Francesca Cartier Brickell.

Joining the family firm at the turn of the twentieth century, three brothers had grand plans for its future. Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier wanted to grow the modest Parisian jewellery store that their grandfather had founded half a century ago into the leading jewellery business of the world.

Pierre, Louis, Alfed and Jacques Cartier.

In an age before globalization, it was an unusually ambitious goal but they were determined and they had a plan: divide and conquer. They split the world between them, each takingresponsibility for a different region. Louis, the eldest remained in Paris, looking after the chic continental European clients and creating some of the most sought after jewellery, objets d’art and timepieces of the early twentieth century. Pierre, an astute businessman, spotted the opportunity in America well before most of his French peers and opened a New York branch in 1909 to cater to the new class of wealthy industrialists, glamorous heiresses and Hollywood stars. And Jacques, the youngest, managed the London branch where he designed pieces not only for the English aristocracy, but also for clients from the British colonies, most significantly the Maharajas of India. From his many trips to the East, Jacques brought back not only enormous commissions from their palaces but also ideas for an oriental ‘tutti frutti’ style of jewellery that remains one of Cartier’s most iconic styles today.

Lot 610. An Art Deco jadeite, diamond and onyx brooch, by Cartier, circa 1925. Estimate HK$ 70,000 - 90,000. Sold for HK$ 62,500 (€ 7,441). © Bonhams.

The carved 'Double Happiness' jadeite plaque of bright green colour, measuring approximately 18.7 x 12.9 x 1.8mm, accented by rose-cut diamonds and calibré-cut onyx, signed Cartier Paris, numbered, maker's mark, French assay mark, length 5.0cm.

Accompanied by a Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory report stating that the selected natural colour fei cui (jadeite jade) has no resin detected. Report number SJ 112707, dated 20 March 2015.

Lot 611. An Art Deco onyx and diamond jabot pin, by Cartier, circa 1925. Estimate HK$ 120,000 - 150,000 (€ 14,000 - 18,000). Unsold. © Bonhams.

Of symmetrical design, with onyx spheres as terminals, accented by calibré-cut onyx, old brilliant and single-cut diamonds, signed Cartier, numbered, Charles Hol maker's marks, French assay marks, length 8.2cm.

Lot 612. A pair of sapphire and diamond double-clip brooches, by Cartier, circa 1925. Estimate HK$ 150,000 - 200,000 (€ 18,000 - 24,000). Unsold. © Bonhams.

Of geometric design, each set with calibré-cut sapphires, highlighted with a row of old brilliant-cut diamonds, signed Cartier, numbered, sapphires approximately 3.95 carats total, length 3.6cm, cased by Cartier.

Lot 613. A diamond and gem-set charm bracelet, by Cartier. Estimate HK$ 115,000 - 150,000 (€ 18,000 - 24,000). Sold for HK$ 125,000 (€ 14,883). © Bonhams.

Of five charms: an eagle head set with brilliant-cut diamonds, turquoise cabochons and circular-cut emeralds; a joker card set with similarly cut diamonds, onyx cabochons and circular-cut rubies; the figure eight highlighted with similarly cut diamonds; a similarly set openwork monogram heart; and a single monogram turn plate stating 'I Love You'; completed by a trace link bracelet, signed Cartier, numbered, maker's marks, French assay marks, charms detachable, length 19.0cm.

Lot 614. A Belle Epoque diamond bracelet, by Cartier, circa 1910. Estimate HK$ 280,000 - 350,000 (€ 33,000 - 42,000). Unsold. © Bonhams.

The openwork millégrain-set old brilliant-cut diamond bracelet of foliate design, completed by similarly cut diamond intersections, diamonds approximately 10.60 carats total, signed Cartier, Edmond Lecas maker's mark, French assay marks, length 17.0cm.

Lot 615. A Belle Epoque diamond centerpiece, circa 1910. Estimate HK$ 200,000 - 300,000. Sold for HK$ 225,000 (€ 26,789). © Bonhams.

Centrally set with an old brilliant-cut diamond, within an openwork foliate surround of millégrain-set old brilliant-cut diamonds, diamonds approximately 10.50 carats total, length 5.2cm, cased by Cartier.

Lot 616. An impressive pair of diamond earrings, by Cartier. Estimate HK$ 190,000 - 280,000 (€ 23,000 - 33,000). Unsold. © Bonhams.

Each hoop pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds to the front and back, diamonds approximately 8.15 carats total, signed Cartier, numbered, maker's marks, French assay marks, length 3.5cm, cased by Cartier.

Lot 617. A fine emerald and diamond bracelet, by Cartier, circa 1960. Estimate HK$ 800,000 - 1,200,000. Sold for HK$ 875,000 (€ 104,182). © Bonhams.

The articulated bracelet set with eight graduated step-cut emeralds, each between courses of brilliant-cut diamonds, diamonds approximately 11.50 carats total, signed Cartier Paris, numbered, length 16.0cm.

Accompanied by an AGL (American Gemological Laboratories) report stating that the natural emeralds have minor clarity enhancement and originate from Colombia. Report number CS 84606, dated 16 March 2015.

Lot 618. A fine Art Deco emerald and diamond cuff, by Cartier, circa 1925. Estimate HK$ 1,000,000 - 1,500,000. Sold for HK$ 1,120,000 (€ 132,985). © Bonhams.

The old brilliant-cut diamond cuff set with a row of five emerald cabochons, set between baguette-cut diamond borders and accents, completed by a brick-link bracelet strap with a single and baguette-cut diamond clasp, diamonds approximately 21.00 carats total, signed Cartier, numbered, inner diameter 5.0 x 4.3cm.