In the 1970’s, several design houses were flirting with their versions of a seahorse brooch. This version is done by Cartier, though you can find versions done by Tiffany & Co. and David Webb using the popular motif around the same time. What we love about this 18k gold Cartier version is its attention to detail and the beautifully sculpted ridges that delineate the seahorse and descend along its back and curved tail. The 18k gold has a matte finish, and a ruby eye bezel set in white gold that offsets it from the yellow gold of the rest of the brooch. The seahorse is both sculptural and lifelike—a realistic rendering of one of the ocean’s most magical creatures.
The brooch measures 1 3/8” x 1/2” and weighs 5.5 grams. It has a trombone closure. It is marked 18CT, Italy, Cartier, and with the serial number 5069.
