Cartier 18K Art Deco Vanity Case

This Cartier vanity case is the essence of elegance. Masterfully designed in 18k gold, this refined beauty is adorned with a diamond shaped plaque filled with hand chased flowers framed by bezel set rubies. The plaque is embraced by a pair of ruby centered rosettes resting on a decorative red and green enamel banner on an ivory enamel ground. Both functional and lovely, the case opens by a ruby pushpiece to reveal a lipstick holder, compartments for rouge, powder and a puff, a small mirror and even an ivory note card with a pencil for a love note. The case is suspended by an enameled thumb piece connected to a  ruby, pearl and gold bead chain. An exquisite miniature work of art. 

Before World War I it was considered inappropriate for a proper lady to wear makeup. Around 1920, women began wearing lipstick and rouge in celebration of their new-found freedom, and so the vanity case was designed.

Inscribed: Mrs. Fletcher Ryer

Weight: 255.7 grams

Measurements: 3 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 9/16" deep, chain measures 3.5" on each side

Markings: Cartier NY

Notes: The ivory note card reads, " Mrs. Erskine Bolst gave this to my old friend Doris." There are three losses to the enamel - two bottom corners and to the left of the diamond plaque on the cover. Some surface wear to the enamel as shown.