Vintage Cartier Diamond Elephant Maillon Necklace

A simply stunning vintage Cartier Paris diamond Elephant Maillon necklace set in solid 18k yellow gold; circa early 1998.

The necklace is composed of a central panel which depicts a family of four walking elephants. The elephants are pave set with round brilliant cut diamonds and are each accented with a round cut green emerald eye. The elephants are connected to each other by a hinge fitting which allows the animals to move ever so slightly with the neck.

The elephants flow nicely into the Cartier Maillon brink link necklace. This style of link is a classic Cartier design – a popular choice which started in the 1970’s and is still available in Cartier stores today. The links then follow through to a secure tongue clasp fitting with an added safety catch.

There is a total of 280 round brilliant cut diamonds set within the piece which has a combined carat weight of 4.50 carats. These diamonds range from E-F in colour with VVS clarity. The length of the necklace is 40-centimetres and measures 1.7 centimetres in thickness. The total weight of the necklace is exactly 160.4 grams. The necklace is signed and hallmarked on the clasp with French hallmarks, Cartier, 750, with the serial number 710031.