The year was 1912 and Pierre Cartier was becoming a well-known and established Jeweler to New York City’s high society. He had just sold the coveted 45.5ct Hope Diamond to Heiress Evalyn Walsh Mclean and was consistently bringing in rare and beautiful gems to his NYC Boutique.
In 1916 Pierre Cartier displayed a double strand of Natural South Sea Pearls, with 128 pearls of perfect color, shape, and size. The necklace had taken years to design, with each pearl being hand collected by divers. Wearing a strand of pearls was the ultimate symbol of wealth and status among the New York elite.
Maisie Plant
Maisie Plant at 31 years old had just married into NYC elite, wedding to husband Morton F. Plant, 61, and she had become captivated with Cartier’s double strand of Natural Pearls.
Maisie had told Cartier the $1 million price tag was too much, but Cartier had other plans in mind. Cartier approached Morton F. Plant about his wife’s desire of the necklace and offered a trade. Pierre Cartier wanted to expand his boutique in NYC and eyed Plant’s 5th Avenue, 5-story corner mansion. It was a prime location to grow his business and family homes were moving out of the bustling downtown streets. Pierre Cartier knew Plant would be interested in selling his downtown mansion. So, a deal was made! Cartier sold his double strand of Natural South Sea Pearls for Plant’s 5th Ave, and 52nd St Mansion.
Why is this so important today? When you’re walking down 5th Ave to Cartier’s Flagship and Historically Landmarked Boutique, you are witnessing an amazing real estate transaction over a strand of Natural South Sea Pearls. A key part of that transaction was that Cartier wouldn’t alter the exterior of the building.
Since 1916 Cartier has renovated the interior twice and transformed Plant’s 5th Ave family mansion to Cartier’s NYC Headquarters and one of the most recognized shops on 5th Ave.
The last siting of Maisie’s South Sea Pearl strand sold at auction for $180,000 while the Cartier building is estimated at $160 million in real estate value.
Own your very own Double Strand of Pearls!
14k White Gold Diamond Clasp with 26” of Pearls
$4450 at Ferris Coin and Jewelry
