Object Description
A classic diamond and platinum line bracelet by Cartier c.1920s, the bracelet composed of forty three old brilliant cut diamonds each set within a fine open backed platinum square collet, all to a concealed tongue and box clasp. This lovely bracelet has been beautifully made with superb articulation and attention to detail. The diamonds are bright and sparkly and the size lends itself easily to everyday wear either alone or with other bracelets and bangles or even next to a watch.
Maker
Cartier
Period
Circa 1920s
Origin
French
Gemstones
43 x brilliant cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 8.6cts
Setting
Platinum signed Cartier Londres and numbered
Weight
15 grams
Dimensions
7″ / 18cm long and 0.15″ / 0.4cm wide
Condition
Very fine
Directors Notes
The diamond line bracelet is often known as a ‘tennis bracelet’, always a single row of diamonds around the wrist. The style itself has been around since the 1920s when women’s fashion allowed bracelets to take centre stage in a way they hadn’t before. The coining of the term ‘tennis bracelet’ to describe this line of diamonds is attributed to the tennis star Chris Evert who regularly wore diamond jewellery on court. During a match in 1978, the diamond line bracelet she was wearing fell off and play had to be paused to allow her to look for it. Henceforth the name ‘tennis bracelet’ became widely used to describe bracelets (and later necklaces) of this classic design.