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Cartier

French

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
$6,030
Styles
Related Creators
Iconic Designs from Cartier
Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.
Cartier Love Bracelet
Cartier Love Bracelet
Cartier Love Ring
Cartier Love Ring
Cartier Trinity Ring
Cartier Trinity Ring
Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
Cartier Santos Demoiselle 2698 20MM 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Cartier Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K yellow gold and Stainless Steel Weight: 50.20 grams Ladies 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Cartier Swiss made watch with origin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cartier

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 17
By Cartier
Located in Bloomington, MN
Cartier Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 17 - Small Model Introducing the stunning Cartier Juste Un Clou bracelet, a masterpiece meticulously sculpted from 18ky yellow gold, promising to...
Category

2010s Contemporary Cartier

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ballon Bleu De Cartier men's wristwatch in gold and stainless steel
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
Cartier Ballon Bleu De Cartier men's wristwatch in gold and stainless steel. Case back is screwed, canned crown blue set with a sapphire cabochon . Reference Number: 3001 Collectio...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Cartier

Materials

Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Le Must De Cartier Very Rare Backgammon Black & Silver Lighter
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Lighter - Very Rare Backgammon Black and Silver Original Cartier Case and Cartier Certificate Oval shape 60 x 30 x 12 mm Year - 2011 The lighter is in excellent condition H...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Cartier

Materials

Silver

Cartier Paris Foxtrot 18ct yellow gold diamond bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
18k Yellow Gold Foxtrot Diamond Bracelet by Cartier Paris 1984 This stylist piece never goes out of fashion, a real Cartier collectors piece for any deserving buyers. Set with 40 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cartier

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Roadster Men's Watch Automatic Steel
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Roadster automatic men's watch in steel, grey dial with Arabic numerals; date at 3 o'clock. Cartier Roadster stainless steel bracel...
Category

Early 2000s French Contemporary Cartier

Materials

Steel

  • Cartier Roadster Men's Watch Automatic Steel
  • Cartier Roadster Men's Watch Automatic Steel
  • Cartier Roadster Men's Watch Automatic Steel
  • Cartier Roadster Men's Watch Automatic Steel
Free Shipping
H 1.69 in W 2.08 in
Cartier Tortue XL Collection Privee Perpetual Calendar Limited 18K Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Switzerland, CH
Rare CARTIER Tortue XL wrist watch Limited, numbered edition, no longer available From Cartier's special "COLLECTION PRIVEE " 18K Gold Perpetual calendar, two time zones Movement Calibre 9421 MC Original Cartier Strap with Cartier 18K gold buckle Comes with original Cartier COLLECTION PRIVEE...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Cartier

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Vintage R DE Ballpoint Pen Black Composite Blue Resin Cabochon
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
R de Cartier ballpoint pen in black composite, palladium-finish details, blue resin cabochon. Introducing the exquisite Cartier Vintage R DE Ballpoint Pen, a timeless writing instrument that epitomizes elegance and sophistication. This ballpoint pen is a true collector's item, showcasing Cartier's renowned craftsmanship and iconic design elements. The Cartier Vintage R DE Ballpoint Pen features a sleek and slender silhouette, expertly crafted from lustrous materials. Its body is adorned with the signature "R DE" pattern, which consists of intricate engraved motifs and a luxurious gold-plated finish. The pen's streamlined shape ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for effortless writing and precision. This vintage ballpoint pen...
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Cartier

Materials

Palladium

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Cartier Sellers

SwissWatchExpo, Inc.
4.9
The Luxury Closet
4.7
Select Antique Jewelry Inc
5.0
The Back Vault
5.0
Opulent Jewelers
4.9

Creators Similar to Cartier

More Cartier Designs
Cartier Love Bracelet
Cartier Love Bracelet
Average Price
$12,688
Number Available
101
Cartier Love Bracelet
By Cartier
Styles
Contemporary
If the robust locking mechanism and miniature screw heads that characterized Cartier’s Love bracelet when it first appeared conjured crude, medieval hardware, there’s a good reason. When Italian-born American jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo (1935–84) created the company’s signature bangle, he was inspired by chastity belts. Cipullo believed that the bond and commitment embodied in love deserved their own distinctive symbol.When he designed the Love bracelet, in 1969, Cipullo hadn't been workin...
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Cartier Love Ring
Cartier Love Ring
Average Price
$3,585
Number Available
90
Cartier Love Ring
By Cartier
Styles
Contemporary
Transgressive may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of Cartier's Love ring, but when the collection was designed in 1969, it was immediately understood as radical and provocative. With respect to traditions at the acclaimed French luxury jewelry house, Cartier had a policy that mandated anonymity of its designers, so the names of its in-house artisans weren’t known outside the firm. The brand’s much-publicized emergence of Italian jeweler Aldo Cipullo (1935–84), who crea...
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Cartier Trinity Ring
Cartier Trinity Ring
Average Price
$6,539
Number Available
48
Cartier Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Styles
Modern
With its three intertwined bands, Cartier’s Trinity ring feels both modern and classic. Originally designed in 1924, the design was a minimalist outlier in an era dominated by the ornamentation of the Art Deco aesthetic. Designed by Louis Cartier (1875–1942), the grandson of the legendary French jewelry house’s founder, he chose three unadorned 18-karat gold bands for the Trinity ring, employing only their varied hues — white, pink and yellow — and the simple Cartier stamp for decoration. The...
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Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
Average Price
$21,220
Number Available
36
Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
By Cartier
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Cartier jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Cartier jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Cartier jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Cartier diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 1,850, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 4,559 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Mauboussin, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., and Chaumet. Prices for Cartier jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $2,500,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $7,519.
Questions About Cartier
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The price of Cartier bracelets varies based on age, condition, and rarity. The least expensive versions of the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, can still cost around $4,000. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of Cartier bracelets for sale.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Cartier rose gold doesn't tarnish but over many years of wearing, rose gold generally is said to become darker. Rose gold allegedly becomes slightly yellower in tone, toward a traditional gold.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Cartier watches are considered luxury watches. Cartier is a noted jeweler, taking that attention to detail and access to high-quality metals and jewels to their watches—they spare no expense and are highly desirable. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Cartier pieces may be cheaper in Paris than they are in the U.S., but that's because of the exchange rate. Cartier doesn't price the pieces depending on the country.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A Cartier engagement ring can cost between $3,000 and $800,000. The price depends on the diamond's carat weight and quality.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most Cartier watches are quartz, but the iconic Tank watch is automatic. While quartz watches work due to a pre-installed battery, automatic watches use a spring system and are self-winding.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The meaning of Cartier Vendôme varies. Most often, the term describes a line of watches made by the French luxury jewelry house. However, the company has also produced sunglasses and wedding jewelry with the style name Cartier Vendôme. Shop a variety of Cartier Vendôme watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    One of the reasons Cartier is so expensive is because, since its inception in 1847, the brand has had a massive celebrity fan base that spans royals, movie stars, singers and socialites. The brand also uses the highest quality metals and gems in their pieces, rendering them expensive to produce. Lastly, most Cartier pieces are easy to identify, making brand recognition a key factor in the brand's exclusivity.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cartier Vermeil means a timepiece made by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier out of a material called vermeil. It is a precious metal produced by combining genuine gold and silver. Shop a variety of Cartier Vermeil watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Cartier panther, or panthère, is a symbol of fierce femininity, luxury and sophistication. Cartier continues to produce high-quality jewelry that features its panthère motif, highlighting the brand's creativity. Find a wide range of Cartier pieces, including panthère, on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    There are a range of Cartier watches that are highly iconic to the brand. The Cartier Tank watch is one of the classic options. The Panthère de Cartier and Clé de Cartier watches are also popular pieces. Shop a range of authentic Cartier watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Most Cartier bracelets are 18-karat gold. Some pieces like the acclaimed Love bracelet come in yellow, rose and white gold. In addition, Cartier makes some of their bracelets out of platinum. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of Cartier bracelets.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Cartier only uses high-quality diamonds in their jewelry designs. The brand works only with gemstones that rank as Very Good or Excellent for cut and between IF and VS2 for clarity according to GIA standards. On 1stDibs, find a range of Cartier diamond jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Cartier sells rings for men. The luxury jewelry house produces numerous band rings, including the 1895 wedding band, the C DE, the Love and the D'Amour wedding band. In addition, the brand offers a ring version of its Trinity bracelet. The piece combines yellow, white and rose gold bands to symbolize love, friendship and fidelity. Find a selection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Cartier website does not state whether the Love bracelet screwdriver is 18k gold like the bracelet. However, according to owners, the screwdriver is not gold but gold-plated. New screwdrivers can be purchased if you lose or break one or they may be replaced by Cartier. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Cartier Love jewelry from top sellers around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Rupert Emmerson and Jean-Jacques Cartier designed the Cartier Crash watch. It debuted in 1967. The classic Cartier Oval provided a starting point for the watch, and its crumpled dial reflected the mod fashion trends of the 1960s. Shop a variety of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Cartier Panthere is one of the brand's most distinctive and iconic shapes, replicating a panther head adorned with gems and jewels. The first panther pattern to appear in the Cartier line was on a watch for women, created in 1914. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry and watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Cartier is not a British company. The luxury jewelry maker was founded in Paris in 1847. However, the brand was a jeweler to the British royals, with King Edward VII ordering 27 tiaras for his coronation. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Originally, the Cartier Crash was a watch designed for men. However, upon its reintroduction in 2012, the watch was also marketed towards women, with a gorgeous bracelet in either an 18k white gold or rose gold case and diamond crown. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Cartier exclusively uses diamonds from classes D through H to ensure that the gemstones are colorless and have little or no fluorescence. Their high standards contribute to the quality of the luxury jewelry maker's pieces. Shop a collection of Cartier diamonds from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Cartier uses platinum in the production of their jewelry and other items. In fact, Alfred Cartier and his three sons are credited with mastering this metal and creating a process that made it possible for jewelers to use this metal efficiently. Find vintage and contemporary Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    The original Cartier Tank watch, which was emblematic of a stark departure from the renowned jewelry house’s curved and round watch faces in that its case resembled the FT-17’s cockpit, served as a sleek update to the Santos watch. Crafted in 1917, one year before the Great War came to a close, Cartier’s Tank watch reportedly borrowed its clean, sharp lines and boxy silhouette from France’s legendary Renault FT-17 light tank, itself a compact and extraordinary design that inspired numerous copies. When the Tank watch went to market, Cartier offered a limited run in Paris. After those quickly sold, it was given a name, the Tank Normale. The timepiece took off in popularity, but only slightly more than 30 were made in 1920 and annual production has been slow over the years since then. Find Cartier Tank watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    On Cartier jewelry, a 750 stamp means that a piece is 75% gold metal. You will find the stamp on the 18-karat gold pieces made by Cartier, such as the Love bracelet. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Cartier jewelry from some of the worlds top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Pasha de Cartier is a watch introduced by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier in 1985. Today, the watch features an automatic movement and is available with various leather and bracelet bands. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Pasha de Cartier watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    While the Panthère de Cartier watch collection was initially launched in 1983, Cartier included panther spots (and only the spots) in diamonds and onyx on at least one women’s watch in 1914 and another in 1915. These creations were conceived by the Cartier designer Charles Jacqueau. The cat’s major breakthrough came in 1949, with a brooch on which Jeanne Toussaint worked hand in glove with designer Peter Lemarchand. The luxury jewelry house now offers dozens of versions of the Panthère de Cartier timepiece, including double- and triple-wrap bracelets, a series of cuffs and a diamond-encrusted panther spot version. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier pieces from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    How to wear Cartier earrings depends on your personal preferences. Small hoops and studs can balance chunky statement necklaces, while dramatic drops and oversized hoops can become the bold focal point of an outfit. Shop a variety of Cartier earrings on 1stDibs.

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