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.
Pen "Must De Cartier Trinity Gold Ballpoint Pen", France By Cartier, 2000s
By Cartier
Located in Rīga, LV
Pen "Must de Cartier Trinity Gold plated Ballpoint Pen", Cartier, France, Paris, 2000s Additional Information: Materials: Metal, gilding Vintage from the 1900s Supplies for mak...
Metal, Gold Plate
Cartier Paris Accordion Clock with Date and White Roman Numeral Dial Circa 1980
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...
Brass, Enamel
$840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Classic Cartier Silver Plated Cigarette Lighter With Cartier Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Classic Cartier Silver Plated Cigarette Lighter Cigarette Lighter With Box (box may differ from what's depicted). Lighter has been serviced, marked Made in Paris To Lighter Base ...
Metal
Vintage Must de Cartier Trinity Vendôme Ballpoint Pen with Original Box, 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
An elegant vintage Must de Cartier Trinity Vendôme ballpoint pen, crafted in France during the 1980s and presented in its original signature red Cartier box. The refined elongated b...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate, Metal
A 18ct Gold Nib Must de Cartier Platinum Cased Trinity Fountain Pen
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Nib Trinity Fountain Pen With Box This Must de Cartier fountain pen has a body in engine turned silver metal with gadroon motif. Finished with th...
Gold, Silver Plate
Classic Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Ribbed Trinity Rollerball Pen & Cartier Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Classic Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen & Cartier Box Made in Paris, France Item Is Sold WithA Red & Gold Leather Cartier Box Cartier pens are desi...
Gold Plate
Cartier Powder case for handbag fired Enamel Sterling Silver made by Salimbeni
By Cartier, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Sterling silver powder case, produced for Cartier, fired enamel manufactured by Salimbeni. Powder case for handbag in 925/1000 sterling silver with black and red fired enamel. Openi...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier Cigarette Case red and black fire-enamelled stripes made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular pocket cigarette case with long rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling silver with red and black fire-enamelled stripes. With button and spring opening. Measurements cm. 10.3...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier “Les Must de Cartier” Sealed Playing Card Set in Original Case, France
By Cartier
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
An elegant and highly collectible vintage playing card set by Cartier Paris, dating to the 1970s and presented in its original fitted Les Must de Cartier case. The set comprises two ...
Paper
Cartier 18k Gold Plated Godron Pocket Cigarette Lighter & Box free US import fee
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
****free shipping and import fees to the USA**** An Elegant Serviced Cartier 18k Gold Plated Art Deco Design Oval Godron Pocket Cigarette Lighter With A Red Cartier Presentation Box ...
Metal, Gold Plate
Classic Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Black Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen & Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated & Black Vendome Trinity Oval Rollerball Pen Made in Paris, France Item Is Sold With Original Red & Gold Leather Box.
Gold Plate
Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Nib Trinity Fountain Pen With Box & Cartridges
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Nib Silver Plated Trinity Fountain Pen Red Cartier Presentation Box With Ink Cartridges This Must de Cartier fountain pen has a body in silver meta...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Trinity Fountain Pen With 18ct Gold Nib in Cartier Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An elegant vintage Must de Cartier 18ct gold plated fountain pen presented in its original red Cartier fitted box, together with the accompanying international guarantee booklets and...
Gold, Gold Plate
Cartier 18ct Gold Plate Nib Vendome Trinity Brushed Ballpoint Pen, Leather Case
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Vendome Trinity Brushed Ballpoint Pen With Bordeaux Leather Slip Case Brushed Silver-tone with Trinity rings to the cap, and a retractable mechanical clip, together with the...
Silver Plate
Rare Cartier 18ct Brushed Gold Plated Trinity Ringed Cigarette Lighter With Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Rare Cartier 18ct Brushed Gold Plated Trinity Cigarette Lighter With Box In Good Working Order, Made in Switzerland Regular home maintenance prevents misfires and extends the life ...
Metal, Gold Plate
Cartier Photo Frame Chinese symbol happiness Sterling Silver made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 silver with geometric design and fire-enamelled Chinese symbol of happiness. External cm. Internal 11.6 x 14.6 cm. 6 x 9. Weight gr. 194. Created ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Ribbed Ballpoint Pen Gift Set Boxed
By Cartier, Montblanc
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Must de Cartier Pen Set Comprising of a 18ct Gold Plate Ballpoint Pen and and Matching Propelling Pencil, With A Burgundy Leather Cartier Sleeve Wi...
Gold Plate, Steel
Cartier Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Desk Box
By Cartier, Andrew A. Taylor
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver desk box. Rectangular with straight sides; cover flat and hinged without overhanging cutout scroll tab. Box interior cedar-lined and partitioned. Fu...
Sterling Silver
Cartier and America by Martin Chapman Hardcover Table Book 1st Ed. 2009
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier and America by Martin Chapman Hardcover Table Book 2009. 176 pp. 1st Edition Published in 2009. Dimensions: 11" x 10" x 1". As opulent as the treasures it celebrates, this lavish volume presents Cartier's timeless designs worn by some of the twentieth century's most legendary figures. It's been one hundred years since the House of Cartier opened its doors on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Since then the luxury jeweler has been creating exquisite brooches, bracelets, tiaras, timepieces, and other items including scent bottles, so-called mystery clocks, and handbags many of them specially commissioned by their illustrious patrons. Readers will see up close Gloria Swanson's bracelets from Sunset Boulevard, Douglas Fairbanks s elegant watch, the Duchess of Windsor s panther brooch, and Grace Kelly s 10.47-carat diamond engagement ring, as well as items owned by Marion Davies, Vivien Leigh, Barbara Hutton, and Elizabeth Taylor. Author Martin Chapman offers an in-depth exploration of how Cartier conquered America, from its European birth in 1847 to its arrival on the other side of the Atlantic, and from its whimsical Art Deco creations to the red carpet prominence that linked the name Cartier with fame, wealth, and exclusivity. In addition to stunning color images of each object, the book features photographs of stars and heiresses wearing their Cartier jewelry. A beautiful volume for fashion aficionados, this trove of jewelry is a tribute to Cartier s...
Paper
Cartier Tank, Mid Century Gold Plated Silver Wrist Watch, Switzerland 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an elegant vintage Must de Cartier Tank wristwatch, made in Switzerland during the 1980s. One of Cartier's most recognizable designs, the watch feature...
Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Cartier "Trinity" Table Mirror Silver Gold and Rose Plated, 1970
By Cartier
Located in Vis, NL
For your consideration a beautiful table mirror by Cartier with white, rose and yellow gold details. 1970s made in France. This piece is in near excellent condition with minim...
Gold Plate
Cartier Mini Oval SG Santos Cigarette Lighter With Original Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Mini Oval SG Steel Santos Cigarette Lighter Santos de Cartier Mini lighter, with a brushed palladium-finish metal case, finished with the classic Santos gold-finish screw mot...
Metal
$32,400Sale Price|55% Off
CARTIER 18k Solid Gold Cylindrical Vanity Box, France, circa 1960
By Cartier
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Toilet box, in solid 18k gold, fluted with a hinged lid, with two cut-out compartments, CARTIER brand. Metal: Gold Origin: French Mark: Eagle head Weight: 111.34 gr Dime...
Gold
Rare Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Godron Lighter & Leather Cartier Cigarette Case
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Rare Vintage Cartier Godron Gold-Plated Lighter with Burgundy Leather Cigarette Case, Box & Guarantee Serviced Lighter A distinctive vintage Cartier lighter and leather cigare...
Metal, Gold Plate
Set of 6 Signed Cartier Champagne Glasses, Crystal with Black Stem, France 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning set of six signed Cartier champagne flutes in a gorgeous mix of black and clear crystal. This marvelous multifaceted glasses are made...
Crystal
Cartier Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Desk Clock
By Cartier
Located in Norwich, GB
Cartier Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Desk Clock Cartier Art Deco style desk clock housed in a blue enamel decorated case with brass strut support. Gilded...
Brass
Cartier Letter Opener Sterling Original Box ca' 1970's
By Cartier
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant letter opener by Cartier ca' 1970's. Sterling handle, made in Italy, original box and wrapping.
Metal, Sterling Silver
Cartier Table Box cigarettes fired Enamel on Sterling Silver made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Square table box for cigarettes with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fired enamel. Measure cm. 12.7 x 12.7 x 3.2. Weight gr. 640. This piece is the result of t...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Set of 8 Cartier American Modern Sterling Silver Bread & Butter Plates
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Set of 8 American Modern sterling silver bread and butter plates, ca 1930. Each: Round well, narrow shoulder, and reeded rim. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp (Cartier) and no...
Sterling Silver
$960Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Cartier Playing Cards Box, Red Leather, Silk Lined, France
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original astonishing playing cards box by Cartier with is red leather original box 2-doors case . The box is lined in silk, stamped with the Les Must de Cartier logo and includ...
Paper
Cartier Silver Plated Trinity Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With A Red Cartier Box
By Montblanc, Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Silver Plate Trinity Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With A Red Cartier Box Stunning Example of a Must De Cartier ballpoint pen, featuring the classic trinity rings. Cartier pens are d...
Silver Plate
Cartier Must II ballpoint pen silver plated and palladium 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Paris, IDF
This Cartier Must II ballpoint pen from the 1980s is a rare piece made of silver plating and palladium, adorned with a distinctive engraved motif featuring Cartier's iconic "C". It b...
Silver Plate
Vintage TURA Pivotal Oversized Table Mirror Burgundy Enamel Gold-Plated, 1950
By Cartier
Located in Vis, NL
For your consideration a beautiful 1950's pivotal table mirror made for the sunglasses company Tura. One of the sides is a magnifying mirror, the nomal sized one has " Tura " signed ...
Gold Plate
Cartier Santos Travel Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Norwich, GB
CARTIER Cartier Santos travel alarm clock in the form of the iconic Santos Cartier watch. Housed in a folding black leather case. Brushed steel bezel, painted dial with Roman nu...
Leather
Cartier Goldstone and Silver Vintage Lighter
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier goldstone and silver lighter. A most handsomely chic objet by Cartier from the Forties. Carved goldstone with smooth varied patterning in cylindrical form with silve...
Stone, Silver
$848Sale Price / set|47% Off
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Cream Enamel Cigarette Lighter Boxed & Serviced
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Elegant Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Cream Enamel Cigarette Lighter With Cartier Box (box may differ from what's depicted). Lighter has been serviced, marked Made in Paris To Lighter...
Metal, Gold Plate, Enamel
Stuart Devlin Set of Twelve Silver and Silver-Gilt "Twelve Days of Christmas"
By Stuart Devlin, Cartier
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing an extraordinary and complete collection of Twelve English silver and silver-gilt "Twelve Days of Christmas" gift boxes, presented...
Sterling Silver
$28,500
Cartier Art Deco Table Clock
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Art Deco period table clock by Cartier is an extremely rare find and in a class of its own. Crafted of black lacquer, no detail was spared by the famed firm in creating this hig...
Silver, Brass
Cartier Enamel Table Box in Sterling Silver, Art Deco design by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Square table box with rounded corners, made of 925/1000 sterling silver, featuring an Art Deco design in fired enamel. Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.4 x 3.2 cm. Weight gr. 425. Designed in 1...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated & Brushed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Original Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Brushed Steel & 18ct Gold Plated Stylo Bille Must II Comes With Original Paperwork & Red Cartier Presentation Box 2003, brought from Se...
Gold Plate, Steel
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply an wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Sterling Silver
Art Deco 'cubist' Travel Clock by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Norwich, GB
C A R T I E R Art Deco ‘cubist’ travel clock in a gilded case resting on black block feet with black and red geometric line decoration. Painted dial with Arabic numerals signed ...
Brass
Cartier Midcentury Modern Country Chic Sterling Silver Square Basket
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
American Midcentury Modern sterling silver country chic basket. Squarish with plain rim and fixed c-scroll handle with molded rims. Much nicer than the straw version. A jokey take on...
Sterling Silver
Pen "Must De Cartier Trinity Silver Ballpoint Pen", France By Cartier, 2000s
By Cartier
Located in Rīga, LV
Pen "Must de Cartier Trinity Silver plated Ballpoint Pen", Cartier, France, Paris, 2000s Additional Information: Materials: Metal, silver plating Vintage from the 1900s Supplie...
Metal, Silver
CARTIER France 1980 Hand-Cut Crystal Liquor Bottle With Gilt Gold Collar
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A classic liquor bottle designed by Cartier. This is a refined liquor bottle created in France by the house of Cartier, dating to the late 20th century. A true masterpiece, it has b...
Crystal, Gold
$819Sale Price / set|20% Off
Cartier Red Lacquer 18ct Gold Plated Trinity Cigarette Lighter With Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Must De Cartier Red Lacquer 3 Banded 18ct Gold Plated Trinity Cigarette Lighter With Box (box may differ from what's depicted). Lighter has been serviced, marked Cartier Par...
Metal, Gold Plate, Enamel
Cartier 18ct Gold Plate Rare Bark Design Cigarette Lighter In Cartier Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant and Stylish Rare Cartier Briquet Bark Design Gas Gold Plated Cigarette Lighter Cased With Cartier Box (box may differ from what's depicted). Lighter has been serviced, marke...
Metal, Gold Plate
Cartier Santos Silver Tone Travel Alarm Clock, Leather Case Free USA Import Fees
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
****free US import fees included****** A distinctive vintage Cartier Santos steel travel alarm clock presented in its original-style black leather folding case. The square cream-col...
Steel
Cartier American Solid Silver and Enamel Cigarette Box, 20th Century
By Cartier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A superb 20th Century exceptionally rare American solid silver and enamel cigarette box. The lid is decorated with different cigarette brands: “Lucky Strike,” “Old Gold,” “Camel,” an...
Silver, Enamel
Cartier Vintage Sterling Silver Trinity-Style Pair of Champagne Flutes
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
Cartier Vintage Sterling Silver Trinity-Style Pair of Champagne Flutes Fully hallmarked. This elegant pair of vintage champagne flutes by Cartier, crafted in sterling silver, featur...
Silver
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Country Chic Sterling Silver Basket with Enameled Strawberries
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver basket. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Plain rim and fixed c-scroll handle with “stitched” rims. Woven strips. Ov...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
CARTIER DUNHILL 1928 Enamel Bridge Game Petrol Club Desk Lighter In 925 Sterling
By Alfred Dunhill, Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A rare desk CARTIER CLUB lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill This is an exceptionally rare Art Deco Alfred Dunhill “Club” desk petrol lighter, manufactured in Switzerland for Cartier...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier Trinity Travel Alarm Clock, Black Enamel & Gold, Circa 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Vendome “Trinity” Travel Alarm Clock, Black Enamel & Tri-Color Gold, France, circa 1990s A refined and highly collectible luxury travel clock...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Double Picture Frame
By Cartier, Lebkuecher & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver double frame. Rectangular surround with divided window for two portrait (vertical) pictures. With glass, silk lining, and wood laminate back and hin...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Baby Set by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Presented in its original Cartier presentation box and preserved in exceptional mint condition, this sterling silver baby brush and comb set embodies the timeless refinement for whic...
Sterling Silver
Antique French Art Deco Cartier Coral & Sterling Silver Match Holder / Ashtray 2
By Le Tanneur, Robert Haviland, Robert Linzeler, Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique French Art Deco ashtray & match holder. In sterling silver. By Cartier (the porcelain by Robert Haviland & Le Tanneur). The silver marked for Robert Linzler. With ...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Santos Palladium Plated Stylo Bille Must II Comes With Original Papers
By Cartier, Montblanc
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Santos Palladium Plated Stylo Bille Must II Comes With Original Paperwork & Red Cartier Presentation Box Serial Number 124437 Cartier pens are designed by Cartier, &am...
Steel
CARTIER Paris 1900 Edwardian Nécessaire Case In 18Kt Gold With Green Lacquer
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A Nécessaire case designed by Cartier. This is a fantastic nécessaire case box created in Paris France during the Edwardian period by the jewelry house of Cartier, back in the 1900....
Gold
Cartier Folio of Photos and Floral Jewelry Designs with 2 Original CD's, 2005
By Cartier
Located in valatie, NY
Cartier folio of photos and floral jewelry designs with 2 original CD's 2005. With 9 loose, large format 16" H x 11" W photos. Accompanied by a breath...
Felt, Paper