Vintage "Flower in Hand" Brooch, by Cartier Paris

This Cartier design combines style with a touch of whimsy. A gloved hand in black enamel holds a well-shaped gold flower, centered with an old-cut diamond, while a rose-cut diamond bracelet and a bright red enamel cuff add just the right amount of color and charm. The piece dates to Cartier's creative late Art Deco era, when the company produced figurative jewelry inspired by hands, flowers, animals, and other fanciful subjects. In the late 1930s, Cartier presented various versions of this 'flower in hand' design, employing different combinations of gold, enamel, lacquer, coral, and diamonds. On the back, the manufacturer's mark reads Cartier Paris, and the Déposé stamp indicates that the design is one registered by Cartier from that period—other similar examples date from about 1938 to 1940. The construction is also worth mentioning: the flower is three-dimensional rather than flat, which gives the brooch a real sense of depth, and the bracelet set with diamonds around the wrist is a small but very typical Cartier feature. It has a playful character, is beautifully crafted, and is clearly typical of its time. A FABULOUS collector's piece that is perfect on the lapel, collar, shirt pocket - perhaps used to secure a scarf? Definitely an IYKYK jewel. 18kt Yellow Gold Measures: 1.72" L x 1" W 21.5 Grams Please see qualitative report for more information.