Antique Art Deco stick pin. 18k gold, sapphires and a tiny diamond. Made by Cartier, Paris circa 1920.
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.
Measurements:
Weight is 2.7 grams. Total length is 3 inches (8cm). Head is 1.2cm (a little under 1/2 inch).
Description :
A ribbon of gold in a circle, like a golden wreath, with deep blue, small sugarloaf sapphires stationed at the cardinal points. Sapphires set in diamond-shaped colettes. Within is a pair of hands grasping one another. The right hand has one finger very finely set with a tiny diamond.
THE STORY:
Hand holding hand is an old theme in jewelry, symbolising friendship, love and romance. It also symbolises an agreement and trust.
This pin was made around the end of the First World War, so it possibly symbolises the friendship between France and England or the new peace between France, England and Germany.
The pin is unisex and can be worn by a man or a woman. Symbolising friendship, peace and the end of hostilities, it is particularly suitable to those who care about politics and can be worn in a tie, a scarf, lapel, shoulder, collar or hat.
During WWI, Cartier was unable to make the exceptional diamond jewelry of the Belle Epoque and with a reduced staff and limited materials available, focused on making small, symbolic items that pertained to supporting France and the Allies during the war.
Another exceptional feature of this beautifully made pin is that it comes in its original Cartier leather box. These tan/off-white Cartier boxes are extremely rare and valuable in their own right. The box with Cartier logo embossed in gold inside the silk lid and printed in gold under the bottom of the box.
Marks and Metal:
Pin is marked CARTIER PARIS and has the eagle head, which denotes 18k gold, made in Paris, France.
Condition:
Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. The box could do with a cleaning on the outside, but most collectors would prefer to leave it exactly as it is in its original condition.
