Cartier Belle Epoque Diamond Ear Pendants, C.1910

Belle Epoque Diamond Ear Pendants by Cartier, circa 1910 A pair of ear pendants, each composed of four graduated circles of diamonds, centering larger diamonds, suspended from a large round diamond sent in a square, mounted in platinum • 188 old, single, and rose-cut diamonds, total weighing approximately 10 carats • Signed Cartier • Each: 2 ¼ x 5/8 inches Significance The Belle Époque period in Paris was marked by optimism, prosperity, and innovation. In the three decades before World War I, the arts flourished and attending plays, concerts, and exhibitions became desirable. These cultural events were places to see and be seen and required glittering diamond-set jewelry that sparkled in the low gas-lighting. This exceptional pair of earrings by Cartier features diamonds set in platinum in the all-white palette that was preferred at this time. These earrings are unusual in their design, however, for the time. Featuring a series of graduating and overlapping circles, they are a transitional piece that looked forward to the geometric designs that would become popular during the Art Deco period in the 1920s, leaving behind the swags, bows, and festoons popular in the garland style jewelry at the turn of the century. This exquisite pair of earrings is beautifully designed around a center column of round diamonds that are variously accented by squares and circles. The design is carefully considered and removing a single element would be impossible. This important pair of Cartier earrings is just as wearable today as when it was first created and would be an important addition to any collection.