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.
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 ...
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...
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....
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 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 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...
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...
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...
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 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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 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 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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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, ...
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...
![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...
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 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 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...
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 ...
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 " 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 Vintage Cartier Segur 54MM Gold Plated Brown Lens France 1990 Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier Segur 54MM Sunglasses with brown (uv protection) lenses. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the ear paddles. These are like a pair of...
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...
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 Rimless C Decor Platine 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 platine plated C Decor. All hallmarks. Cartier signs on the ear paddles. Both arms sport the c from Cartier on the temple. These are like a pair of jewels on your nose. Beautiful design and a real sign of the times. Some very light wear from storage. Amazing red leather original Cartier case, booklet, leather red Cartier...
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...
New Cartier Ascot Vendome Gold 55mm Half Frame Sunglasses Elton John France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1983 Cartier Ascot Vendome Gold 55mm 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 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 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 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...
New Cartier Vendome Gold 59Mm Brown Lens Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New from 1983!!! Cartier Aviator Vendome 59MM Heavy plated gold sunglasses with brown solid (uv protection) Lenses. Frame is with the famous Vendome stripes on the front and sides i...
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...
Cartier Montaigne Half Frame 55mm Sunglasses 18k Gold Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1983 Cartier Montaigne Vendome sunglasses with blue gradient (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All h...
Vintage Cartier Panthere 59mm Rose Medium Sunglasses France 18k Gold Plated
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
1988 Cartier Panthere sunglasses with rose (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. burgundy ear paddles. Both arms sport ...
Cartier 1980s Rimless Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A favorite of both jewelry and fashion lovers, Cartier is always a classic! Circa 1980s, these rimless sunglasses feature a two-tone silver and 18k ...
New Cartier Vendome Gold 62Mm Brown Lens Heavy Plated Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New from 1983!!! Cartier Aviator Vendome 62MM Heavy plated gold sunglasses with brown (uv protection) Lenses. Frame is with the famous Vendome stripes on the front and sides in yel...
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...
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...
Cartier Montaigne Half Frame 53mm Sunglasses 18k Gold Sunglasses France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1983 Cartier Montaigne Vendome sunglasses with brown (uv protection) lenses. Frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the ...
New Cartier Rimless C Decor Monogram Precious Wood Full Set France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Original Cartier Sunglasses with monogram wood temples and brown uv protection lenses. Frame with the front and sides in platine. All hallmarks. Cartier signs on the ear ...
Cartier Panthere Windsor 55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses 18K Heavy Plated France
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage 1988 Cartier Panthere Windsor Sunglasses with spotless blue (uv protection) lenses. The cat's eye frame is with the front and sides in yellow and white gold. All hallmarks. R...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...