saltwater pearls decorated with spacers set with step-, circular-cut and baguette diamonds. The pearls are round to near round in shape and nicely graduated, displaying a creamy white body color with moderate rose and green overtones and good lustre.

Advantages to Buying Cartier Necklaces on the Secondary Market

There are many advantages to buying Cartier necklaces at Sotheby's. As one of the largest and most established global luxury secondary markets, Sotheby's offers clients many unique advantages when growing a Cartier necklace collection.

1. Access

Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Cartier necklaces from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Cartier necklaces in the most coveted designs. Our jewelry specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Cartier necklaces from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Cartier necklaces.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase Cartier necklaces including auction, online and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Cartier necklaces that aren't available at auction or online.

3. Value

As a leading global secondary market, Sotheby's often provides great value for Cartier necklaces. While Sotheby's regularly sells Cartier necklaces over $400,000, many of these Cartier necklaces sell for below the original retail price. Some pieces may experience a 30 to 40% decrease from retail price to secondary market. The discount varies depending on the necklace's design, quality, size of the diamond and gem stones, and overall market conditions. Some Cartier necklaces can also sell at a premium to the original retail, especially for one of a kind vintage designs, necklaces with provenance linked to celebrities and/or royalty, and pieces featuring exceptionally rare diamonds and colored gem stones. Sotheby's is a great place to start collecting Cartier necklaces. Sotheby's also provides seasoned collectors value for vintage Cartier necklaces at prices that can be materially lower than retail replacement values.

4. Discovery

One of the best parts of a global luxury secondary market is discovering unique pieces from decades earlier and custom designed one of a kind Cartier necklaces. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Cartier necklaces. You are likely to discover something new to you.

Buy and Sell Cartier Necklaces At Sotheby's

Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Cartier necklaces available at auction including Panthère, Juste Un Clou, and Trinity designs. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Cartier necklaces available for immediate purchase. If you would like to view Cartier necklaces, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Cartier necklaces from its global supplier network. Prices for Cartier necklaces start around $11,000 for white gold pendant necklaces and rise significantly for more coveted diamonds. Iconic Cartier necklaces, such as a white gold and diamond collar necklace can exceed $400,000.