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.
1980s Cartier Louis Oval Sunglasses with 18k Gold Frames - Unisex
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Elevate your eyewear collection with a definitive piece of optical history. These authentic 1980s vintage Cartier 'Must Louis' oval frames epitomize the golden era of French luxury. ...
Cartier Vintage C Motif Unisex Sunglasses with Gradient Lenses
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Pink-grey gradient lenses Golden-finish metal frames Adorns the temples with a capital 'C'. Comes with original case and box Very Good, light scratches to the lens Please kindly no...
Cartier Equestrian Silk Twill Scarf
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Large silk twill scarf with bridles and gilt chain print from Cartier, Paris. Excellent codition. 1980s.
Vintage Cartier River 56mm Gold Plated Frame France 1990 Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990'S Cartier River Sunglasses with brown light mirrored (uv protection) lenses. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the ear paddles. These are like a pair of jewels on your no...
Cartier Rimless Gold-Tone Metal Vintage Eyeglasses
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Cartier Rimless Gold-Tone Metal Vintage Eyeglasses exemplify timeless elegance and sophisticated craftsmanship. Featuring a sleek, rimless design with a warm gold-tone finish, these ...
Cartier Sunglasses Black with Silver Logo Vintage 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Cartier classic black sunglasses with silver CC logo. Classic, timeless, sophisticated piece to add to your wardrobe Authentic, vintage, rare, Cartier Paris France Black Jackie O. Sunglasses Original 1990s Cartier sunglasses features black frame, both arms sport the CC from Cartier iconic logo signature temple adornment. These are like a pair of jewels on your nose. Beautiful design and a real sign of the times. Designed and produced in the 90's limited edition. Description: Classic vintage Cartier black resin sunglasses. Comes with original case. Period: 1990s Condition: Good, may show minor sign of wear due to age. All hallmarks. Classic sunglasses...
$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...
New Vintage Cartier Oval St Honore Gold 51mm 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...
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 135 Gold Plated Eye Frames with Case
By Cartier
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Rare and very iconic eyewear frame by Cartier Gold plated Model 135 Graduated lenses (to be changed) Vintage from the 90s With case Express shipping included in the price ! Your ques...
Cartier Montaigne Half Frame 55mm Rose Sunglasses 18k Gold Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage 1983 Cartier Montaigne Vendome sunglasses with light rose (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Cartier gold sign...
CARTIER, Gold Aviator Pilot CT0096S Sunglasses Wood Temples Removable Leather
By Cartier
Located in Kingston, NY
CARTIER, Gold Aviator 140 Sunglasses with Logo and Wood or Horn Temples Removable leather bridge with snap. Specifications: Model CT0096S (Santos) Color 002 Size 61 Cat 3 Roughly 8...
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:...
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...
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 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....
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 Platinum 62mm Vendome Gold Mirror Sunglasses France 18k 1983
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Cartier Aviator Vendome In The Ultra Rare Platinum Plated Sunglasses With Gold Mirror (Uv Protection) Lenses In A Full Cartier Set. Frame Is With The Famous Vendome Stripes O...
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...
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 Laque de Chine Aviator Gold 59Mm 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 ear...
Cartier Vintage Aurore Gold Plated Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Glasgow, GB
Vintage gold plated sunglasses from Cartier. Soft squared shape. Brown tint on the lens. Light tortoise shell frames, gold plated legs and tortoise shell tips. Branded 'Cartier' gold...
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...
Vintage Cartier Wood Auteuil 52mm Gold and Precious Wood Brown Lens Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier Full Set Auteuil Hardwood Sunglasses with new solid honey brown (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold and has the famou...
Vintage Cartier Giverny Gold and Wood Large 51/20 Gradient Brown Lens Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original Rare Yellow and White Gold 1992 Cartier classy Giverny Sunglasses with rosewood temples and light brown gradient lenses. Frame with the front and sides in yellow gold. A...
Vintage Cartier Giverny Gold and Wood Large 53/22 Full Set Brown Lens 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...
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...
Vintage Cartier Panthere Gradient Lenses 63 Large Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage 1988 Cartier Panthere sunglasses with brown gradient (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white...
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...
Cartier Wood Malmaison Precious Banana Light Wood and Gold 56mm Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original 1990 Cartier Malmaison hardwood banana light wood sunglasses with honey brown Cartier (uv protection) lenses. Front and sides in yellow and...
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 ...
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 Oversized Sunglasses With Panther Spotted Frames
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Oversized Sunglasses With Panther Spotted Frames Square gold-frames sunglasses adorned with black enamel panther spots. Featuring pink gradient lenses and signature 'Carti...
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...
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 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...
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 ...
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.
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
$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
Vintage Cartier Vitesse Brown Jaspe 58MM 18K Gold Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Collectors Item. Unique and original Cartier Aviator Vitesse sunglasses, the Brown Jaspe Edition with yellow and white gold accents. Frame is with the sides in gold. All hallmarks. C...
Cartier Signature "Jeweled Jaguars" Silk Jacquard Scarf
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier's wonderfully elegant and timeless signature "Jeweled Jaguars" silk jacquard scarf accented with hand-rolled edges and measures 34 inches by 34 1/2 inches. Made in Fra...
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 ...
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 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 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...
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 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...
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...
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 CT02880 Eye Glasses Silver Navy Blue Rectangular Frames C Decor Buff
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
- Silver frame Dark Navy Blue arms - Model CT02880 - Comes with case - Medicated lenses, they will need to be changed, these can turn into sunglasses if needed. Condition: T...
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...
MINT Vintage Cartier Louis Laque De Chine Medium 53mm 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 ...