Skip to main content

Cartier Letter

Cartier Love bracelet diamonds
Cartier Love bracelet diamonds

Cartier Love bracelet diamonds

By Cartier

Located in London, England

Comes with everything, Cartier box, Cartier receipt, Cartier certificate and a Cartier service letter.

Category

2010s European Art Nouveau Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Mid-Century Textured Gold Clip Earrings in the Form of Angel Wings
Mid-Century Textured Gold Clip Earrings in the Form of Angel Wings

Mid-Century Textured Gold Clip Earrings in the Form of Angel Wings

Located in New York, NY

. #2423905, which is associated with Tiffany & Co. and Cartier NY. * Includes letter of authenticity for insurance purposes * Free shipping * Please do not hesitate to request p...

Category

Vintage 1950s Neoclassical Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Recent Sales

Cartier Agate & Gold Letter Opener
Cartier Agate & Gold Letter Opener

Cartier Agate & Gold Letter Opener

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier & Co. French 18K Gold Letter Opener w/Agate Blade, Ruby & Diamond Accents.

Category

French Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

CARTIER Estate 18k Love Bracelet
CARTIER Estate 18k Love Bracelet

CARTIER Estate 18k Love Bracelet

By Cartier

Located in Narberth, PA

The inside of the bracelet is also marked with a copyright symbol, a serial number which reads: "CRD 416582", another Cartier maker's mark, and the letter "a". A fashion-forward piec...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Letter Opener King Edward VIII
Cartier Letter Opener King Edward VIII

Cartier Letter Opener King Edward VIII

By Cartier

Located in Monte Carlo, MC

CARTIER LONDON, Letter Opener King Edward VIII in yellow gold, engraved ER, on the top a stylized flower on mother of pearl, blue and pink sapphires.

Category

20th Century Desk Accessories

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Cartier Propeller Letter Opener
Cartier Propeller Letter Opener

Cartier Propeller Letter Opener

Sold

W 0.81 in L 8.44 in

Cartier Propeller Letter Opener

By Cartier

Located in Simpsonville, SC

Unveil a new dimension of sophistication with the Cartier Propeller Letter Opener, an extraordinary blend of functionality and artistry.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Jade Yellow Gold Letter Opener
Cartier Jade Yellow Gold Letter Opener

Cartier Jade Yellow Gold Letter Opener

Sold

W 0.5 in D 0.04 in L 7.25 in

Cartier Jade Yellow Gold Letter Opener

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Slick and elegant letter opener created by Cartier, New York. Exquisite and chic, it makes a stylish gift and is a great addition to your accessories collection!

Category

Vintage 1950s American Desk Accessories

Materials

Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18k White Gold Ecrou Bangle
Cartier 18k White Gold Ecrou Bangle

Cartier 18k White Gold Ecrou Bangle

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Size - 17cm Condition - Excellent (Serviced at Cartier paper work) Composition - 18k White Gold Comes With - Cartier Pouch, Paper Bag, Service Letter From Cartier

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Bangles

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Diamond Flank Solitaire Ring, circa 1960
Cartier Diamond Flank Solitaire Ring, circa 1960

Cartier Diamond Flank Solitaire Ring, circa 1960

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Tested white gold with platinum settings, numbered 'N301' to interior, signed 'Cartier', circa 1950, accompanied by letter and receipt from Cartier London, accompanied by original fi...

Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Emerald and Diamond Ring Vintage, circa 1970s
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Emerald and Diamond Ring Vintage, circa 1970s

Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Emerald and Diamond Ring Vintage, circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Weight: 5.3 grams Dimensions: 3/4" (length), 1/2" (height), and 3/16" (width at widest point) Gemstones: 0.35 point emerald and 0.25 points of diamonds Size: 6 US (sizable) C...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Cartier London Knot Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold with 2.12ctw in Diamonds
Cartier London Knot Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold with 2.12ctw in Diamonds

Cartier London Knot Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold with 2.12ctw in Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Hallmarks: Stamped with British marks for the city of London, the maker's mark JC associated to Jacques Cartier, the letter L for the year of production 1991, the mark for the assay ...

Category

Late 20th Century English Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Letter Opener / Clock Ltd. Ed
Cartier Letter Opener / Clock Ltd. Ed

Cartier Letter Opener / Clock Ltd. Ed

Sold

W 1.13 in D 0.38 in L 9 in

Cartier Letter Opener / Clock Ltd. Ed

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Platinum finished limited edition clock/letter opener by Cartier features a tonneau-shape quartz clock at one end with a quartz movement, painted radial black Roman numerals, and blu...

Category

1990s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Platinum, Base Metal, Other

Cartier Propeller Letter Opener w/Box
Cartier Propeller Letter Opener w/Box

Cartier Propeller Letter Opener w/Box

By Cartier

Located in Simpsonville, SC

Unveil a new dimension of sophistication with the Cartier Propeller Letter Opener, an extraordinary blend of functionality and artistry.

Category

Late 20th Century Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Limited Edition Watch Letter Opener
Cartier Limited Edition Watch Letter Opener

Cartier Limited Edition Watch Letter Opener

By Cartier

Located in New York City, NY

Handsome limited edition (#1396 of 2000 made) clock/letter opener by Cartier. It features a large clock at the end of it, with a quartz movement and roman numerals.

Category

Late 20th Century Pocket Watches

Cartier Limited Edition Letter Opener with Clock
Cartier Limited Edition Letter Opener with Clock

Cartier Limited Edition Letter Opener with Clock

By Cartier

Located in New York City, NY

Handsome limited edition (#1118of 2000 made) clock/letter opener by Cartier. It features a large clock at the end of it, with a quartz movement and roman numerals.

Category

Late 20th Century Pocket Watches

Cartier Limited Edition Letter Opener with Clock
Cartier Limited Edition Letter Opener with Clock

Cartier Limited Edition Letter Opener with Clock

By Cartier

Located in New York City, NY

Handsome limited edition (#1068 of 2000 made) clock/letter opener by Cartier. It features a large clock at the end of it, with a quartz movement and roman numerals.

Category

Late 20th Century Pocket Watches

Cartier Limited Edition Letter Opener with Clock
Cartier Limited Edition Letter Opener with Clock

Cartier Limited Edition Letter Opener with Clock

By Cartier

Located in New York City, NY

Handsome limited edition (#0371 of 2000 made) clock/letter opener by Cartier. It features a large clock at the end of it, with a quartz movement and roman numerals.

Category

Late 20th Century Pocket Watches

Cartier Clock Letter Opener Limited Edition Never Used
Cartier Clock Letter Opener Limited Edition Never Used

Cartier Clock Letter Opener Limited Edition Never Used

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 2000 Cartier Clock / Letter Opener # 705 of 2000 pieces made, this is new in the Presentation box with outer box and original numbered Certificate, never used.

Category

Early 2000s French Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Cartier Diamond 18K Rose Gold Hidden Letter Envelope Charm Pendant
Cartier Diamond 18K Rose Gold Hidden Letter Envelope Charm Pendant

Cartier Diamond 18K Rose Gold Hidden Letter Envelope Charm Pendant

By Cartier

Located in Simpsonville, SC

The Cartier Diamond 18K Rose Gold Hidden Letter Envelope Charm Pendant is a masterpiece of refined elegance and sentimental charm.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Natural Pinkish Red Ruby Gold Ring
Cartier Natural Pinkish Red Ruby Gold Ring

Cartier Natural Pinkish Red Ruby Gold Ring

By Cartier

Located in Stamford, CT

Authentic Cartier French 18k yellow gold ring with bright natural Rubies. 14 genuine untreated 2.7mm bright pinkish red Rubies, approx. total weight 2.70 Size 5 1/4 and sizab...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Cartier London Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier London Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier London Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Yellow Gold

By Cartier

Located in London, England

The ring is lastly stamped with the Jacques Cartier stamp (JC), London hallmarks, 1985 date letter, Cartier, 750 (for gold), with the serial number R6146.

Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Letter Open Envelope Pendant Charm Pendant & Charms 18K Rose Gold
Cartier Letter Open Envelope Pendant Charm Pendant & Charms 18K Rose Gold

Cartier Letter Open Envelope Pendant Charm Pendant & Charms 18K Rose Gold

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Height/Length: 1.20 ", Width: 0.55 " Designer: Cartier Model: Letter Open Envelope Pendant Charm Pendant & Charms 18K Rose Gold with Diamond...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Rose Gold

Cartier Gold Love Letter Charm
Cartier Gold Love Letter Charm

Cartier Gold Love Letter Charm

Sold

W 0.75 in L 0.5 in

Cartier Gold Love Letter Charm

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Figural envelope charm. Made and signed by CARTIER. Inside is a separate "letter" that can be removed.

Category

Vintage 1930s American More Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Cartier Stainless Steel Letter Opener with Watch Handle

Cartier Stainless Steel Letter Opener with Watch Handle

By Cartier

Located in Greenwich, CT

A limited edition stainless steel letter opener with watch handle in fitted case.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

CARTIER Platinum Finish Ltd Edition Clock Handle Letter Opener
CARTIER Platinum Finish Ltd Edition Clock Handle Letter Opener

CARTIER Platinum Finish Ltd Edition Clock Handle Letter Opener

By Cartier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

BRAND NAME: Cartier SERIES: Limited Edition Letter Opener METAL: Platinum Finish MOVEMENT: The clock on the handle contains a quartz movement BOX/PAPERS: Comes wi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Desk Accessories

Cartier Jaeger LeCoultre Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Cartier Jaeger LeCoultre Yellow Gold Wristwatch

Cartier Jaeger LeCoultre Yellow Gold Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

This movement is the Rolls Royce of Jaeger LeCoultre movements, and is hard pressed to be equalled by any other watch maker. The Cartier capital letter signed dial is original, a...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies White Gold Tank Quartz Wristwatch
Cartier Ladies White Gold Tank Quartz Wristwatch

Cartier Ladies White Gold Tank Quartz Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier 18K White Gold Ladies Tank Quartz Watch Classic Cartier Tank Design with Roman Numeral Markers White Colored Dial with Cartier Blue Hands 22mm x 22mm Case Cartier Cabochon...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies White Gold Tank Quartz Wristwatch
Cartier Ladies White Gold Tank Quartz Wristwatch

Cartier Ladies White Gold Tank Quartz Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier 18K White Gold Ladies Tank Quartz Watch Classic Cartier Tank Design with Roman Numeral Markers White Colored Dial with Cartier Blue Hands 22mm x 22mm Case Cartier Cabochon Cr...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies White Gold Diamond Tank Quartz Wristwatch
Cartier Ladies White Gold Diamond Tank Quartz Wristwatch

Cartier Ladies White Gold Diamond Tank Quartz Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier 18K White Gold Ladies Tank Quartz Watch Classic Cartier Tank Design with Roman Numeral Markers White Colored Dial with Cartier Blue Hands Cartier Cabochon Diamond Crown Sa...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Tank Francaise Midsize Quartz Wristwatch
Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Tank Francaise Midsize Quartz Wristwatch

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Tank Francaise Midsize Quartz Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Tank Francaise Watch Classic Cartier Tank Design with Roman Numeral Markers White Colored Dial with Cartier Hands Medium Size 25mm x 30mm Case Cartier Cabo...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Lady's White Gold Diamond Stone Dial Pasha Wristwatch
Cartier Lady's White Gold Diamond Stone Dial Pasha Wristwatch

Cartier Lady's White Gold Diamond Stone Dial Pasha Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Pasha de Cartier 18K White Gold Watch Rare Boutique Edition Piece with Factory Stone Dial Factory Diamond Grill Which is Removable Solid 18K White Gold Case Cartier 18K White Gol...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany France Gold "Bamboo" Paper Clips
Tiffany France Gold "Bamboo" Paper Clips

Tiffany France Gold "Bamboo" Paper Clips

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

For the same individual who would own and enjoy a period Schlumberger letter opener, a Cartier desk clock or a JAR picture frame.

Category

Vintage 1950s French More Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

CARTIER Love Letter Gold and Diamond Charm
CARTIER Love Letter Gold and Diamond Charm

CARTIER Love Letter Gold and Diamond Charm

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Charming figural love letter charm. Made & signed by CARTIER. 18K yellow gold set with three sparkling diamonds in the shape of a heart.

Category

Vintage 1980s American More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

People Also Browsed

John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress

By Christian Dior, John Galliano

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to ...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Framboise Veau Madame Leather Palladium Hardware
Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Framboise Veau Madame Leather Palladium Hardware

Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Framboise Veau Madame Leather Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 bag featured in vibrant Framboise. Hermes Framboise is a rich, saturated raspberry pink which is gorgeous for year round wear. The Herme...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Rare 1960s Paco Rabbane Chainmail Jacket
Rare 1960s Paco Rabbane Chainmail Jacket

Rare 1960s Paco Rabbane Chainmail Jacket

By Paco Rabanne

Located in New York, NY

Rare 1960s Paco Rabbane Chainmail Jacket; Comprised of gold-tone linked metal discs. Open front with no closure.

Category

1960s French Cropped Jackets

New Badgley Mischka Couture Beaded Evening Dress Gown Sz 4
New Badgley Mischka Couture Beaded Evening Dress Gown Sz 4

New Badgley Mischka Couture Beaded Evening Dress Gown Sz 4

By Badgley Mischka

Located in Conroe, TX

Badgley Mischka Gown Brand New with Tags Shell: 100% Silk Lining: 100% Polyester Sequined Neckline Flowing down one side and at back strap Zipper and Hook Closure Bust 36" Empire W...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses

Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown
Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown

Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown

By Mr. Blackwell

Located in San Diego, CA

WOW! This vintage Mr. Blackwell Custom dress is OUT OF THIS WORLD! This is quite possible the best Mr. Blackwell piece I have ever seen! Dating from the late 1950s/ early 1960s, this...

Category

1950s American Evening Gowns

Gucci by Tom Ford Black Knit fitted Spaghetti Strap Dress
Gucci by Tom Ford Black Knit fitted Spaghetti Strap Dress

Gucci by Tom Ford Black Knit fitted Spaghetti Strap Dress

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

2000s Gucci Black Knit fitted dress with thin strap. Size 0/2 ***small flaws ( see last pic attached)

Category

1990s Italian Mini Dress

Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse
Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse

Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse

By Rozae Nichols

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic Rozae Nichols charcoal gray ombre trapeze top! 100% silk, with hundreds of sequins encrusted throughout the entire blouse. Adjustable straps, so you can make shorter or longer. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Blouses and Tops

Dior Saddle Medium Green and Brown Snake-Skin Leather Bag
Dior Saddle Medium Green and Brown Snake-Skin Leather Bag

Dior Saddle Medium Green and Brown Snake-Skin Leather Bag

By Christian Dior

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Dior Saddle Medium Green and Brown Snake-Skin Leather Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Dior Saddle bag, crafted in scratch resistant grained c...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag
HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag

HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

Hermes 'Kelly II 35 Retourne Vibrato' bag in Rouge H (burgund) Veau Evercalf leather with multicolor Vibrato panel. Rare limited edition. Lined in Rouge H Chèvre (goat skin) with two...

Category

Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Custom 1960's Sapphire Blue Beaded Gown with Sequins Size Small Medium
Custom 1960's Sapphire Blue Beaded Gown with Sequins Size Small Medium

Custom 1960's Sapphire Blue Beaded Gown with Sequins Size Small Medium

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This dress features heavy embellishment with beading and sequins in hues of blue. There is a leaf motif in beading and iridescent sequins. Center back zipper closure. In excellent vi...

Category

20th Century Unknown Evening Gowns

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Size 42 / 10 Black and Red Silk YSL Dress
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Size 42 / 10 Black and Red Silk YSL Dress

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Size 42 / 10 Black and Red Silk YSL Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black and red silk dress! Classic YSL silhouette that really flatters the body. Buttons up the front with interior hook-and-eye closures a...

Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Dresses

Gianni Versace Leather Dress with Mink Hem F/W 1997
Gianni Versace Leather Dress with Mink Hem F/W 1997

Gianni Versace Leather Dress with Mink Hem F/W 1997

By Gianni Versace

Located in Water Mill, NY

A soft, supple black leather dress with 2" of mink fur around the hem by Gianni Versace. It is a simple, subtle A-line silhouette with small straps, a back zipper, and a full silk li...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel Timeless Classic Flap Quilted Distressed Large Blck Calfskin Leather Tote
Chanel Timeless Classic Flap Quilted Distressed Large Blck Calfskin Leather Tote

Chanel Timeless Classic Flap Quilted Distressed Large Blck Calfskin Leather Tote

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Large size Chanel distressed calfskin black tote with interwoven braided straps and flap 2006 {VINTAGE 16 Years} Silver hardware Chanel name stamp Double strap Interior graffiti lin...

Category

Early 2000s French Tote Bags

Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Christmas Shanghai Crossbody Bag
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Christmas Shanghai Crossbody Bag

Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Christmas Shanghai Crossbody Bag

By Louis Vuitton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Louis Vuitton limited edition double pouchette in coated monogram canvas with Shangai Christmas design. Double zipped compartments with middle open pocket, can be used as a pouchette...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Michael Forrest Honey Brown Crystal Fox Calf length Fur Coat Collar
Michael Forrest Honey Brown Crystal Fox Calf length Fur Coat Collar

Michael Forrest Honey Brown Crystal Fox Calf length Fur Coat Collar

By Michael Forrest New York, Michael Forrest

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a marvelous fur coat from Michael Forrest. It is made of plush crystal fox with a strip of suede at the hips near the opening of the velvet lined slash pockets. Fully lined i...

Category

1980s American Coats

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Cartier Letter", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Cartier Letter For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate cartier letter for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 14k Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 10 antique edition and 3 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect cartier letter among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Take a look at a cartier letter featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. When shopping for a cartier letter, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Cartier Letter?

On average, a cartier letter at 1stDibs sells for $2,875, while they’re typically $1,400 on the low end and $31,600 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Cartier for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Read More

This Cartier Panthère Watch Is as Effortlessly Elegant as It Is Wearable

Cartier understands the value of preserving the signature codes of great design, and how to tweak it for modern aficionados.

These White Lotus Guests Have the Most Compelling Watches

Throughout the season, timepieces are clues to the characters' character.

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.

Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner

The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.

This 1950s Cartier Toi et Moi Ring Is a Summer Stunner

Made with Sardinian coral, this gem packs so much presence — and is perfect for poolside soirees.

Discover Why Islamic Art Is an Enduring Influence on Cartier Jewelry

Through both his collection and his innovative designs, Louis Cartier’s passion for Islamic continues to resonate.

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.