What is tutti frutti jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Tutti frutti is a style of jewellery in which brightly coloured gemstones, usually rubies, emeralds and sapphires, are carved into naturalistic shapes such as leaves, berries and flowers and then massed together in an exuberant, garden-like composition. The name comes from the Italian for mixed fruits, and the look was made famous by Cartier in the 1920s and 1930s, largely through pieces influenced by Mughal carved gems brought from India. The style is closely associated with the Art Deco period and has been revived many times since.
Frequently asked questions
- What makes a piece tutti frutti jewellery?
- The defining feature is carved coloured gemstones, typically in fruit, leaf or floral shapes, clustered together in a vibrant, multi-colour arrangement. The stones are usually rubies, emeralds and sapphires, and the setting is often platinum or white metal.
- Which jeweller is most associated with tutti frutti?
- Cartier is the name most closely linked to the style. Their work of the 1920s and 1930s combined Mughal-carved gems from India with Art Deco platinum settings, and those pieces are among the most collectible Art Deco jewellery in existence.
- Is tutti frutti jewellery still made today?
- Yes, the style has seen regular revivals and contemporary designers continue to work in it, either using original Mughal carvings or commissioning new carved stones. Antique pieces from the Deco era remain highly sought after at auction.
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