Priority Bidding is here! Secure a lower Buyer's Premium through 9 May. Learn More.
From the Collection of Gladys Moore Vanderbilt, Countess Széchényi (1886-1965)

318

Cartier

Gold, enamel, diamond and sapphire vanity case, 1920s

Estimate
CHF6,500–11,000
$8,000–12,000
€8,100–11,900
Live 11 May, 3 PM Switzerland Time
Of rectangular shape, applied with cream and blue enamel, the front decorated with a panel depicting birds and flowers in red, green, blue and white enamel, within a border of rose-cut diamonds, the thumbpiece set with a cabochon-cut sapphire between two rose-cut diamonds, the chain and finger ring applied with enamel, opening to reveal a mirror, a powder compartment and a lipstick holder, measuring approximately 72 x 45 x 13mm, length with the chain approximately 155mm, signed Cartier, numbered, fitted case stamped Cartier, one compartment missing.
Read Conditions of Sale

Further Details

Cartier

French

With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.

Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open. 

Browse artist