Cartier Red Leather Chain Tote
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104222117252
Cartier
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Philadelphia, PA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermes Blue Canvas Toile Herbag ToteBy HermèsLocated in Philadelphia, PAHermes Blue Canvas Toile Herbag Tote in excellent condition. Blue toile canvas exterior trimmed with palladium silver hardware and tan barenia leather. B...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Prada Black Patent Leather Gaufre Ruched Shoulder Bag ToteLocated in Philadelphia, PAPrada Black Patent Leather Gaufre Ruched Shoulder Bag Tote in excellent condition. Black patent leather exterior in signature ruched gaufre style t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- OOAK Abigail Made in Italy Contessa Leopard Beaded Gown Top Handle Leather ToteLocated in Philadelphia, PAOOAK Abigail Made in Italy Contessa Leopard Beaded Gown Top Handle Leather Tote. One of a kind handmade top handle tote made from a beaded gown owned by an Italian contessa. Beaded l...Category
Early 2000s Tote Bags
- Chanel Black and Grey Portobello ToteLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Black and Grey Leather Portobello Tote in very good condition. Distressed quilted black leather with grey shimmery soft calfskin leather top trimmed with double handles and woven chain and leather shoulder straps. Silver hardware trim and CC logo along front side. Top full zipper closure opens to a black nylon interior that holds one zipped and 2 slit side pockets, a leather key strap...Category
Early 2000s Tote Bags
- Fendi Sheer Silk Organza Hand Beaded Floral Embroidered ToteBy FendiLocated in Philadelphia, PAFendi Sheer Silk Organza Hand Beaded Floral Embroidered Tote in very good condition. Sheer grey silk organza with multicolor embroidered and beaded flowers...Category
Early 2000s Tote Bags
- Marc Jacobs Seafoam Green Leather and Sequin Small Duffy Frog ToteBy Marc JacobsLocated in Philadelphia, PAMarc Jacobs Green Leather and Sequin Small Duffy Frog Tote in excellent condition. The duffy frog totes were specially designed for a limited edition collection in partnership with Robert Duffy, the co-founder of Marc Jacobs. Seafoam Green leather...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Celine Red Calfskin Leather Tri-fold Small ToteBy CelineLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis chic tote is crafted of grained calfskin leather in orange. The bag features leather shoulder straps and expandable sides. This elegant handbag opens to a partitioned red suede ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Gucci Cream Leather Soho Zip Tassel ToteBy GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Created from high-quality materials, this tote is enriched with functional and classic elements. It can be carried around conveniently, and its interior is perfectly sized to keep yo...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- HERMES Gold camel Epsom leather BIRKIN 35 Bag GhwBy HermèsLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Hermès Birkin 35 bag in Gold (camel brown) Veau Epsom leather. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper pocket against the back. ...Category
Early 2000s French Tote Bags
- 2020s Chloe Marcie Small Tote Bag in Brown LeatherBy ChloéLocated in Arnhem, NLChloe Marcie small tote bag in patchwork stud brown suede and smooth leather. The bag features gold toned hardware and rolled shoulder straps. The ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel Vintage Caviar Black Leather Grand Shopping Tote LargeBy ChanelLocated in Montreal, QuebecChanel large shopping tote bag. Caviar black leather. Leather and chain shoulder strap. Snap closure. Front and back full length pockets. La...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
- Dior Purple Cannage Leather Large Soft Lady Dior ToteBy Christian DiorLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Lady Dior tote is a Dior creation that has gained recognition worldwide and is today a coveted bag that every fashionista craves to possess. This soft tote has been crafted from...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.