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 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 ...
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...
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...
Cartier Vintage Tank Watch Design Luxury Card and Envelope Set of 10
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Paris Card and Envelope Set of 10 with the Iconic Tank Watch Jewelry Design. Authentic Luxury Cartier Stationery Card Letter and Envelope Tank Watch, limited edition Desk Acc...
Cartier Vintage Red Chinese Dragons Luxury Card & Envelope Set
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Card and Envelope Set with the Iconic Red Chinese Dragons Jewelry Design. Authentic Luxury Cartier Stationery Card Letter and Envelope Red D...
Hermès NIB Samarcande Paperweight
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Samarcande paperweight is beautifully sculptured with lightly sanded edges and a base made from cowhide. Comes with ribbon and...
Hermes Porosus Crocodile Globetrotter Agenda Orange Feu
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Globetrotter Agenda beautiful Porosus Crocodile featured in Orange Feu. Inside lined in Chevre leather with rear slot p...
ALESSI Giulio Iacchetti 'Bis' Snake Letter Opener, 2013
By Alessi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meet the elusive paper snake ... sleek, functional, fun to hold and even better to observe. This 2013 stainless steel snake shaped letter opener is by Italian industrial designer Giu...
$1,470
H 1.58 in W 6.34 in L 7.76 in
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtay Change Tray Yacht Porthole Boat Navy Theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: porthole, lifebuoy and pulleys Ideal for your yacht or perfect gift for any boat, sea, navy, navigation and sailing lover Made in F...
Hermès Set Cheval Natte Playing Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Cheval Natte Playing Card set designed by artist Tong Ren. The cards feature a braided texture and color block aesthetic. The set includes two decks of 55 silver-edged cards.
Hermes Burgundy Large Box Leather Notebook Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Burgundy Large Box leather notebook cover featuring contrasted stitching, internal logo stamp, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. Len...
$375
W 0.6 in L 5.39 in
Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Gold Gilt Black Resin Ballpoint Pen w InkRefill
By Montblanc
Located in Chicago, IL
The best-known writing instrument of all Montblanc collections, this Meisterstuck Classique features six gilt rings and a clip on the black resin rollerball pen with a pull-off cap, ...
Hermes Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Very rare item ! Made in France Vintage item Made of Metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engra...
Hermès Gold and Silver Money Clip Paper Clip Gaetan de Percin Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Clip Can be used as money clip, paper clip, bookmark Designed by Gaetan de Percin (hallmark at back) Body made of sterling silver (Ag 925) and...
Hermès Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip Couture spirit with its openwork stitches Made of sterling silver 925 (minerva hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS Ag 925" engraved at back Meas...
$188Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.15 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 in Dm 3.15 in
Vintage rock crystal and metal table lighter Mid-Century Italy
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Rock crystal and metal table lighter, Mid-Century, 1960s - France Material: Rock crystal and metal Period: 1960s Country of origin: France Good condition commensurate with age an...
Vogue 1964 Vintage Harper's Bazaar 60th Birthday Magazine UK Edition
By Vogue
Located in London, GB
1964 Harper's Bazaar 60th Birthday Magazine published in the UK and featuring - Cover photograph of model Veruschka by Johnny Moncada Features include - Balenciaga Givenchy Yves Sa...
NEW Cartier Leather Jotter Notepad
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
New/Unused Cartier Leather Jotter Notepad Comes with two unopened 'Cartier' printed notepads and certification of authenticity No longer available for purchase on Cartier website
Sold
H 1.75 in W 7.25 in D 5.5 in
Cartier Card and Envelope Set Mughal Majorie Merriweather Emerald Brooch Design
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Card and Envelope Stationery Set Mughal Majorie Merriweather Emerald Brooch Design. Luxury Stationery Cartier cards and envelopes with a Cartier design of the Majorie Merriweather Post's Jewelry Emerald Gem Brooch. Note Cards Stationery, Fine Paper Goods, Designer Limited Edition by Maison Cartier. Cartier Famous Majorie Merriweather Post's Jewelry Emerald Mughal Period Gems, Art Deco Pendant Brooch Featured Engraved Note Cards and Silver Lined Envelopes Stationery, Fine Paper Goods, Great Desk Accessory stationery notes. Back of note card reads: Cartier London, 1923, altered by Cartier New York, 1928, Provenance: Majorie Merriweather Post, Cartier. Great condition circa late 20th century. Include in the box: 9 cards/ 10 envelopes. Emboss printed cardstock construction, the enveloppe are also embossed Cartier. Card: 4 5/8" x 6 1/4". Envelope : 6 3/4"W x 4 7/5"H. Box: 5.5 x 7.25 x 1.25 in. Since 1918, Cartier has offered personalized writing papers and invitations, as well as announcements and Holiday cards. Cartier’ s stationery and invitations are characterized by the finest 100% cotton fiber papers, fabulous designs, and impeccable engraving. About the jewel in the picture: This Historical Emerald Brooch is considered the "most beautiful jewelry of the twentieth century." The Indian-style brooch is composed of one hexagonal-shaped emerald, one oval-shaped emerald, five emerald drops, two pear-shaped emeralds, five round emeralds, sixty-five smaller emeralds, one pear-shaped diamond, and 801 round diamonds mounted in platinum. The horseshoe-shaped buckle at the top is equipped on the back with a hanger and clasp with pins so that the piece can be worn as a pendant for an emerald necklace or as a brooch. An arch-shaped armature is attached to the buckle. Both feature pavé-set diamond grounds studded with emeralds. Four lines of calibré-cut emeralds decorate where they join. At the center of the bottom of the buckle is a large Mughal emerald...
Sold
H 1.75 in W 7.25 in D 5.5 in
Cartier Iconic Panther Design Card and Envelope Set Luxury Desk Stationery
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Card and Envelope Set with the Iconic Panther Jewelry Design. Authentic Luxury Cartier Stationery Card Letter and Envelope Black Panther, li...
Cartier lighter with travel kit, gold plated, 90's - France
By Cartier
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Gorgeous and Excellent luxury lighter from the prestigious brand Cartier, with 18-karat yellow gold plating. As an ornament, it presents a delicate motif of fine vertical wavy lines ...
Sold
H 3 in W 2.5 in D 2 in Dm 2.5 in L 3 in
Vintage Cartier Handmade Sterling Silver Small Woven Basket with Handle
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a super unique piece to have in your Cartier collection! A true vintage piece, this Cartier is crafted and handmade out of sterling silver into a small woven basket...
Vintage Cartier Crystal Logo Ruler Etched Paper Weight with Box
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a fabulous crystal Cartier ruler paperweight. The perfect addition to any desk, this piece is perfect for taking measurements or we...
Cartier Gold Plated and Black Lacquer Louis Cartier Pen Set
By Cartier
Located in Rome, Rome
Elegant 'Louis Cartier' set of pens which includes a fountain pen and a ballpoint pen. Black lacquered barrel and gold-plated ribbed cap. 18K yellow gold nib with engraved CC - Cartier logo (18k mark on the nib). The pen is numbered 034917. Total lenght: 5.5 inches - 14 cm Details MATERIAL: Gold Plated COLOR: Black MODEL: Louis Cartier GENDER: Unisex Adults COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE: France SIZE: Small TYPE: Pen Set...
Vintage Cartier Gold and Enamel Reading Loupe
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The loupe is designed by Cartier, it is made out of gold plated, enamel and magnified glass. Hallmarks: Cartier Paris, 11283, Swiss made, Plaque. Measurements: the...
Cartier Santos de Cartier Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Get woken up in style with this amazing Cartier alarm clock! Circa early 1990s, this Swiss made alarm clock is modeled after the famous Cartier Sa...
New Cartier Crocodile De Cartier Exceptional Gold Fountain Pen Limited Edition
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in box and in mint condition. Originally priced $15,000 Limited Edition ( 1 of 888 worldwide) Cartier Crocodile De Cartier Exceptional Gold Fount...
Sold
H 3 in D 2 in Dm 2.5 in L 4 in
1950s Cartier Yellow Gold and Lucite Pair of Desk Clocks w/ Lecoultre Movement
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950s Cartier Yellow Gold and Lucite Pair of Desk Clocks w/ Lecoultre Movement Product details: Set of 2 Cartier desk clocks made in 1950's Made of lucite and has a yellow gold beze...
Sold
H 7.5 in W 6.5 in D 1.5 in
Cartier New Leather Silver Charm Men's Travel Agenda Planner Date Book in Box
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier New Leather Silver Men's Women's Charm Logo Travel Agenda Planner Date Book in Box Leather Silver tone hardware Six ring binding Snap closure...