The French NeoClassic Salon at the newly appointed Cartier Mansion
About two and a half years ago, Cartier closed its now nearly 100-year-old Fifth Avenue mansion so that the brand could totally revamp the space.While the brand opened another location not too far away from its original so it could continue to remain open, Cartier set about re-creating the space to be in tune with today’s times and desires. Last week, at a gala affair, the Maison opened its mansion doors once again — revealing a lavish interior created by New York interior designer Thierry Despont.
The mansion was first acquired by Pierre Cartier in 1917 via a spectacular trade with New York financier Morton F. Plant. Plant agreed to exchange the home for a then- $1 million double strand necklace of superb natural pearls that his wife had fallen in love with. While it is unsure where that strand of pearls is today, the building is right where it has always been — but with a nearly 3-year renovation under its roof. The four-story mansion now boasts an all-new retail space, including a redesigned store front, a penthouse event space and a staircase connecting all floors. The 44,100-square-foot mansion is a deft blend of history, modern flair and ultimate luxury.
This stunning pearl necklace is created in honor of the re-opening of the Cartier Mansion and recalls the famed necklace that Cartier traded for the Plant Mansion.
Additioanlly, to celebrate the re-openign of the mansion, Cartier has designed an all new multi-strand pearl necklace inspired by the original one that was traded for the mansion in that legendary barter. Called the Satiny Necklace, the dazzling piece is crafted in platinum with 217 white and colored natural pearls and a center very light brown cushion-shaped diamond weighing 2.23. There piece is also set with a 0.71-carat pear shaped diamond, 1.83 carats of pink diamonds. a pink marquise-shaped diamond (0.46 cts), a pink brilliant-cut diamond (0.60 cts), a brown brilliant (0.21 cts), and 4.09 carats of white brilliant-cut diamonds.
The new Mansion is well worth a visit when you are in New York- -but be prepared to spend some time there, as each newly appointed salon has something to offer everyone. Among the individual rooms are salons dedicated to the brand’s rich past and storied clientele, with rooms named for Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Grace of Monaco, Gary Cooper and others.
