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.
| Average Sold Price |
| $7,326 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$1,195
H 9 in W 7 in D 0.25 in
Vintage Cartier sterling silver 9” x 7” picture frame, Italy 20th century
By Cartier
Located in View Park, CA
Beautiful vintage Cartier sterling silver picture frame. Made in Italy. Measures 9” x 7” holds a 5” x 7” photo. professionally polished, looks great with minor evidence of age and u...
Sterling Silver
$2,800
H 3.54 in W 2.75 in D 2.36 in
1980s Gorgeous Cartier Alarm Clock Pendulette Lapis Lazuli. Made in Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Cartier Paris pendulette alarm clock. Clock case numbered 9819 02638. Masterfully crafted in Switzerland, this exquisite timepiece perfectly captures the era's luxury, featuri...
Lapis Lazuli
Vintage Cartier Sterling Silver Pill Box c.1980
By Cartier
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful vintage solid sterling silver pill box, beautiful quality to be expected from the world renowned luxury retailer, Cartier. The lid has the large Cartier "C" logo integra...
Sterling Silver
$2,600
H 3.54 in W 2.95 in D 2.75 in
1980s Cartier "Romane" 18K Gold Plated Alarm Clock with Original Box and Papers
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Cartier Romane pendulette (desk/alarm clock). A true testament to Swiss horological precision and French luxury design, this rare timepiece perfectly embodies the timeless soph...
Gold Plate
$2,800
H 2.75 in W 2.75 in D 2.36 in
Cartier Alarm Clock, Lapis Lazuli & Gold, Mid-Century Modern, Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette. Made in Swiss. It's lapis lazuli and golden metal with manual winding. Clock case numbered 7503 07516. With original case, lined with r...
Lapis Lazuli
$4,300
H 0.6 in W 3.82 in D 2.49 in
Cartier Black Fired Enamel Cigarette Case Sterling Silver made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Cigarette case for handbag in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fired enamel. Opening with spring button.. Measure cm. 6.3 x 9.7 x 1.5. Weight gr.210. Created in the Art Deco style...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$1,646 / set
H 2.76 in W 0.99 in D 0.48 in
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Lighter & Burgundy Leather Cartier Cigarette Case
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Lighter . Sold With A Leather Cartier Fold Over Cigarette Case Circa 1980's, Made in Paris, France. Marked Cartier Paris To Lighter Base Does not come w...
Metal, Gold Plate
$1,115 / set
H 4.93 in W 0.2 in D 0.2 in
Cartier 18ct Gold Plate Trinity Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With A Red Cartier Box
By Montblanc, Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier 18ct Gold Plate Trinity Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With A Red Cartier Box & Paperwork. Stunning Example of a Must De Cartier ballpoint pen, featuring the classic trinity rings...
Gold Plate
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $7,326 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $29-$130,000 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
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