As the saying goes – fashions may fade, but style is forever. For objects as precious as Cartier’s jewellery, watches, and clocks, forever is not just a euphemism. No matter when they were created, the brand’s historic and antique pieces remain just as captivating today as when they were first made – if not more so, given the weight of their history. Now, thanks to the new Cartier Tradition, collectors the world over can purchase a piece of that history for themselves. Christmas ideas for all the family – from chess players to pets Cartier Tradition is a new division of the company’s Art of Cartier Collection that researches, purchases and, if necessary, restores the dazzling creations from the brand’s illustrious history. The acquired pieces will then be offered to a select group of VIP clients at regular exhibitions held in just 15 of Cartier’s high jewellery boutiques around the world. How Cartier’s new necklaces are taking high jewellery to its limits While antique Cartier pieces may already appear on the auction circuit or through dealers from time to time, the difference lies in the fact that only Cartier is able to guarantee the authenticity of each item. The maison’s prodigious archival records – supposedly the most complete surviving set of any major jeweller in the world – allows the brand to date each piece, find out where it was created and identify the exact metals and gems it is comprised of. Given the expertise of its jewellers, Cartier is also able to guarantee that any heritage pieces will be restored to their correct specifications where necessary. And if there’s one thing Cartier Tradition reminds us, it’s that even the jeweller’s newest pieces will eventually become an irreplaceable part of Cartier’s history and a treasured collector’s item in time. Here’s a taster of just some of the precious antique pieces available through Cartier Tradition. New luxury pieces by Cartier and VCA, just in time for Christmas Cartier Garland Necklace, circa 1910, from the Belle Époque period This beautiful openwork necklace, set in platinum with European-cut diamonds and coloured pearls, dates back to the Belle Époque period – a time when motor cars were replacing horse drawn carriages on Paris’ Haussmannian boulevards. It can be divided into four different parts and worn as a necklace or choker, with or without the central rosette. Its transformable nature is a testament to Cartier’s impeccable craftsmanship and eye for detail. A 1925 Cartier Cobra “Boule” Clock from the art deco period This clock – rendered in yellow gold, silver, enamel, nephrite and emeralds – dates back to the Roaring Twenties and is a truly exceptional piece. Not only is it one of the few spherical clocks from the period, the rearing cobra motif appears very rarely in Cartier’s designs. It was created in the workshop of Maurice Couët, the master responsible for the majority of sophisticated, high-quality clocks from the time and the man who developed Cartier’s famous mystery and illusionist timepieces . How Swiss watchmakers are switching up for China’s luxury collectors Bell Pendant Earrings, Cartier New York in 1962, from the New Femininity period This pair of contemporary-looking earrings dates back to the Swinging Sixties (Cartier only considers items manufactured before 1975 to be “antique”). The wide gold rings are edged in gold cord and each encloses a swinging bell studded with coloured gemstones. The gems may have been inspired by the acrostic jewellery tradition, which likely originated in Paris in the early 1800s before being adopted in England. Back then, coded messages were all the rage and acrostic gems were the subtlest and most charming way for a man to express his feelings, with the first letter of each gemstone conveying a secret message. These gems, which include diamonds, an emerald, amethyst, ruby, sapphire and topaz, might just be someone’s love letter. Want more stories like this? Sign up here . Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .