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 1980s Burgundy Enamel Accordion Desk Clock with Date Function
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Paris “Accordion” Desk Clock with Date, Burgundy Enamel and Roman Numeral Dial, circa 1980. A distinctive and highly collectible vintage desk clock by Cartier, crafted in the...
New Cartier Rimless C Decor Platine Precious Wood Full Set France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Original Cartier Sunglasses with wood temples and mauve gradient uv protection lenses. Frame with the front and sides in platine plated C ...
Rare Vintage Cartier Cabriolet Round Black & Gold 49MM 18K Gold Sunglasses 1990
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage 1991 Original Cartier Cabriolet Art Deco Black & Gold Sunglasses with grey slight mirror ( uv protection ) lenses. Frame has the famous re...
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...
Cartier Vintage Gradient Lens Frameless Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Cartier Vintage Gradient Lens Frameless Sunglasses, a timeless accessory that embodies elegance and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these...
Cartier Orsay Mixed Metal Aviator Sunglasses circa 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Cartier Orsay Mixed Metal Aviator Sunglasses from the 1980s embody timeless elegance and luxury. Crafted with a sophisticated blend of mixed metals, ...
New Cartier Serrano Rimless Gold 55mm Brown Lens France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Cartier Serrano unique rimless sunglasses with brown (uv protection) lenses. Frame with the front and sides in gold. All hallmarks. Cartier gold si...
Vintage Cartier Vendome Titanium 62 Grey Lens Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier Aviator Vendome 62MM titanium sunglasses with grey (uv protection) Lenses. Frame is with the famous Vendome stripes on the front and sides in yellow and white gold. ...
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 ...
Cartier Vintage Louis Sapphire 55mm Heavy Gold Plated Sunglasses, France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Cartier "Louis " rounded sunglasses with 2 real sapphires on the side of the frame. Blue gradient (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the famous yellow and white gold accents o...
New Cartier Madison Round Rimless Brushed Platine Grey Lens Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier Madison unique rimless sunglasses with grey (uv protection) lenses. Frame with the front and sides in brushed Platine. Cartier Plati...
Cartier Burgundy Leather Eyewear Case Made in France 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Authentic 1980s Cartier Burgundy Leather Eyewear Case – Made in France. A refined accessory from the celebrated Must de Cartier era, this authentic vintage eyewear case embodies the...
Cartier Vintage Panther Design Luxury Stationery Set of 9
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Paris Card and Envelope Set of 9 with the Iconic Panther Jewelry Design. Authentic Luxury Cartier Stationery Card Letter and Envelope Black ...
New Cartier Giverny Gold & Wood 51/20 Full Set Brown Lens France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Original Rare Yellow and White Gold 1992 Cartier classy Giverny Sunglasses with rosewood temples and honey brown spotless uv protection lenses. Frame with the front and sides i...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Bucket Bag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Bordeaux leather bucket bag featuring a front leather logo patch, a drawstring fastening, a shoulder strap, gold-tone hardware. Circa 2000s Made in France. In good vintage...
Vintage Cartier Oval St Honore Gold 49mm 18k Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier oval St Honore sunglasses. All hallmarks. Cartier signs on the ear paddles. Both arms sport the knot from Cartier on the temple. These are like a pair of jewels on y...
$472Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Cartier Paris Oval Sunglasses w/ Case
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- Silver tone hardware - Navy gradient lenses - Oval/ cat-eye shape - Made in France
New Cartier Rimless C Decor Classic Precious Wood Full Set France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Original Cartier Sunglasses with wood temples and blue gradient uv protection lenses. Frame with the front and sides in gold. All hallmarks. Cartier signs on the ear padd...
Vintage Cartier Laque de Chine Aviator Gold 56Mm Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
From 1983!!! Cartier Aviator Laque de Chine Heavy plated gold sunglasses with brown gradient (uv protection) Lenses. All hallmarks. Red enamel with Cartier gold signs on the ear pad...
New Cartier Laque de Chine Aviator Gold 62Mm Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New from 1983!!! Cartier Aviator Laque de Chine Heavy plated gold sunglasses with brown gradient (uv protection) Lenses. All hallmarks. Red enamel with Cartier gold signs on the ea...
Vintage Cartier Salisbury Rimless Platine Grey Gradient Lens France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Cartier Salisbury unique rimless sunglasses with Grey G15 (uv protection) lenses. Frame with the front and sides in platine. All hallmarks. Cart...
Cartier Salisbury Rimless Gold Special Edition 51mm France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Cartier Salisbury unique rimless special edition sunglasses with solid brown (uv protection) lenses. Frame with the front and sides in special e...
Cartier L' album Rare Hard Cover Illustrated Photography French Book c 2003
By Cartier
Located in University City, MO
Cartier L' Album Rare hard cover illustrated photography French book c 2003 The hard bound book is designed with a satin cloth exterior cover binding The unique book is comprised of...
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...
Cartier Serrano Rimless Gold Special Edition Blue Gradient France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Cartier Serrano unique rimless special edition sunglasses with blue gradient (uv protection) lenses. Frame with the front and sides in special edi...
Resonances de Cartier: High Jewelry & Precious Objects Hard Cover Book c 2017
By Cartier
Located in University City, MO
Resonances de Cartier: High Jewelry & Precious Objects hardcover book c 2017 A wonderful archive featuring an array of exquisite Cartier's precious jewelry designs The hardcover boo...
Cartier Bordeaux Large Leather Wallet
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Bordeaux large leather wallet featuring gold-plated outside corners, an outside embossed logo, a back coin compartment with gold-tone claps opening, inside compartments and a...
Cartier Vintage Burgundy Red Leather Key Chain Bag Charm, 1980s Design
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Must de Cartier Burgundy Leather Key Chain with Double C Motif, Circa 1980s An elegant and highly collectible key chain from Cartier, crafted in rich burgundy (bordeaux) leather and...
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 Panthère Box Satchel
By Cartier
Located in Amman, JO
Cartier Panthère Box Satchel A refined expression of Cartier’s iconic elegance, this Panthère Top Handle Bag is crafted from smooth, structured leather in black. The silhouette is c...
Vintage Cartier Cabriolet Round Brown 52MM 18K Gold Sunglasses France 1990's
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
1991 Original Cartier Cabriolet Art Deco sunglasses with slight gold mirror ( uv protection ) lenses. Frame has the famous real gold and white gold accents in the middle and on the ...
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...
New Cartier Ascot Vendome Gold 53mm Half Frame Sunglasses Elton John France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1983 Cartier Ascot Vendome Gold 53mm Half Frame with blue gradient (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in white and yellow gold heavy 18k plated accents. A...
Vintage Cartier Santos Screws 56mm Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Cartier Aviator Santos Sunglasses with Brown Gradient (uv protection) Lenses. Frame is with the famous screws on the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Red e...
Vintage Cartier 1990s Unisex Scarf with Panther Motif in Navy Red
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...
Rare Vintage Must de Cartier Paris Monogram Silk Jacquard Square Scarf, 33 Inche
By Cartier
Located in TETOUAN, MA
An elegant expression of the timeless sophistication that defines the House of Cartier, this exceptional Must de Cartier Paris silk scarf showcases the Maison's iconic design language through an understated yet remarkably refined jacquard composition. Woven with Cartier's celebrated monogram motifs and signature Double C emblems, this vintage square scarf embodies the quiet luxury and enduring craftsmanship for which Cartier has been admired for generations. Unlike narrative printed scarves, this design embraces minimalist elegance, allowing its luxurious woven texture and unmistakable Cartier iconography to become the focal point. The result is a scarf that feels both contemporary and unmistakably vintage, appealing equally to collectors and lovers of refined French accessories. Why This Piece Is Worth the Investment An Elegant Cartier Collectible Vintage Must de Cartier silk scarves...
New Cartier Wood Bagatelle Round Gold & Precious Wood 55mm Brown Lens
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New original 1990 Cartier Bagatelle Wood Sunglasses from the coveted Precious Wood series with wood temples and light slightly mirrored (uv protection) lenses. The frame has the fron...
Black Cartier Patent Happy Birthday Collection Shoulder Bag
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Black Cartier Patent Happy Birthday Collection Shoulder Bag. This shoulder bag features a patent leather body, silver-tone hardware, a single flat shoulder strap, and a front turn-lo...
Must de Cartier Paris Leopard Blue Silk Scarf
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Collectors item Vintage Cartier scarf features scenes of gemstones, leopards, parrots and deers. Primary color is royal blue, green, orange deta...
Cartier 2008 Hardcover Jewelry Book by Francois Chaille, Unisex, Red
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Hardcover by Francois Chaille 2008. Cartier Red Jewelry Book English Edition Hardcover Small Book. 80 pages and 6" x 8.5". In good condition showing only minor wear on cover....
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...
New Vintage Cartier Deimios Platine Solid Blue Lens France 1990 Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier DeimIos 48 MM Sunglasses with blue (uv protection) lenses. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the ear paddles. These are like a pai...
Cartier Paris Londres New York Red Jewelry Book Hardcover Small Book
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Red Jewelry Book English Edition Hardcover Small Book. 80 pages of beautiful iconic jewelry and the history of Cartier. In good condition showing only minor wear on cover. In...
Cartier Reflet Honey Brown Sunglasses 54MM 18k Gold France 1991
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Cartier Reflet tortoise in the color Jaspe Blond. Classic sunglasses with green(uv protection) lenses. Frame has the famous real yellow and white gold accents on the temples. All...
Vintage Cartier Romance Vendome 54MM France 18k Gold Plated Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier Romance Vendome sunglasses with rose (uv protection)lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Red enamel with Cartier gold...
CARTIER Paris Silk Scarf Panther Bracelets Jewellery in Box
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
CARTIER Paris in Box Elegant Silk Scarf . Blue border with a gold yellow and orange background with feline and sensual grace the legendary bracelets by Cartier. The Cartier Silk Pr...
Vintage Cartier Oval Gold Antares 49mm Oval Frame 18k Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Mint Cartier Oval Antares Sunglasses With Brown Lenses(Uv Protection). All Hallmarks. Silver Cartier Signs On The Ear Paddles. Both Arms Sport The Knot From Cartier On The Temple. ...
Must de Cartier “Trinity Vendôme” Ballpoint Pen, Gold & Silver France 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Must de Cartier “Trinity Vendôme” Ballpoint Pen, Gold & Silver Plate, France, circa 1980s An iconic vintage ballpoint pen by Cartier from t...
$109Sale Price|20% Off
2000s Cartier Hong Kong Jewelry Panther Catalogue Lookbook
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Vintage Cartier brochure from Hong Kong. cover front and back is matt close up of panther print and Cartier logo in gilt descriptions in Cantonese, 11 pages. Condition; vintage, 20...
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...
Mint Cartier Vendome 56 MM Gold Brown Lens Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Mint from 1983!!! Cartier Aviator Vendome 56MM Heavy plated gold sunglasses with brown gradient (uv protection) Lenses. Frame is with the famous Vendome stripes on the front and sid...
Cartier Lambskin Burgundy with 18k Accents Eyeglass Case
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier burgundy lambskin eyeglass case is accented with their signatuer 18k yellow gold trim on the corners. The eyeglass open case measures 3 1/4" in length, 6 1/2" in height, and ...
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...
New Vintage Cartier Louis Vendome Medium 53mm France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original 1983 Cartier Louis Cartier Vendome sunglasses with new honey brown lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold and the famous Vendome accents. All h...
New Vintage Cartier Conquete 51mm Black Gold & Yellow Inserts France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Cartier Conquete Sunglasses with grey slight gold mirror (uv protection) lenses. Yellow and white gold inserts and accents. All hallmarks. Both ...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Belt
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier bordeaux leather belt featuring a gold tone and silver tone metal logo buckle, inside logo stamp. Circa 2000s Size: 65FR Made in France. In...
$441Sale Price|30% Off
CARTIER 100% silk blue grey panther leopard ring print square scarf
By Cartier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CARTIER 100% silk blue grey panther leopard ring print square scarf Reference: SNKO/A00495 Brand: Cartier Material: Silk Color: Blue, Grey Pattern: Animal Print Extra Details: Cartie...
Vintage Cartier Filao 47MM Oval Gold Plated Brown Lens France 1990 Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
1990 Cartier Filao Sunglasses with brown (uv protection) lenses. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the ear paddles. These are like a pair of jewels on your nose. Please notice...
Cartier Vintage Must de Calfskin Envelope Messenger Bag
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Cartier Must de Cartier Calfskin Messenger Bag combines luxury and practicality in burgundy leather with gold accents. It features an adjustable strap, secure logo adornment flip...
Cartier Vintage Madison Classic Special Gold 50 Mm Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Cartier Madison unique rimless sunglasses with brown (uv protection) lenses. Frame with special details on the front and sides in gold. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the black ear...