It was such an unusual deal that many people asked themselves: ๐ค would they make such a gesture for the woman they love? โค๏ธ This is the story of Cartier’s legendary pearl necklace ๐, for which railroad tycoon and financier Morton Plant ๐ฉ once traded a six-story mansion ๐ on Fifth Avenue in New York City ๐ฝ. What made this necklace so special — and is this truly a love story? Let’s find out! ๐
๐ซ The Jewelry That Was Worth a Mansion
The necklace that stirred so much desire was created by jeweler Pierre Cartier โจ in the early 20th century. It featured two strands of 128 perfectly matched natural pearls โช ranging from 6.5 to 12.25 mm in diameter. The clasp held a 3-carat diamond ๐. Its distinctive pink-green glow ๐ธ๐ข made it a timeless natural masterpiece. In 1916, it was worth $1 million ๐ฐ (today: $20–30 million). People traveled โ๏ธ just to see it.
Meanwhile, in Japan ๐ฏ๐ต, entrepreneur Kokichi Mikimoto patented cultured pearl technology and quickly commercialized it — transforming the global market. After the owner passed away, the necklace was sold at auction for just $151,000 ๐งพ. In 2016, Cartier recreated the piece with a third strand of pearls to mark its 100th anniversary ๐
๐ A Christmas "Gift" on Fifth Avenue
Every Christmas, the mansion is wrapped with a giant red ribbon ๐, appearing like an oversized gift. But its true value lies in its history ๐ฌ. One evening, over dinner with Morton Plant and his young wife ๐ฅ, Pierre Cartier learned the mansion was for sale. Maysie Plant longed for the necklace โค๏ธ, and Morton was devoted to making her happy.
Cartier proposed a genius deal ๐ค: the necklace in exchange for the house. Cartier gained a luxurious headquarters ๐ฐ, Maysie got the most exquisite jewelry of the time, and Morton — $100 and his wife's admiration.
๐ผ๏ธ Architecture, Panthers & A Golden Medal
A year later, Morton passed away ๐๏ธ, Maysie remarried ๐, and the mansion became Cartier’s U.S. flagship ๐บ๐ธ. Architect William Bosworth, of Rockefeller family fame, led the redesign and was awarded a gold medal ๐ for his architectural harmony.
The first two floors became retail salons with rich wood panels ๐ฒ, chandeliers โจ, and fireplaces ๐ฅ. Visitors were greeted by a lacquer panel with Cartier’s panther ๐, and inside — a portrait of Maysie. Every detail was overseen by Pierre Cartier himself.
๐ Legacy: Exhibition, Jewels & Icons
In 2016, Cartier hosted an exhibition ๐ธ in the newly restored mansion. Over 500 historic pieces from their archives ๐ were showcased, including:
Tutti Frutti jewels ๐๐
the Bird in a Cage brooch ๐๏ธ — symbolizing Nazi-occupied France
the iconic Trinity ring ๐๐ค๐ธ created for Jean Cocteau
panther-themed brooches ๐ — brand emblem
Today, Cartier offers exclusive custom fragrances ๐ธ๐งด and stands among the elite of luxury watchmaking โ. Its strategy — blending 100 years of heritage with innovation ๐ — continues to shine brilliantly๐
