Bracelet — Cartier — 1960-1

In the aftermath of the Second World War gemstones were prohibitively expensive and their trade rare. Gold jewellery therefore became fashionable and was in great demand. To make the jewels more affordable the amount of precious metal was reduced by using wire, often corded in ornamental patterns. Pieces that appeared chunky were often hollow. The great jewellery houses of the time chose elaborate and playful designs. The French jewellery house Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier (1819-1904). It soon attracted European royalty and a prestigious clientele from around the world. This piece was made by an unidentified workshop in Belgium commissioned by Cartier.