For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Cartier Diamond Love Ring 18K Yellow Gold With Box and Papers EU49
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Brand: Cartier Collection: Love small model Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: EU 49 Width: 4 mm Diamond Specifications: Shape: Round Brilliant Total Car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Love Ring with 0.23ct Round F VVS Diamonds Size 8.5
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: 18K Yellow Gold, 0.23 Ct Diamond, Size 8.25 Celebrate the timeless elegance of love with this stunning Cartier Love Ring. Crafted in luxurious...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Love Ring with 0.31 Carat Round F VS Diamonds Size 5.25
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Elevate your style with this vintage Cartier masterpiece. Crafted in luxurious 18 Karat yellow gold, this Love ring is adorned with 88 round b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold 'Love' Ring
By Cartier
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from 18 karat yellow gold this ring is from one of Cartier's most iconic collections, 'Love'. Originally designed by Aldo Cipullo in 1969 first as the 'Love' bracelet, the range has since grown to encompass earrings, rings, bracelets and neckwear. This relatively modern iteration of the 'Love' ring was probably crafted during the 21st Century and is an unusually large ring size, suitable for men, or ladies with a larger finger size. The original 'Love' bangle was designed in two parts with screws that locked the piece onto the wearer's arm, similar to how a chastity belt functioned, with the idea that the spouse would retain the screwdriver that could remove the piece, in essence locking their loved one to them. These Love bands have become a cult classic and are often worn by men and women globally as wedding bands. A really nice addition to a collection of Cartier or simply a nice plain band to stack other rings with. Ring size - 60/S Marked - 'Cartier 750 60...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Small Model Love Band Ring with 8 Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Box
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: Cartier Size 53 / US 6.25 The Cartier Love Collection has long been synonymous with timeless romance and refined elegance, and this 18 karat yellow gold band ring is no exception. This exquisite piece effortlessly marries simplicity with sophistication, making it a versatile accessory suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear. Crafted from the finest 18 karat yellow gold, the ring exudes a warm and luxurious glow that adds an understated opulence to any ensemble. The hallmark of this ring lies in its design, featuring eight bezel-set diamonds that encircle the band. These diamonds, set in a discreet yet impactful manner, elevate the ring with a touch of brilliance, subtly catching the light. This duality of simplicity and sparkle makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. The adaptability of the design, allowing it to serve as either an everyday accessory or a wedding band, speaks to the enduring nature of the Cartier Love Collection. This piece is the perfect addition to any fine jewelry collection. This piece is in very good estate condition and has been professionally cleaned and polished. Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cartier Ring size...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Ring Yellow Gold Classic Model Size 58 Engagement Band
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
A child of 1970s New York, the LOVE collection remains today an iconic symbol of love that transgresses convention. The screw motifs, ideal oval shape, and undeniable elegance establ...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Love Ring in 18-karat yellow gold is a timeless emblem of commitment and elegance. Adorned with the iconic screw motif, it symbolizes enduring love. This ring is perfectl...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Ring in 18k yellow gold with 3 diamonds with box & papers
By Cartier
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Cartier Love ring , classic, yellow gold 750/1000 with box and papers The LOVE collection began with the iconic bracelet created in New York in 1969. An expression of Cartier's des...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier LOVE Ring Size K (50)
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 18ct yellow gold ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. This ring forms part of the iconic LOVE collection and is one of the most celebrated items of jewellery in the world. This is the wider model with a width measuring 5.5mm. "A love child of '70s New York...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Ring Classic Model Yellow Gold Wedding Band Size 54
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
A child of 1970s New York, the LOVE collection remains today an iconic symbol of love that transgresses convention. The screw motifs, ideal oval shape, and undeniable elegance establ...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 154413 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love ...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 154413 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love ...
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 154997 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love ...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Mini Model Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Mini Model Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 156035 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Mini Model Love Ring Condition Description: Since Louis-Franç...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 154997 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Small Model Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love ...
Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Small Model Love Ring, Size 8.25, Unisex
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Small Model Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 157058 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Small Model Love Ring Condition Description: Since Louis-François Cartier to...
Cartier understands the value of preserving the signature codes of great design, and how to tweak it for modern aficionados.
Throughout the season, timepieces are clues to the characters' character.
