No. 15 Online auctions have the coolest Cartier
+ some pointers on how to navigate online auctions
It’s technically still summer, but I’m so far into working on our upcoming holiday launches, I’m spiritually so back to school. On top of work, I’m seriously starting to plan my wedding. I tried on wedding dresses this weekend! To chill out some nights I’ve been meticulously and obsessively looking at different online auction sites.
My favorite thing to search on these auction sites is vintage Cartier. To commemorate my first big girl job after grad school I bought myself a vintage must de Cartier tank in maroon. I’ve got to buy a new strap for it, but I got it for about half of what they’re go for in a more traditional retail market, so I’m more than happy to pay for new leather. The hunt and thrill of an auction is a wonderful adrenaline high.
Below, look at all of these really cool Cartier things I’ve found, all on Live Auctioneers. A lot of them have high starting bids, but a few could go for well under the expected price. Be warned, authenticity is not always guaranteed, and you’ll need to do your own research. There’s plenty of great guides on authenticating vintage Cartier jewelry and watches, but the best starting point is understanding what stamps you’re looking for and just making sure everything looks well made.
If that sounds more exciting than daunting to you, the last hurdle is the patience to wait for your item to come up for auction. I’ve sat for 5 hours in auctions waiting for items to come up before, only to be outbid.
If cost is no object or you’re here for the vibes
Know a gardener? Need a gift for them? They need this garden charm bracelet. Look at the tiny clippers!
This is a very beautiful, very classic, sapphire ring. Maybe have a jeweler look at it before you drop this much on it at an auction? Or, maybe you are that jeweler!
An 18k Tank Française is a classic. Worn by Princess Diana, though I think hers was steel, you can’t go wrong with this simple and chunky style. This one’s in pretty beautiful condition from what I can tell. But maybe they just polished it.
Under $10,000 (maybe)
A 14k cigarette holder! It’s engraved to commemorate someone’s joining a bank in 1969. Can you even imagine pulling out a cigarette outside the bar with this thing. If your initials are LBC you must buy this and take me out for a martini afterwards. That’s my finders fee.
Under $6,000 (for now)
18K gold Snoopy pendant. Nothing more to say, I think that covers it. It’s Snoopy!
This 18k gold baignoire bracelet is like having a little bathtub on your wrist. So simple and chic and soft.
The only thing more chic than the gold cigarette holder, is a Cartier gold lighter. This one has stripes that will sparkle so beautifully in evening light. Be prepared to need to refill this with lighter fluid every once in a while.
Under $5,000 (most likely)
If you’re looking for a vintage simple diamond engagement ring, this could be the one! Could also make a great pinky ring if you’re shopping for yourself.
These super skinny trinity rings feel very demure. Very mindful. (I’m so sorry). But also the big chunky ones have a simple minimalism to them. Both will make a great fidget toy. I imagine this would help with my nervous hand ticks aka my worry knuckle.
This isn’t Cartier, but this silver coffee pot from the 18th century is superfluous and pretty. Would make a beautiful vase on a simple wood table.
Under $2,000 (for now)
A Tank Louis Paris Dial is a classic in the Cartier vintage watch line-up. I’m by no means an expert, but I’ve seen these usually for around $10,000. I will be looking back at the sold price out of pure curiosity after this sells.
A blue enamel and diamond belt ring needs no further comment. Size 5.
Under $1,000 (for now)
Another Tank with a Paris stamp. The cursive logo is wild, but I know in the early 20th century each Cartier brand was off doing it’s own weird things and not communicating with the others.
This is my favorite lighter I’ve found so far. I’m this close to not including it, but I don’t need a Cartier lighter! I don’t smoke anymore and I already have a cute refillable one at home. But maybe,,, maybe,,,,, maybe I’ll have the auction open. Whoops if I buy it!
Why would you need a Sterling silver shopping bag? Is it a vase? Who were the Esplanades and what was the bit about “A breeze from the gulf”? If you'r initials are CM or MC you must buy this and use it as a vase!
Under $500-ish
This sterling silver travel clock passed without any bids! So sad.
This mixed metal sapphire ring is stunning and a great fidget toy to spin the two rings around each other. A little row of sapphires is just so stunning on the finger. I love a chunky ring and why not get yourself something special!
I have started slowly collecting vintage sterling silver, a lot from old relatives, but a few found on the internet. I have a Tiffany dish in the shape of a shell and now I’ve found a Cartier version! A sterling silver shell dish is just an absolute joy to dump your keys into. Highly recommend!
Did you really need that gold snoopy pendant, but the price was just not for you? Well, they made it in sterling silver too! This snoopy has a bit more wear to him, but he’s just as lovely. If anything, I feel like the silver makes his features pop a little more.
A silver plated lighter - a lot less bougie, and will continue to show its age, but still an impressive lighter to pull out when everyone’s used to the same old bics.
A simple silver bud vase! If I didn’t have a beautiful Match Pewter one, I would be camping out in the auction for this. So perfect for a single stem on the table you d
More home goods, now a simple and beautiful sterling silver juicer and an art deco Georg Jensen wine opener. I really want these in my kitchen to go with my sterling silver toast holder, cutlery and dessert cups.
If you need to polish any silver, use electrolysis, it’s so much less
Vintage Cartier is freaking beautiful. So glad you looked at this!