SPECIAL ORDERS
A Cartier creation designed to order, produced exactly as requested: an exclusive special orders service is available to make this dream a reality.
Whether it's an original design or a new version of an existing model, each piece is conceived in your meeting with the jeweller who then subtly recreates the Maison's unique style to make it happen. Your shared dream, interpreted and executed to the Maison's very demanding standards, produces poetic, sometimes unexpected, creations. In these demonstrations of inventiveness, expertise and excellence unique to Cartier, the jeweller goes to the very heart of secret stories and reveals their precious messages.
CALLING CARD WITH ENVELOPE CARTIER
special order, circa 1927
Gold with black, red and white enamel
This piece was commissioned by Louis Cartier and his second wife, Countess Jacqueline Almassy, as a thank-you gift to his son, Pierre Cartier, on their departure from New York. The flap of the envelope is hinged at the top. It can be folded back in order to take out the calling card engraved with "Mr and Mrs L.J. Cartier" in facsimile black enamel, and the inscription: "Merci, de tout coeur, / pour votre charmant / accueil, et notre délicieux / séjour parmi vous. /Toute notre affection / Louis Jacqui." ("Thank you with all our hearts / for your charming / welcome and our delicious / stay with you. /All our love / Louis Jacqui;" On the back of the envelope, an imitation wax seal in red enamel bears the monogram "CC".
"BAZUBAND" UPPER-ARM BRACELET
In 1922, Cartier Paris for London
platinum, old-cut diamonds.
This bazuband, produced for Cartier London in 1922, was ordered by Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomandji, shipping magnate and owner of several estates in India and England. A bazuband is a traditional Indian bracelet, worn by both men and women, from the Mughal Empire (16th to 19th century). The first bracelet of this type produced by Cartier, it has a jointed, highly flexible, platinum frame that can be adapted to fit the curve of the arm. Three rings paved with diamonds (now missing) enabled the piece to be fitted around the arm. It can also be worn as a pendent, brooch or bodice ornament.
RING WITH JADE CABOCHON
Cartier Paris, special order, 1934
Gold, calibrated buff-top rubies, baguette-cut diamonds and a jade cabochon of 37.67 carats.
This ring was created by Cartier Paris in 1934 at the request of Barbara Hutton. The yellow gold of the ring, the baguette-cut diamonds and the buff-top rubies complement a magnificent jade cabochon of 37.67 carats. A passionate lover of jewellery, Barbara Hutton was one of Cartier's most loyal clients and commissioned several special order pieces. These included a tiara created for her marriage to the Russian prince Mdivani in 1933.
