Object Description
Description
A large heavy 18ct gold and diamond signet ring by Cartier c.1985, designed and made for the Lincoln Motor Company, the shield shaped head is divided into three parts each centred with the logo for either Lincoln, Mercury or Merkur cars, all surrounded by pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds in a raised plaque to a plain 18ct gold flat band with tapering shoulders, signed Cartier to the inside of the head. This ring is a fascinating memento of automobile history, when two seemingly disparate companies joined force. First launched in the 1920s, Lincoln is the luxury arm of the American automobile giant the Ford Motor Company. In 1976 Lincoln launched a ‘Collector’s Series’ of cars in collaboration with four high profile designers, one of which was Cartier. The cars in this collection had such features as a Cartier embossed clock set into the dashboard, the Cartier signature embedded in the glass, Cartier logos on the upholstery and designer paint and finishes. This collaboration continued for many years and each year the designs would be tweaked a little to update them and reflect current trends from coloured wheel spokes to air conditioning. The logos on this ring reflect three of the different brands marketed by the firm and can be dated to 1985-89 as the Merkur brand was short lived and only operated between these dates. Whilst the Cartier Lincoln cars are no longer in production this ring is a reminder of a hugely successful and relatively long lived collaboration between an iconic French and American brand.
Maker
Cartier
Period
Circa 1985
Origin
America
Gemstones
44 x round brilliant cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 0.7cts
Setting
18ct yellow gold signed Cartier and stamped 18K
Weight
32.6 grams
Dimensions
UK finger size U, US size 10.25
Condition
Overall very good condition, with signs of wear commensurate with age.