Cartier 18K Yellow Gold-Plated Vendôme Santos Aviator Eyeglasses
Eyewear / Luxury Glasses Frames · Yellow Gold over a base metal (likely Monel or Nickel Silver for flexibility and strength).
Purity: Likely 18K Gold Plated or Gold Filled (approx. 20-40 microns). Not solid gold due to structural requirements of thin eyewear frames. Marks like 'Plaqué Or' often accompany these items.
Type
Eyewear / Luxury Glasses Frames
Purity
Likely 18K Gold Plated or Gold Filled (approx. 20-40 microns). Not solid gold due to structural requirements of thin eyewear frames. Marks like 'Plaqué Or' often accompany these items.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold over a base metal (likely Monel or Nickel Silver for flexibility and strength).
Weight
Total weight approx. 25-35 grams including lenses; gold content is a thin surface layer with negligible melt value.
Description
A pinnacle of 1980s luxury, these Cartier Vendôme Santos frames feature the iconic aviator silhouette accented by the famous screw motif borrowed from the Santos watch line. The frames exhibit a warm yellow gold finish that defines the 'power dressing' era of high-end accessories.
Key Features
Santos de Cartier screw motifs on the bridge and hinges; distinctive aviator teardrop shape; serialized temple arms.
Color & Finish
Polished 18K yellow gold finish with iconic 'Santos' screw motifs and signature burgundy/black ear tips.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected stamps: 'Cartier Paris' on bridge, frame size (e.g., 59-14) on bridge, and serial number on the interior of the temple arm. Purity stamps like '18K' or '22' usually refer to the thickness of the plating.
Dimensions Estimate
Standard adult size: approx. 140mm temple length, 55-62mm lens width, 14-16mm bridge width.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones; functional 'Santos' screw details acting as mechanical/aesthetic inlays in a contrasting finish or matching gold.
Clasp & Closure
Spring-loaded or fixed hinges with authentic Cartier screws; acetate ear tips for comfort.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; temple arms consist of a straight metal profile with iconic C-decor or Santos detailing at the hinges.
Craftsmanship Details
High-precision French manufacturing featuring hand-polished surfaces, recessed screw heads, and perfectly aligned hinges.
Authentication Indicators
Authentication requires checking for crisp, engraved serial numbers (not etched), the 'Cartier' signature on the nose pads, and the specific 'C' logo on the temple tips. Real gold-plated Cartier frames are much heavier than cheap replicas.
Origin & Maker
France (Paris); Manufactured by Cartier. High reputation for luxury eyewear craftsmanship.
Era & Period
Vintage 1980s-1990s 'Neo-Classic' luxury. Indicators include the specialized bridge design and screw motifs popular in that era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1983-1995 based on the Vendôme/Santos model popularity and frame construction.
Cultural Significance
Represents the peak of 'Logo-mania' and luxury branding in 20th-century fashion, moving eyewear from a medical necessity to a high-status jewelry statement.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Some visible wear on the nose pads and potential thinning of the gold plating on the inner bridge. Temples appear straight and hinges functional. Grade: B (Vintage).
Value Estimate
Resale value $500 - $1,200 USD depending on condition, box, and papers. Melt value is near zero as they are plated, not solid.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with microfiber cloths and specialized lens spray. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners as they may vibrate decorative screws loose. Store in a hard-shell Cartier case to prevent frame misalignment.
Similar Items
Fred Force 10 Eyeglasses; Ray-Ban 12k Gold Filled Aviators; Vintage Dunhill 6000 series.
Interesting Facts
The Vendôme frame was famously worn by Christopher Walken as Max Zorin in the 1985 James Bond film 'A View to a Kill,' cementing its status as a villain's accessory of choice.