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.
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...
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...
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 famou...
New Cartier Santos Screws 1983 62mm 18K Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New from 1983!!! 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 h...
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...
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...
21st Century Perfect Condition Patent Black Leather Hand-Bag by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic Cartier handbag is a striking example of sophisticated luxury, expertly crafted from high-shine black patent leather that offers a sleek and polished aesthetic. The fr...
Vintage Cartier Louis Laque De Chine Medium 55mm France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original 1983 Cartier Louis Cartier Laque De Chine sunglasses with new honey brown lenses. All hallmarks. Red enamel with Cartier gold signs on ...
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...
Vintage Cartier Oval Gold Manhattan 51mm Frame 18k Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier oval Manhattan sunglasses with mauve gradient lenses (uv protection). All hallmarks. Gold Cartier signs on the ear paddles. Both arms sport the knot from Cartier on...
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 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 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 ...
1975 Les Must de Cartier Bordeaux Leather Suitcase, Made in France
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A seldom-seen vintage suitcase from Cartier’s celebrated Les Must de Cartier collection, crafted in France circa 1975. This substantial travel case is made from smooth leather in the...
Cartier Vintage Luxury Stationery Set Circa 1990s Red Presentation Box
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Paris Luxury Stationery Set in Original Red Presentation Box, limited edition. An authentic Cartier Paris luxury stationery set presented in its iconic signature red textured presentation box with elegant gold Cartier script on the interior flaps. Beautifully crafted to the exceptional standards of the renowned French luxury house, this refined correspondence set embodies Cartier's timeless sophistication and attention to detail. The set includes premium heavyweight white note cards with matching fine-quality envelopes. Each notelet features a subtle textured finish and is elegantly embellished with a finely printed red dual-crested Cartier motif, creating a distinguished and understated presentation suitable for personal correspondence, invitations, or special occasions. Housed in a beautifully designed triptych-style folding case, the stationery is both practical and highly collectible, making it an elegant desk accessory or a thoughtful gift for collectors of Cartier and luxury writing accessories. Cartier Card and Envelope Set with the Iconic Red Chinese Dragons Jewelry...
Vintage Cartier Saturne 51 Gold Plated Gradient Brown Lens France 1990 Sunglasse
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
1990 Cartier Saturne Sunglasses with brown gradient (uv protection) lenses. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the ear paddles. These are like a pair of jewels on your nose. Ple...
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...
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...
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 ...
$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
Cartier Neon Fuchsia Border with Aqua Green Chain-Link Silk Crepe Di Chine Scarf
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier's Rich neon fuchsia borders surrounding aqua-green chain-link silk crepe di chine scarf accented with hand-rolled edges, measures 32 inches by 33 inches. Made in France.
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...
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...
$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 Panthere Windsor 55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses 18K Heavy Plated France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1988 Cartier Panthere Windsor Sunglasses with spotless brown(uv protection) lenses. The cat's eye frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Red e...
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 Signature Monogram Textured Coco-Brown & Gold Hardware Covered Notebook
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier wonderful signature textured coco-brown calfskin covered notebook detailed with their signature monogram on the exterior cover. The in...
Cartier Panther Rimless Glasses circa 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A favorite of both jewelry and fashion lovers, Cartier is always a classic! Circa 1980s, these rimless glasses feature an 18k gold plated frame with th...
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...
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...
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...
Cartier women's 90x90 silk scarf featuring a panther, like new
By Cartier
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
An elegant vintage Cartier silk scarf measuring 90 × 90 cm, featuring a spectacular figurative design dominated by the panther, one of the most recognizable motifs in the Maison’s cr...
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...
Cartier Paris, French Quartz Quadrant Traveling Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Cartier ladies' or gentlemen's folding gold-plated quadrant traveling alarm clock. Circa 1986. Displays on its flip-over hinged base st...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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 100% silk grey sheer diamond cuts print square scarf
By Cartier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CARTIER 100% silk grey sheer diamond cuts print square scarf Reference: SNKO/A00494 Brand: Cartier Material: Silk Color: Grey Pattern: Abstract Extra Details: Diamond cuts print. Mad...
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...
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...
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 Vintage Cartier Deimios 54MM Gold Plated Brown Lens France 1990 Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
NEW 1990 Cartier DeimIos 54 MM 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. Beau...
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...
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...
Vintage Cartier Ruby France Louis Vintage Heavy Gold Plated 55mm Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
In Excellent condition Cartier Louis rounded sunglasses with 2 rubies on the side of the frame. Mauve (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the famous yellow and white gold accents...
Cartier Signature "Jewels & Jaguar" Silk Scarf
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier wonderfully elegant signature "Jewels & Jaguar" silk scarf is finished with hand-rolled edges and measures 34" x 34".
Vintage Cartier France Louis Vintage Heavy Gold Plated Diamonds 55mm Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
In Excellent condition Cartier Louis Diamonds rounded sunglasses with 2 real diamonds on the side of the frame. Mauve gradient (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the famous yello...
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 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, ...
Cartier Two-Tone Oval Glasses
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A favorite of both jewelry and fashion lovers, Cartier is always a classic! Circa 1980s, these glasses feature a two-tone silver and 18k gold plated frame with a knotted design on th...
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...
Cartier Santos Romance Rose Pink Lenses 54mm Drake 18k Gold Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Mint Cartier Santos Romance sunglasses with !!! new !!! rose pink (uv protection). not a spot on them, perfect! All hallmarks. Red enamel with Cartier gold signs on the earpaddles....
Cartier Two-Tone Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A favorite of both jewelry and fashion lovers, Cartier is always a classic! Circa 1980s, these sunglasses feature a two-tone silver and 18k gold plated frame with a knotted design on...
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....
New Cartier Dreamer 54mm Brushed Platine Plated Grey Lenses Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Cartier Dreamer Platinum Plated With Grey (Uv Protection) Lenses. All Hallmarks. Cartier Gold Signs On The Earpaddles. These Are Like A Pair Of Jewels On Your Nose With The 18...
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...
Cartier Must de Cartier Burgundy Trifold Leather Wallet circa 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Cartier Must de Cartier Burgundy Trifold Leather Wallet from the circa 1980s is a timeless piece that exudes classic sophistication and luxury. Crafted from high-quality burgundy...