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.
Cartier – Pochette / Porta documenti in pelle bordeaux, Paris Nuovo
By Cartier
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Elegante pochette Cartier realizzata in pregiata pelle liscia color bordeaux, caratterizzata da linee essenziali e da una raffinata estetica senza tempo. Il fronte è impreziosito dal...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Shoulder Bag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier bordeaux leather shoulder bag featuring an adjustable shoulder strap, gold-tone hardware, inside zip pocket, logo lining, a front leather logo patch. Circa 1990s Made in Fr...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Handbag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Bordeaux leather handbag featuring a long shape, two top handles, a top zip closure, gold-tone hardware, inside zip pocket, logo lining, a leather inside logo patch. 100% le...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Top Handle Satchel Bag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Bordeaux leather top-handle satchel bag featuring top flap, push-button closure, gold-tone hardware, interior zip pocket, logo lining, a gold-tone stamped logo. 100% leather ...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Wallet
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Bordeaux leather wallet featuring a back coin compartment with gold-tone claps opening, inside four credit card pockets and compartments and a golden hot-stamped Cartier sign...
Cartier Must De Cartier Suede Leather Crossbody Bag
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Cartier Must De Cartier Suede & Leather Crossbody Bag combines rich burgundy suede and leather with elegant gold-tone hardware to offer a refined accessory for any setting. T...
CARTIER Paris Vintage Leather Suitcase Burgundy Bordeaux Luggage
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage leather suitcase "Les Must de Cartier" burgundy Bordeaux luggage. Cartier Paris maroon leather with zip around and gold-tone hardware suitcase. Rare "Le Must de Cartier" leat...
Vintage “Must de Cartier” Burgundy Leather Envelope Shoulder Bag, C. 1990's
By Cartier
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Structured shoulder bag crafted in Cartier’s signature oxblood leather with gold-tone hardware. Features a sharp envelope flap, logo plaque closure, and protective corner accents. Sl...
Vintage Cartier Diabolo Gold & Black 53mm 24k Gold Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
1991 Original Cartier Diabolo Art Deco Sunglasses with spotless amazing brown gold mirrored (uv protection). Frame has the famous real gold and white gold accents in the middle and ...
Cartier Paris Poker or Bridge Cards in Red Original Box Vintage 1970
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Must De Cartier Paris Vintage Playing Poker or Bridge Cards in Red Original Box. Cartier playing cards, one deck plus joker, poker, bridge playing cards in Cartier red 2-doors case. Les Must De Cartier playing cards were only sold from 1972-1976. This silk-lined box of cards with 18-karat gilded corners, printed with the Les Must De Cartier logo, is a gift for the true collector. The box measures: 6 1/2" by 4 1/4" by 1 3/8" and is marked Cartier. Beautiful deep red color cards with golden accents, Cartier cameo monogram, and 18-karat gold splashed edges. These cards are beautiful and rare, a real treasure. Cartier playing cards in gilt-tooled leather red case, the inside marked "Les Must de Cartier, Paris". Genuine Cartier and marked "Cartier Paris". Cartier playing cards are Monaco grade for casinos and gaming each with the Cartier monogram, circa 1980s. Vintage Luxe Must De Cartier poker...
Cartier, Marcello leather crossbody bag with python leather
By Cartier
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Cartier, Marcello leather crossbody bag with python leather. The item is in very good condition both on the exterior as interior. CONDITION: very good condition SIZE: one size ME...
CARTIER Silk Scarf Blue and Salmon Precious Jewels New in Box Paris France
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
CARTIER New in Box Elegant Silk Scarf Must de Cartier Paris France. Les Must de Cartier Paris silk salmon scarf with precious jewels. Pale blue border with a salmon background. Desig...
Vintage Cartier Red Acetate Women's Sunglasses with Panther Details
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Discover this magnificent red acetate frame by Cartier, a creation that embodies the perfect balance of audacity, elegance, and exceptional craftsmanship. Entirely handmade in France...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Shoulder Bag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier bordeaux leather shoulder bag featuring front gold plated logo plaque with snap closure under, adjustable shoulder strap and buckle fastening,...
Must de Cartier Vintage Leather Crossbody in Bordeaux
By Cartier
Located in Port Hope, ON
This is an iconic Cartier bag . This crossbody bag features a bordeaux leather body, a front exterior flap pocket, an adjustable flat leather strap, a Cartier logo, a top zip closure...
1980s Cartier Gold Tone Romance Santos Aviators
By Cartier
Located in Toronto, Ontario
These Cartier aviators are the ultimate pair of vintage sunglasses. Dating from the 1980s, these are the Romance Santos aviators. Gold frame and arms with Cartier screw details on the bridge and temples in a mix of silver and gold. A backwards 'C' logo also sits at the temples. Brown lenses. Markings on interior of arms and bridge. The screw details on this are very similar to the iconic Cartier Love collection. Excellent vintage condition, virtually no wear to lenses. Made in France. Originally mens glasses...
Cartier Santos Screws 1983 59mm 18K Heavy Plated Blue Lens Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
From 1983!!! Cartier Aviator Santos Sunglasses with customized blue gradient (uv protection) Lenses. Frame is with the famous screws on the front and sides in yellow and white gold....
A 1990s Elegant Bordeaux Leather and Brass Top Handle Bag by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
1990s Cartier Elegant Burgundy Leather and Gold-Tone Brass Top Handle Bag Embrace timeless sophistication with this exquisite 1990s Les Must de Cartier top handle bag, a quintessenti...
New Vintage Cartier Panthere 56mm Platine Sunglasses France 18k Heavy Plated
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1988 Cartier Panthere sunglasses with grey (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. burgundy ear paddles. Both arms s...
Vintage Cartier Demilune Vendome Medium Reading France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original 1983 Cartier Demilune Cartier Vendome sunglasses with new honey brown lenses. Very comfortable as reading glasses. All hallmarks. Red enamel with Cartier gold signs on the b...
$576Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER Vintage S Sapphire 55-18 gold plated frame green lens sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CARTIER Vintage S Sapphire 55-18 gold plated frame green lens sunglasses Reference: TGAS/E00083 Brand: Cartier Model: S Sapphire 55 18 135 Material: Metal Color: Gold, Green Pattern:...
New Vintage Cartier Romance Vendome 54MM France 18k Gold Plated Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier Romance Vendome sunglasses with solid brown (uv protection)lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Red enamel with Cart...
Vintage Cartier Must Santos Large 55mm France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original 1983 Cartier Santos Must Sunglasses With New Brown Lenses. Frame Is With The Front And Sides In Yellow And White Gold And The Famous Santos Accents. All Hallmarks. Red Ena...
Cartier Vintage Romance Santos 61mm Titanium France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier Romance Santos Titanium sunglasses with G15 grey (uv protection)lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Red enamel with Ca...
Cartier Jewelry Ring Box in Red Leather Gilt Embossed
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Red Leather Gilt Embossed Ring Presentation Storage Travel box. Cartier ring presentation box with outer box Cartier Paris red leather ...
Vintage Cartier Tank 59mm Medium Gradient Vendome Sunglasses 18k Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage 1988 Cartier Aviator Tank sunglasses with new honey gradient (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Enamel with C...
Vintage Cartier Vitesse Black Gold Oversized 60mm Gold Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Collectors Item. Unique And Original Cartier Aviator Vitesse Sunglasses, The Black Edition With Yellow And White Gold Accents. Lenses Are Spotless Medium Grey. Frame Is With The ...
C de Cartier As New Blue Grey Tote with Dust Bag
By Cartier
Located in Port Hope, ON
Perfect tote, this C Cartier is a beautiful grey blue in a grained leather. It can be carried by hand or over the shoulder. The inside is designed to be divided into three sections, with the middle section having a zipper. This tote is very roomy and there are several slit pockets on the grey cloth lining of the sections. This C Cartier tote bag...
Vintage Cartier Romance Santos 58MM France 18k Gold Plated Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier Romance Santos sunglasses with solid brown (uv protection)lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Red enamel with Cartier ...
Vintage Cartier Tank Orsay Half Frame 56mm Platine Gold Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier Tank Orsay Half Platine Frame Sunglasses With Blue Gradient (Uv Protection) Lenses. Frame Is With The Front And Sides In Yellow And White Gold. All Hallmarks. Car...
New Vintage Cartier Tank 62mm Large Vendome Gold Frame Sunglasses, 1988
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1988 Cartier Aviator Tank sunglasses with new honey brown (uv protection) Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. rRd enamel with cartier gold...
Les Must de Cartier Vintage Leather Suitcase Burgundy Bordeaux Luggage
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage leather suitcase "Les Must de Cartier" burgundy Bordeaux luggage. Cartier maroon leather with zip around and gold-tone hardware suitca...
Cartier Silk Evening Bag, with gold clasp
By Cartier
Located in Sharon, CT
Cartier Art Deco Evening Bag. Silk with gold thread makes an overall floral pattern. Gold clasp (untested) Silk interior with a gilt monogr...
$11,760Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier "Byzantine" Belt or Necklace in Gold Vermeil, Signed, circa 1970
By Cartier
Located in McKinney, TX
An extremely rare gold vermeil belt by Cartier, circa 1970, also can be worn as a chunky statement necklace. This highly sought after and coveted belt is made from solid sterling si...
An Amazing 1990s Panther Ring Scarf by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This scarf, an exquisite creation from Cartier in the 1990s, showcases the brand's dedication to luxury and design. The scarf features a prominent motif of a ring with two jeweled p...
Cartier Le Must de Cartier Burgundy Leather Pouch circa 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Cartier Le Must de Cartier Burgundy Leather Pouch from the circa 1980s is a quintessential accessory that exudes timeless elegance and sophisticated craftsmanship. Crafted from r...
Vintage Cartier Vertigo Gold and Black 54MM Sunglasses France, 1991
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
1991 Original Cartier Vertigo Art Deco Sunglasses With Amazing Grey Light Mirrored (Uv Protection) Lenses. Frame Has The Famous Real Gold And White Gold Accents In The Middle And O...
Cartier Sully New Gold and Wood 53/22 Full Set Brown Lens France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original Rare Yellow and White Gold 1992 Cartier classy Sully Sunglasses with rosewood temples and honey brown spotless uv protection lenses. Frame with the front and sides in yell...
Vintage Cartier Wood Auteuil Gold and Precious Wood Brown Ombré Lens Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and luxurious, these vintage Cartier Auteuil sunglasses feature a unique combination of precious wood arms and gold-tone metal detailing, exemplif...
Cartier Silk Clutch with Turquoise and Diamond Clasp
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier clutch of 19th Century Asian textile mixed with gold kid piping with turquoise ball clasp set with rose diamond.
7" x 5" x 1.5" 1920-30...
$429Sale Price|35% Off
CARTIER Happy Birthday Bordeaux red hard calfskin logo boxy backpack
By Cartier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CARTIER Happy Birthday Bordeaux red hard calfskin logo boxy backpack Reference: TGAS/D00680 Brand: Cartier Model: Happy Birthday Material: Leather Color: Red Pattern: Logomania Closu...
Vintage Cartier Santos Screws Titanium 62Mm Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
MINT from 1983!!! Cartier Aviator Santos 62Mm Titanium Sunglasses with dark grey (uv protection) Lenses. Frame is with the famous screws on the front and sides in yellow and white g...
New Cartier Colisee Half Frame 49mm Sunglasses 18k Gold Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1983 Cartier Colisee sunglasses with light gradient (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the e...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Half Moon Coins Case
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Bordeaux leather half-moon coins case featuring an outside embossed logo, a logo closing snap, a small back slip pocket and an inside hot-stamped Cartier signature. Circa: ...
Vintage Cartier Santos Screws Titanium 59Mm Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier Aviator Santos 59Mm Titanium Sunglasses With Dark Grey (Uv Protection) Lenses. Frame Is With The Famous Screws On The Front And Sides In Yellow And White Gold. All H...
Vintage Cartier Tank Platine 59mm Large France 18k Gold Plated Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
1988 Cartier Aviator Tank Platinum sunglasses with blue gradient (uv protection)lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Cartier gold sign...
New Cartier Wood Monceau Gold & Wood 55MM Brown Lenses France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier Full Set Monceau Palisander Hardwood sunglasses with new solid honey brown (uv protection) lenses. Frame with the front and sides in yellow and white gold and has t...
Vintage Cartier Zebra Precious Wood Full Set Gold C Decor France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Original Cartier Sunglasses with carved wood temples and solid brown uv protection lenses. Frame with the front and sides in 12k gold plat...
Vintage Cartier Rosewood Malmaison Precious Wood and Gold 56mm Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original New 1990 Cartier Malmaison precious rosewood sunglasses with honey brown (uv protection) lenses. Front and sides in yellow and white gold s...
Vintage Cartier Panthere GM 54MM Gold Heavy Plated Sunglasses France 18k
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
1988 Cartier Panthere GM sunglasses with light blue (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. burgundy ear paddles. Both ar...
Cartier "Letters of Love" Silk Jacquard Scarf
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier's wonderfully detailed "Letters of Love' silk jacquard scarf with hand-rolled edges, meaasures 34 inches by 35 inches. Made in France.
New Vintage Cartier Capri Gold Plated 18K Rimless Brown Lens France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier Capri unique rimless sunglasses with solid brown (uv protection) lenses. Frame with the front and sides in gold. All hallmarks. Cartie...
Vintage Cartier Wood Bagatelle Round Gold & Precious Wood 55mm Brown Lens
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original 1990 Cartier Bagatelle Wood Sunglasses from the coveted Precious Wood series with wood temples and honey brown (uv protection) lenses. The frame has the front and sides in ...
![New Cartier Wood Bagatelle Round Gold & Precious Palisander 52[]18mm Sunglasses](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/new-cartier-wood-bagatelle-round-gold-precious-palisander-5218mm-sunglasses-for-sale/v_6123/v_134317521632820921057/10938372_master.jpg?width=240)
![New Cartier Wood Bagatelle Round Gold & Precious Palisander 52[]18mm Sunglasses](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/new-cartier-wood-bagatelle-round-gold-precious-palisander-5218mm-sunglasses-for-sale-picture-2/v_6123/v_134317521632820921412/3616503_master.jpg?width=240)
New Cartier Wood Bagatelle Round Gold & Precious Palisander 52[]18mm Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New original 1990 Cartier Bagatelle Wood Sunglasses from the coveted Precious Wood series with palisander wood temples and honey brown (uv protection...
Cartier Vintage Romance Vendome 58mm Platinum France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier Romance Vendome Platinum sunglasses with G15 grey (uv protection)lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gol...
New Vintage Cartier Romance Vendome 56MM France 18k Gold Plated Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier Romance Vendome Sunglasses With Solid Brown (Uv Protection)Lenses. Frame Is With The Front And Sides In Yellow And White Gold. All H...
New Cartier Vendome Gold 59Mm Light Brown Lens Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New from 1983!!! Cartier Aviator Vendome 59MM Heavy plated gold sunglasses with light brown (uv protection) Lenses. Frame is with the famous Vendome stripes on the front and sides ...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Crossbody Bag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier bordeaux leather crossbody messenger bag featuring an half-moon shape, front gold-tone logo at front, top zip opening, shoulder strap (29.5in....
New Cartier Rimless " CROCO " C Decor Precious Wood Full Set France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Original Cartier Sunglasses with carved " Croco " motif on the wood temples and honey brown spotless uv protection lenses. Frame with the front and sides in platine. All hall...
Cartier Leather Fob Key Holder
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Leather Fob Key Holder from the 1980's. Leather fob embossed with house logo in signature Cartier tones. Some areas of wear which can be reconditioned. Signed Cartier on gil...