Cartier France
Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century More Rings
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1910s Art Deco Boxes and Cases
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Modern More Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Retro Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
20th Century Clip-on Earrings
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Cufflinks
Gold
1990s Art Deco Modern Bracelets
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1970s More Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century Cufflinks
18k Gold
1990s Wrist Watches
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century More Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Modernist Wedding Rings
Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Modern Dome Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Pitchers
Silver
1980s Sunglasses
20th Century Band Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, W...
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Artist Wrist Watches
Quartz, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings
Diamond, Gold
20th Century Cufflinks
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Late 20th Century Band Rings
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Late 20th Century French Baroque Pillows and Throws
Linen, Silk
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1980s Sunglasses
20th Century French Vases
Silver
Vintage 1980s Modern Fashion Rings
18k Gold
1980s Sunglasses
Vintage 1950s Retro Wedding Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Brooches
Diamond, Blue Sapphire
Late 20th Century French Baroque Pillows and Throws
Linen, Silk
Mid-20th Century Hoop Earrings
Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
20th Century French Pitchers
Silver
Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century French Pillows and Throws
Linen, Silk
1990s Sunglasses
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Pillows and Throws
Linen, Silk
1980s Sunglasses
Vintage 1970s French Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks
Lapis Lazuli
1980s Sunglasses
1980s Sunglasses
1980s Sunglasses
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Pillows and Throws
Linen, Silk
1980s Sunglasses
- 1
- ...
Cartier Biography and Important Works
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.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
Read More

15 Scintillating Jewelry Watches to Elevate Your Holiday Style
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.

How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of fake Cartier Love bracelets.

Cartier: The Jeweler Who Helped Define Art Deco
Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.

The Wild Story Behind Cartier’s Panthers
The French jewelry house's iconic cats have enjoyed a fierce following for more than a century.

The 6 Most Popular Brands for Luxury Watches
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.

The Personal Luxury Goods Market amid COVID-19
1stDibs dealers discuss the challenges of this unprecedented time, and the signs of hope.

7 Things You Probably Didn’t Know about Cartier
Get to know the family behind the iconic jewelry house.

The Captivating History of the Cartier Love Bracelet
The decades-old design is one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry in the world.