Circa 1970s Cartier pendant in 18k yellow gold and silverium, measuring 50mm × 28mm including the opening and removable bail. This pendant weighs a substantial 25.2 grams and is gorgeous. It has a sculptural spiraled finish, with a striking contrast between the dark silverium and rich 18k yellow gold. You can really see how the silver gives the fleece body that colder, carved, almost medieval look against the yellow gold horns and bail, almost like a relic. This silverium and gold version is substantially more rare than they all gold version, very few can be found that come to market.
Signed Cartier, numbered, and bearing French marks. In perfect condition and comfortable to wear, this pendant is best styled on a longer chain where the scale and weight can anchor the piece beautifully.
The Cartier “Golden Fleece” pendant references the historic Order of the Golden Fleece, one of the most elite European chivalric orders, founded in Burgundy in 1430 by Philip the Good. The original insignia was a hanging golden ram’s fleece suspended from an elaborate collar of flints and firesteels. It symbolized wealth, power, nobility, and divine right.
Cartier became fascinated with these royal and heraldic symbols during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially under Louis Cartier, when the house was deep into historic revivalism, medieval motifs, and aristocratic commissions. Rather than making literal replicas, Cartier reinterpreted the Golden Fleece into high jewelry pendants, charms, and brooches with the Maison’s own language. They often turned the fleece into something more sculptural and luxurious
