Jewel of The Month - July 2026

A pair of vintage King of Hearts cufflinks by Cartier have been selected for Hancocks London’s July Jewel of the Month.

These Cartier cufflinks were made in Paris, circa 1960s, by the Georges Lenfant workshop. Each cufflink is designed as a traditional playing card, displaying a richly textured King of Hearts motif in 18ct yellow gold, with cabochon ruby hearts set to each corner, all framed by a gold, rope twist border. The card motifs are connected by a gold bar to smaller reverse plates, engraved with a heart and hinged for ease of wear.

The Georges Lenfant workshop is regarded as one of the finest goldsmiths of 20th century French jewellery. For decades, Lenfant worked as an important Cartier workmaster, while also creating jewels for many of the most notable jewellery Maisons of the period. At the time these cufflinks were made, the workshop was led by Jacques Lenfant, whose work represents some of the finest French goldsmithing of the era.

Amy Burton, Creative Director at Hancocks London, says: “These are the kind of jewels that collectors look for, but the appeal of these cufflinks goes beyond their rarity. They combine Cartier’s playfulness with romance and exceptional craftsmanship.

“Playing cards have been part of society and culture for centuries, and the King of Hearts is a motif that carries charm and character. Within the language of jewellery, it can become something deeply personal, a love token and an expression of affection. We have never seen another pair quite like these and, with their Cartier signature, Lenfant maker’s mark, distinctive design and rarity, they are perhaps the ultimate one-of-a-kind gift for one’s own King of Hearts.”