Cartier Buffs refer to the brand’s most coveted collection of eyewear.
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Popularised in Detroit, Cartier glasses became ‘must-have’ status symbols; with one of the first eyewear pieces combining a thin gold-rimmed frame, bubinga wood and the Cartier double C décor detailing.
From 1847, Cartier has been a well-established and undisputed symbol of true and timeless luxury. Often referred to as ‘The Maison Cartier,’ the brand distinguishes itself by its mastery of all the unique skills and crafts used for the creation of a Cartier piece. Driven by a constant quest for excellence in design, innovation and expertise, the Maison stands in a unique and enviable position, a true leader and pioneer in the field.
Founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, Maison Cartier was an immediate success with the French Imperial court. With 10 years of apprenticeship experience behind him in a jewellery workshop, Louis was the most emblematic person at Cartier, creating iconic designs such as the ‘Tank’, ‘Santos’ and platinum pieces. After almost 100 years of bespoke orders, in 1983 Cartier launched its first Eyewear collections: Les Must and Vendôme de Cartier.
Since then, Cartier glasses have remained a fashion staple, with strong ties to social status. With an average retail price standing upwards of $2,500, what is so special about Cartier Buffs?
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What are Cartier Buffs?
Cartier Buffs are glasses designed by the luxury jewellery brand Cartier. Their eyewear is famous for high quality, exceeding standards, noble finishing and very recognizable codes. Cartier Buffs, also referred to as Carties, Cardis, 'Ye's, or Sticks, have become increasingly popular in Detroit where the term was coined.
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‘White Buffs’ reference Cartier sunglasses which feature white horn legs. These are some of the rarest, and consequently most prized on the market; the rectangular shaped design is created with a smooth gold finish, c-décor detailing, three-flex hinges and brown lenses.
Why are Cartier glasses called buffs?
The term refers to the material used in some of Cartier’s most expensive eyeglass designs: Buffalo horn.
Cartier uses natural horns with unique patterns from South America and Asia. Horn is a natural material which offers a variety of tones to give each frame a special character. The Horn is layered to increase stability and resistance. Unvarnished, it can be polished over time to regain shine.
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The construction of thin strips layered crosswise ensures quality, resistance to warping and the stability of each frame. Cartier horn frames are not varnished, so can be re-polished over time. The Buffalo Horn's distinctive designs are for men and women looking for contemporary eyewear that is refined, striking and unique, sometimes embellished further with diamonds, onyx and gold.
What are Cartier Buffs Made Of?
Besides the Buffalo horn, Maison Cartier sources exquisite materials in order to achieve some of the most precious finishes on the eyewear market. Cartier glasses can be finished with gold, palladium, ruthenium and platinum, using innovative electroplating and lacquering techniques. Using only noble metals such as 18 carat gold in pink, yellow and white tones, Cartier eyewear uses 5 μm of precious metal & up to 4 μm of gold throughout the traditional craft process.
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The brand’s jewellery expertise is embedded into each and every design, allowing for a certain level of uniqueness in every piece. Cartier glasses are lacquered by hand and constructed with natural materials such as wood and horn, meaning that each individual frame has its own story.
Cartier Eyewear is made in France, Italy and Japan. The Maison can count on a dedicated manufacturer in France, near Paris, expert in noble finishing and famous for high quality standards, exceeding the mandatory controls.
The brand has a strong and easily recognizable identity; the glasses utilise brand symbols depending on the family they belong to including exposed screws, panther embellishments, Godron decorative motifs, c-decor symbols and precious materials. Each frame is made using the same technical know-how as the brand’s famed jewellery and watch collections.
Taking Care Of Your Cartiers…
The Cartier eyewear collection is adorned in elegance and finery, distinguished and bearing the Cartier initials & symbols as a signature precious eyewear. So naturally, you must take care of these immaculate lenses and frames to avoid accelerated lens or frame ageing.
When you wear glasses, you should use both hands to put on and take the frame off your face and use both hands to hold the temples along the sides of the cheeks. This may sound silly, but if you only use one hand, over time your frame will become damaged. The uneven handling of the eyewear will affect the balance of delicate legs.
Correctly store your Cartier sunglasses by gently folding the legs together once you have removed them from your face. Place them back inside the case and box when you are not wearing them and ensure you’re not storing the eyewear in a high temperature or humid environment for a long time.
Your Cartier CT0046S 004 Sunglasses also come with a small pot of wax for you to care for the buffalo horn frame - ensure you follow the instructions on the lid and treat the legs of your eyewear.
If you wish to enquire about this piece, or have any further questions about Maison Cartier please get in touch via our live chat [small grey circle to the left of your screen], by email on hello@pretavoir.co.uk or call us on 0800 954 5689 or inthe US 1 800 694 7851. Our customer care team is always available to help.
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