-Cartier 1969 Retro Modernist Necklace And Earring Suite In 18Kt Gold With Carved Black Jade
Fantastic suite parure designed by Cartier.
An exceptional and very rare parure set, created by the iconic jewelry house of Cartier, back in the 1969. This suite was designed with retro and modernist patterns and is composed by a pair of clips-on earrings and a drop necklace. Crafted as a unique piece, with exceptional craftsmanship as is expected from Cartier in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with highly textured finish. The earrings are fitted with posts (Removable) and French omega backs for fastening clips. The necklace is fitted with an integrated boxed push safety lock. Each element is emphasized in the reverse with the design of the iconic brand mark of the double C's.
Gemstones: Mount with 16 cabochon cuts carved in ovals and pear shapes from natural black jade.
Birthstone: Black Jade, for the month of March.
Weight: Necklace 182.95 Grams, (117.27 Dwt.). Earrings 21.95 Grams (14.07 Dwt.).
Size: The inside lenght of necklace is 16 Inches (40.6 Cm) plus the drop dangle section of 4 Inches (10.16 Cm).
Measurements: Earrings 28 mm by 19 mm (1.10 x 0.75 Inches). The main drop element is 35 mm by 51 mm (1.38 x 2.0 Inches).
Hallmarks: The three pieces are stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold, the serial numbers for the necklace and earrings respectively and signed, "CARTIER 18 KT (Earrings )55540 & (Necklace) 53323".
History
This suite it belongs to the period of 1969 and 1970. In 1969, Michael Thomas became president of the New York City branch and was instrumental in hiring young designers who modernized the company’s lines such Cesar, Aldo Cipullo, Jean Dinh Van, Roger Lucas, Jean Mahie, and Lisa Sotilis. On October 03,1969, Cartier launched a collection of about 200 jewelry pieces entitled, Astrological, Underwater and Geometric, all designed by these young designers. This unique parure could be part of the pieces exhibited in that event. It is worth noting, the extreme similarity that this piece has to the iconic necklace-belt made for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor, during the same period. The similarity in symmetry, composition and texture reaffirms the manufacturing period for 1970, see figure below.
Note: Black Jade is a type of Nephrite Jade or Jadeite that includes graphite or iron oxide. Black hornblende Jade is another slightly different variety with inclusions of black hornblende instead of graphite or iron oxide. While Nephrite Jade is a calcium magnesium silicate, Jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this parure set is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All gemstones are secured in the settings. This suite has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: NE012923AINNM/4.925
