The Cartier Collection: Precious Objects

The third volume in this luxurious series, this work is a celebration of the most precious objects of the Cartier Collection.

The Cartier Collection, housed in Geneva, Switzerland, gathers together over 1,360 pieces that reveal the stylistic and technical developments in the creations of this world-renowned house. Following the previous works in this series devoted to Cartier’s jewelry and timepieces, this third volume explores the precious objects and accessories that complete the collection: from opulent gold and black enamel vanity cases set with platinum and rose-cut diamond fleurons to exquisite and stylish cigarette holders, belt buckles, hat pins, and evening bags. The jeweler has always placed great emphasis on male elegance and an array of men’s accessories is also showcased, including polished gold razors, sophisticated leather travel bags, and diamond-encrusted platinum and onyx cuff links.

From the extravagant yet sublime Tutti Frutti evening bag, made of a weave of seed pearls and dripping with gold, diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire details, to exotic and intricate Chinese powder compacts, these creations are works of fine art. This handsome volume recounts the history of the House of Cartier and its sublimation of often everyday items, which became veritable precious objects. The text is illustrated with more than 550 pieces taken from the collection ― beautifully reproduced in full size and in color ― which can usually only be admired in retrospective exhibitions held in internationally-renowned museums. Other archival material includes photographs of high society clients, detailed sketches and studies for various pieces, and vintage advertising posters.

Presented in a luxurious silk slipcase with ribbon closure, this tome is a tribute to some of the most exquisite objects in the Cartier Collection.

About the Authors:

François Chaille is an art historian and fashion expert. He has written several titles, including The Cartier Collection: Jewelry, The Cartier Collection: Timepieces, Cartier: Creative Writing, Cartier: Innovation through the 20th Century, and Girard-Perregaux. Franco Cologni is Chairman of the Cultural Council of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie.