The Four Most Expensive Cartier Earrings
Uncover the stories behind the most expensive Cartier earrings, where luxury, rarity, and craftsmanship reach new heights.
Cartier is synonymous with timeless elegance, exquisite craftsmanship, and a legacy of luxury that spans over a century. Sotheby’s showcased some of the most exceptional examples of Cartier’s artistry, bringing a selection of breathtaking earrings to auction. From historically significant designs to bold, statement-making pieces, these earrings represent the pinnacle of the maison’s innovation and refinement. This April, a highly anticipated pair of Cartier Fancy Intense Pink Diamond earrings will be featured in Sotheby's High Jewelry auction in Hong Kong, capturing the attention of collectors worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned collector or newly captivated by the world of fine jewelry, these extraordinary creations offer a glimpse into the enduring allure and value of Cartier.
Brief Look at Cartier's Legacy
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier quickly established itself as one of the world’s premier luxury jewelry houses. The brand opened its first boutique in 1859 and became known for its refined aesthetic and royal clientele. In 1993, Cartier joined other prestigious brands to form the Vendôme Luxury Group, which later became part of Richemont—a powerhouse in the luxury sector that now includes 19 esteemed maisons such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Buccellati.
Below, we explore four of the most expensive pairs of Cartier earrings ever sold at Sotheby’s—each a shining example of the brand’s enduring prestige and creative brilliance.
1. Cartier Pearl and Diamond Earrings, 254,000 CHF
The most expensive Cartier earrings sold to date fetched $287,000 (254,000 CHF) in November 2023. This pair of natural pearl and diamond pendent earrings, created in the 1950s and later, showcase the maison’s refined approach to classic design. Each earring features a detachable pendant set with a drop-shaped natural saltwater pearl and capped with brilliant-cut diamonds. The surmounts are adorned with both baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds, adding a dynamic sparkle to the design. The pearls, slightly grey in body color with rosé overtones, are well-matched in shape, size, and hue. The diamonds are estimated to weigh between 5.00 and 7.50 carats in total, and are graded J-K color with VS clarity. The harmony of natural pearls and expertly set diamonds makes this pair a quintessential example of Cartier’s timeless sophistication.
2. Cartier Diamond Earrings, 241,300 CHF
The second most expensive pair of Cartier earrings achieved a price of $272,400 (241,300 CHF) at Sotheby’s in 2023. This pair of gem set and diamond pendent earrings, known as ‘Tarquin,’ is a dazzling tribute to one of Cartier’s most iconic design motifs: the panther. Designed as stylized panthers, the earrings are pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds and decorated with buff-top onyx spots. Each panther features a pear-shaped emerald eye and supports a fringe of drop-shaped rubellite beads. The rubellites, which weigh a total of 31.46 carats, exhibit a purplish-pink hue with medium strong saturation and fine transparency, though they are slightly to moderately included. The emeralds are slightly yellowish-green with typical inclusions, while the diamonds are estimated to weigh around 4.50 carats in total, with G-H color and VS clarity. These earrings not only highlight Cartier’s celebrated craftsmanship but also reflect the maison’s deep-rooted fascination with the animal kingdom—an aesthetic legacy that remains central to its identity today.
3. Cartier Diamond Earrings, 228,600 CHF
The third most expensive pair of Cartier earrings sold for $258,000 (228,600 CHF) in May 2023. This pair of diamond pendent earrings embody minimalism and brilliance in equal measure. This dazzling pair is set with brilliant-cut, pear-, and cushion-shaped diamonds, culminating in two stunning pear-shaped diamonds that weigh 4.77 and 4.53 carats, respectively. Graded F and E in color and VVS1 and VVS2 in clarity, these diamonds represent the upper echelon of gem quality. Their clarity, brightness, and symmetrical design reflect Cartier’s dedication to showcasing the innate beauty of each stone with precision and elegance. This pair exemplifies how the maison leverages understated design to elevate the natural allure of exceptional diamonds.
4. Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Earclips, 165,100 CHF
The fourth most expensive Cartier earrings sold for $186,000 (165,100 CHF) in November 2023. These earrings, known as “Samba,” are a vivid and kinetic celebration of movement and color. Featuring oval Padparadscha sapphires weighing 2.32 and 2.17 carats respectively, the earrings evoke the lively rhythm of the Brazilian dance they’re named after. The sapphires—one from Madagascar and one from Ceylon—show no indications of heating and are celebrated for their rare and coveted pinkish-orange hue. The spiral tops and articulated pendants, pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, enhance the earrings’ fluid movement. Each earring also includes a detachable pendant collet-set with brilliant-cut diamonds. In total, the diamonds weigh 8.46 carats and are graded G-H in color with VVS-VS clarity. The interplay of vibrant sapphires and meticulously set diamonds results in a pair that is both joyful and technically masterful.
One of the season’s most anticipated sales is Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in Hong Kong on 25 April 2025, where a stunning pair of Cartier 'Écho' Fancy Intense Pink Diamond and Diamond Pendent Earrings will be showcased. These exceptional earrings each feature a pear-shaped fancy intense pink diamond weighing 6.32 carats and a pear-shaped white diamond weighing 6.03 carats, suspended from surmounts set with additional brilliant-cut diamonds, all mounted in platinum. Detachable and signed by Cartier, the pair is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and French assay marks. If sold, they are expected to set a new record as the most expensive Cartier earrings ever auctioned at Sotheby’s, marking a defining moment in the maison’s high jewelry legacy.
Cartier’s earrings are more than exquisite accessories—they are masterworks that encapsulate the maison’s storied heritage, artistic innovation, and unparalleled gemological expertise. These four record-breaking pairs sold at Sotheby’s demonstrate the enduring prestige of the Cartier name and the brand’s ability to transform rare materials into wearable art. Whether evoking history, nature, or the rhythm of dance, each pair tells a story that reflects Cartier’s unwavering commitment to beauty and craftsmanship. For collectors and connoisseurs alike, Cartier remains one of the most celebrated and coveted names in high jewelry.
Buy and Sell Cartier Earrings At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Cartier earrings available at auction including Panthere, Tutti Frutti and Art Deco earrings. 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. Cartier hoop earrings without diamonds are the most accessible Cartier earring style at around $6,000 while rare Cartier diamond earrings generally sell for over $100,000.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Speak to a Jewelry Specialist about selling a pair of Cartier earrings.
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