This extraordinary brooch, crafted in Paris in 1891, was purchased by my great-great-grandfather as a Christmas gift for my great-great-grandmother. While unsigned—as was customary for many Cartier pieces of this era—it is documented in my great-great-grandmother’s records and bears all the hallmarks of Cartier’s early craftsmanship: refined detailing, exquisite enamel work, and a diamond of remarkable sparkle crowning the tree.
The brooch is modeled as a radiant Christmas tree, its textured gold branches wrapped in brilliant green enamel bands, and finished with a diamond-set star. It is both a testament to Cartier’s artistry in the late 19th century and a deeply personal token of love, commissioned in Paris as a family treasure.
Unsigned Cartier pieces of this period are well-documented and highly sought after by collectors, particularly when supported by strong provenance. This jewel is both historically significant and sentimentally powerful — a Parisian jewel of artistry and love.
Details:
Maker: Cartier (unsigned, as was customary in the late 1800s)
Year: 1891
Materials: Gold, green enamel, diamond
Origin: Purchased in Paris as a Christmas present
Provenance: Documented in my great-great-grandmother’s records; gifted by my great-great-grandfather
This extraordinary brooch, crafted in Paris in 1891, was purchased by my great-great-grandfather as a Christmas gift for my great-great-grandmother. While unsigned—as was customary for many Cartier pieces of this era—it is documented in my great-great-grandmother’s records and bears all the hallmarks of Cartier’s early craftsmanship: refined detailing, exquisite enamel work, and a diamond of remarkable sparkle crowning the tree.
The brooch is modeled as a radiant Christmas tree, its textured gold branches wrapped in brilliant green enamel bands, and finished with a diamond-set star. It is both a testament to Cartier’s artistry in the late 19th century and a deeply personal token of love, commissioned in Paris as a family treasure.
Unsigned Cartier pieces of this period are well-documented and highly sought after by collectors, particularly when supported by strong provenance. This jewel is both historically significant and sentimentally powerful — a Parisian jewel of artistry and love.
Details:
Maker: Cartier (unsigned, as was customary in the late 1800s)
Year: 1891
Materials: Gold, green enamel, diamond
Origin: Purchased in Paris as a Christmas present
Provenance: Documented in my great-great-grandmother’s records; gifted by my great-great-grandfather
