Cartier Leaf Bracelet

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.

A fluid, dazzling finishing touch is here for the taking. Vintage link bracelets are among the most versatile accessories in your jewelry box, perfect for everyday wear or an evening outing with friends.

The oldest bracelet in the world was unearthed in 2015 in Russia and is around 40,000 years old. It is stone, made of chlorite, and quite fragile. The finding also included a tiara made of ivory from a woolly mammoth. Most likely a decorative piece used only for special occasions, the bracelet was a far cry from the bracelets and other jewelry we accessorize with today.

Owing to a metallic flash or the sparkle of a luxurious gemstone, a link bracelet introduces an eye-catching dynamic that can contrast wonderfully with the textures of fabric. A link bracelet can also magnify a pattern you’ve set into motion with other accessories, such as stacked with your go-to cuff bracelets or paired with a matching gold chain necklace (there are many kinds to choose from), earrings or a vintage shoulder bag with a similar metallic clasp. Often, a link bracelet is an understated yet elegant means of enhancing any outfit, subtle and tasteful.

Such bracelets are perennial partly because of the wide range of styles available. They boast a simple construction — typically chain links and a closure system — that makes them ideal for pairing with nearly any ensemble. Link bracelets can also see an integration of other types of elements such as lockets and medallions linked together in an overlapping or interlocking way, such as in the charm bracelet, which has been popular for centuries.

The two main things to consider when choosing a vintage link bracelet are the material and the design. Some bracelets feature charms, diamonds, gemstones or other ornamental flourishes. Pearls and cameos are exciting options to explore for a classic look. Link bracelets set with gemstones such as sapphires can offer a beautiful focal point in a jewel-toned ensemble. Similarly, antique diamond link bracelets can introduce a layer of sophistication as a captivating accessory that exquisitely reflects light on its chain links during a formal dinner or a night out on the town.

Choosing between gold link bracelets and silver link bracelets is another important consideration. In most cases, gold jewelry will look best on warm skin tones while white metals like silver and platinum are best for cool skin tones. There are also some link bracelets that mix metals for a more modern and playful look.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of unique vintage link bracelets that includes those designed at iconic luxury houses such as Bulgari and Cartier.