Rare vintage Cartier on show in Singapore

GREAT design never goes out of style, and sought-after vintage jewellery, watches and objets d’art are proof of that.

Just ask Harry Fane – the pro you need on your side when you want to get your hands on coveted Cartier pieces crafted decades ago.

He started his career at Sotheby’s in London and then went on to Los Angeles and New York, before leaving to deal privately in contemporary American art. He soon found a niche for the pre-1960 works by Cartier, and since then, has been buying and selling some of the rarest and most beautiful items made by the French jeweller and watchmaker.

In 1978, Fane established his private gallery, Obsidian, in London’s Mayfair to deal exclusively in vintage Cartier and objets d’art. Today, Obsidian sells a wide range of jewellery and objects, vintage and modern, and is well-known for private commissions in both jewels and precious items.

Collectors will get to view part of his collection of jewellery, watches, clocks and objets d’art in an exclusive exhibition and sale at Dover Street Market Singapore (DSMS).

Some of these exquisite items include a gorgeous pearl-and-diamond lady’s wristwatch (S$152,800) dating from 1928, and a Turbogas choker (S$64,710) from the 1970s made of yellow gold and stainless steel. The timeless design of the choker was inspired by the flexible pipes that were being laid across the world to transport gas post-World War II.

Cartier’s timepieces are considered among the greatest objets d’art made in the 20th century, and a ribbed gold table clock (S$21,140) from the 1940s is a fine example of its insistence on creative excellence, even in the simplest of its creations.

Cartier’s fascination with the natural world is well-known, with the panther being an enduring icon for the jeweller. Its Lovebirds brooch (S$170,770), made circa 1950, is a work of art depicting two adorable parrots sitting side by side on a golden branch.

One has a body made with antique carved emerald, and the other has a body of gold leaves and pavé diamonds. Their heads are pavé set with small round diamonds and ruby cabochons; their beaks are made of gold and their eyes, set with gems.

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Some of these vintage pieces, such as the sculptural Moi et Toi yellow gold ring (S$13,482) from the 1970s, look like modern creations, a testament to Cartier’s ageless designs.

Private appointments can be made from Nov 4-7; the collection will be available at DSMS at 18 Dempsey Road till Nov 17. To book an appointment, e-mail appointments@dsm-sg.com