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 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
Vintage Cartier La Maison Du Prince Trinity Silver Plated Flatware 60 Pieces
By Cartier
Located in Highwood, IL
Cartier Sixty-Piece Silver-Plated Cutlery Set Circa late 1980's. Besides having this collection of Cartier Silverware, we also have the matching Cartier La Maison du Prince Tableware...
Silver Plate
Cartier Art Deco Hardcover Book by Francois Chaille, France, 2008
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Hardcover by Francois Chaille (Author). Small hardcover book in sleeve box, limited edition. Great collection photos with celebrities wearing some of the most famous Cartier ...
Paper
$2,248Sale Price|25% Off
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
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 Green Terrazzo Limoges Porcelain Tableware Maison Venitienne 59 Pieces
By Limoges, Cartier
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Tableware Set "La Maison Venitienne" made in Limoges green terrazzo porcelain by Cartier in 1989. All pieces are signed. Can be put in dishwasher and microwave. Perfect condition....
Porcelain
Sterling Silver Swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910.
Sterling Silver
Vintage Cartier Black Sunglasses, Resin Frame, Silver Logo, 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 Ja...
Resin
Cartier Pasha Inkwell
By Cartier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice little Cartier Crystal Inkwell. It came with a matching Pasha Pen. It is dated 1989 and signed on the interior of the lid and features the logo on the...
Glass
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
$2,248Sale Price|25% Off
CARTIER 1965 Geometric Bauhaus Octagonal Vase In Solid .925 Sterling Silver
By Moritz Schroth, Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An octagonal geometric vase designed by Cartier. Being offered is a very rare octagonal vase created by Schroth in New York City by for the jewelry house of Cartier, back in 1950. T...
Silver, Sterling Silver
High Jewelry by Cartier Contemporary Creations Hardcover Large Book 1st Ed.
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
High Jewelry by Cartier Contemporary Creations Hardcover Large Book. 1st edition. A sumptuous tribute to Cartier’s creations with spectacular new photographs of unique pieces, many o...
Paper
Rare French Mid-Century Solid Bronze & Leather Console, Signed by Cartier, Paris
By Jacques Quinet, Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Elegant French Midcentury Modern Solid Bronze Console by Cartier, Paris. The piece is an exquisite minimalist classic with pure lines and form; the design is attributed to the French luminary designer, Jacques Quinet. The presentation is effortless and understated. The four legs are gently tapered and support a cantilevered top with inset Italian grained black leather. The patina is soft and subtle befitting the timeless quality of the work. Over 100 pounds of bronze were used in the casting and the piece is engraved, Cartier. Works like this are rare to find their way to the public domain for sale and this is a unique opportunity to own part of Cartier's elite history of design. Dimensions: H 29.75 x W 23.75 x D 14.75 Additional References: Hermes, Louis Vitton, Gucci, Marc du Plantier, Jacques Quinet, Emille-Jacques Ruhlmann, Jean-Michel Frank, Cartier Love Ring and Bracelet, Cartier Trinity Ring, Earrings and Bracelet, Cartier Santos Automatic Watch, Cartier Pantere Watch, Necklace, Watch and Earrings, Ballon Bleu de Cartier Watch, Baignoirie, Cartier Love Watch, Cartier Calibre Watch, Cartier Tortue Watch, Cartier Santos Chronograph...
Bronze
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated & Red Lacquered Ballpoint With Red Cartier Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated & Red Lacquered Ballpoint With Red Cartier Box Stunning Example of a Must De Cartier ballpoint pen, featuring the classic trinity rings and an enamel id...
Gold Plate
Cartier Modern Classical Frame for Portrait or Landscape Picture
By Kosca 1, Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Modern Classical sterling silver frame, ca 1970. Rectangular surround with stepped and reeded front; sides plain. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support fo...
Sterling Silver
Set of 6 La Maison du Shogun Red Wine Glasses by Cartier in the Original Red Box
By Cartier
Located in Highwood, IL
Cartier La Maison du Shogun Crystal Red Wine Glasses Set of (6) in their Original Famous Red Cartier Box. Cartier is recognized world wide for their fine quality and excellence in d...
Crystal
Cartier Set of 4 "La Maison du Shogun" Crystal Brandy Snifters (Cognac Glasses)
By Cartier
Located in Highwood, IL
Cartier La Maison du Shogun Crystal Brandy Snifter Glasses Set of (4) in their Original Famous Red Cartier Box. Cartier is globally recognized for exceptional quality and design exce...
Crystal
Vintage Must de Cartier crystal inkwell
By Cartier
Located in NEWARK, GB
A fine vintage Must de Cartier crystal inkwell. It is a melon shaped inkwell with a chunky ribbed crystal body, reflecting the light beautifully, the ...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Vintage Black Leather "Logo" Wallet / Checkbook Cover by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice vintage black leather "Logo" wallet / checkbook cover by Cartier circa 1970s. The wallet features dual Cartier "C" logos embossed on the front and two brass corner guards...
Leather
Cartier Paris Luxury Stationery Set, Red Dragons Design, France, 1990s
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...
Paper
Cartier Sterling Silver Footed Dish
By Cartier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant Cartier sterling silver dish featuring a shallow circular bowl raised on a pierced openwork pedestal base with flowing scroll motifs. The rim is accented by opposing bead and...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Perfume Holder Handbag Black stripes Silver Sterling made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Cylindrical perfume holder in 925/1000 sterling silver fire enamelled with black stripes with screw cap, in Art Deco style. Diameter cm, 3.5 cm high bottle. 7, total height cm. 8.5. ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
CARTIER PARIS SIGNED BRONZE & LEATHER MID CENTURY MODERN WRiTING TABLE DESK
By Cartier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale one of two super rare, highly collectable, original Mid Century Modern Circa 1960-1970 Cartier Paris Bronze ...
Bronze
$148Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Cartier Panthère Art Deco Style Perfume Flacon with Original Red Box
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A glamorous vintage Panthère de Cartier perfume flacon, made in France circa 1980s, presented with its original Cartier red presentation box. With its sculptural silhouette, gold-tone detailing and unmistakable Cartier design language, this decorative bottle makes an elegant addition to a collection of luxury vanity objects, vintage perfume bottle...
Glass, Resin
Cartier High Jewelry Exhibition Catalog Book, Paris, 1989
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Art of Cartier A Cartier high jewelry exhibition catalog book, The Art of Cartier, Paris, 1989, The Musee du Petit Palais, Paris, France. O...
Paper
Cartier Sterling Silver Money Clip, Art Deco, Late 20th Century
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Sterling Silver Money Clip A beautifully designed Cartier money clip in sterling silver, featuring a distinctive sculptural form with a rounded open-loop body and a polished...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Vintage Cartier Silver Photo Frame with Lapis Lazuli Detail
By Cartier
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Vintage Cartier Silver Photo Frame with Lapis Lazuli Detail An elegant vintage photo frame from the iconic French house of Cartier, showcasing a refined and timeless design. Crafted...
Lapis Lazuli, Metal
Seguso Cartier Signed Murano Clear Ribbed Surface Italian Art Glass Shell Bowl
By Cartier, Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Archimede Seguso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and unusual, vintage Murano hand blown crystal clear Italian art glass ribbed decorative seashell shape centerpiece bowl. The design is documented to designer Archimede Seg...
Crystal
Rare Cartier Red Stripe Silver Plated Lighter & Cartier Red Cigarette Case
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A fine and rare vintage Must de Cartier pocket lighter, dating from approximately the 1980s, with a richly textured Grain d’Orge or guilloché-pa...
Metal, Silver Plate
Cartier Traditional American Sterling Silver Water Pitcher
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Traditional American sterling silver water pitcher, ca 1960. Curved tapering bowl with helmet mouth, capped high-looping handle, and raised and spread foot. Marks include retailer’s ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Cartier Handmade Sterling Silver Shopping Bag
By Cartier
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This vintage sterling silver shopping bag was handmade by Cartier. The boutique-style shopping bag is designed to stand upright and features two arched handles composed of thick-gau...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Georgian Style Sterling Silver Candlesticks by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Toledo, OH
A beautiful pair of sterling silver candlesticks by Cartier. These gorgeous candlesticks feature a stepped base and tapered flat panel stems. Marked Cartier on the base. Very good co...
Sterling Silver
$1,392 / item
Cartier Marble Boxes
By Cartier
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant marble boxes made for Cartier with the silver engraved Logo in excellent condition.
Marble
Cartier Vintage Sterling Silver Baby Announcement Picture Frame
By Cartier
Located in Astoria, NY
Cartier Sterling Silver Baby Announcement Picture Frame, engraved "David" and marked "Cartier / Sterling" to the bottom edge. Weight: 2.92 ozt.; photo image: 4" H x 2.25" W; frame: ...
Sterling Silver
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
Cartier Luxury Christmas Set of 10 Stationery Cards Set Season's Greetings
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Set of 10 oversized greetings Cartier Cards and Envelopes with the Iconic Cartier Christmas decor Design. Cartier Season's Greetings Christmas Decor ...
Paper
Cartier Luxury Christmas Set of 40 Stationery Cards Season's Greetings in Box
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Set of 40 oversized greetings Cartier Cards and Envelopes with the Iconic Cartier Christmas decor Design. Cartier Season's Greetings Christmas Decor ...
Paper
Cartier Burgundy Leather Eyewear Case Made in France 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Authentic 1980s Cartier Burgundy Leather Eyewear Case – Made in France. A refined accessory from the celebrated Must de Cartier era, this authentic vintage eyewear case embodies the...
Leather
Signed Cartier Rare Bronze Desk w/ Lateral Extending Shelves
By Cartier
Located in North Miami, FL
This extraordinary and RARE curved desk made of heavy bronze and leather by Cartier Paris is located in our Miami, FL showroom and will ship from Gustavo Olivieri Antiques gallery. ...
Bronze
Cartier Sterling and Enamel Art Deco Desk Clock with Breguet Engine Turned Dial
By Cartier
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver / Kiln Fired Enamel CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 5 inches Length X 5 inches Width MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Luminous Roman Numerals / Blued Steel Luminous Hands STAND: Easel WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a classic Desk Clock...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier Powder case for handbag striped Enamel Sterling Silver made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Square handbag powder compact with 2 rounded sides, in 925/1000 sterling silver with black and red fire enamel stripes. Spring-loaded opening. Ground mirror and mesh inside. Dimensio...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier Panther Design Desk Accessory Set with 9 Cards & Envelopes
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 Pan...
Paper
Maison Cartier Modernist Luxury Copper Enigma Box, France circa 1950
By Cartier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cartier designed this stunning luxury copper and brass box. An extraordinary and captivating creation by Cartier, this rare copper and brass box—crafted in France circa 1950—is a mas...
Brass, Copper
Large 6in. Sized Cartier Sterling Silver Miniature Shopping or Gift Bag
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage miniature 6-inch size shopping or gift bag. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With slightly 'crumpled' sides and twisted handles. One of the larger sized bags. Si...
Sterling Silver
Rare Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Pentagon Lighter Diamond-Cut Textured Pattern
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Diamond-Cut Textured Pattern Pentagon Cigarette Lighter With Cartier Box In Working Order, Made in Paris, France Cartier International SNC, or simply Cart...
Metal, Gold Plate
Mid-Century Modern Cartier Sterling Silver Wine Bottle Holder
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed bottle holder. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With scissor action and a two-part handle. Fully marked to the side. Simply a wonderful wine accessory from ...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Table Box, Gold Paillons, Salimbeni, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Octagonal table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on guilloché, featuring a black edge adorned with pure gold paillons, in the Art Deco style, early 1900...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold
$820Sale 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
Pen "Must De Cartier Trinity Red Lacquer Fountain Pen", France By Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Rīga, LV
Pen "Must de Cartier Trinity Red Lacquer & Gold Fountain Pen", Cartier, France, Paris, 2000s Additional Information: Materials: Gold, metal, lacquer, gilding Vintage Artist...
Metal, Gold
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
Joe DiMaggio Silver Presentation Tray by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Made for one of the most celebrated sports figures of the 20th century, this incredible Cartier presentation tray was gifted to the baseball star Joe DiMaggio...
Silver
$23,400
Cartier Clock
By Cartier
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: European Clock & Watch Co. / Cartier STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Chiming Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt Brass and Bronze with B...
Brass
Cartier Travel Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Norwich, GB
Cartier Travel Clock This compact Cartier timepiece combines decorative detailing with a refined mid-century luxury aesthetic, making it equally appealing as a functional desk clock ...
Steel
Cartier Art Deco-Style Table Box, Fired Enamel, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table box with rounded corners, made of 925/1000 silver, featuring a fired-enamel Art Deco design. Dimensions: 10.4 x 13.4 x 3.2 cm Weight: 530 g This piece is the result...
Quartz, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$907Sale Price / set|20% Off
Cartier Santos 18ct Gold Plated & Brushed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Original Box
By Montblanc, Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Santos 18ct Gold Plated & Brushed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Original Box An elegant Cartier Santos Stylo Bille Must II ballpoint pen, combining a finely brushed steel barrel wi...
Gold Plate, Steel
Cartier Paris Colisée Gold-Plated Desk Alarm Clock, France, circa 1990
By Cartier
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Elegant Cartier Paris Colisée desk alarm clock, made in France in the 1990s. The round gold-plated case is supported by the distinctive articulated C-shaped stand associated with th...
Metal, Gold Leaf
Cartier Sterling Silver Gentleman’s Fitted Leather Vanity Case
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
Cartier Sterling Silver Gentleman’s Fitted Leather Vanity Case London, 1937 Maker’s Mark: J.C (Jacques-Théodule Cartier) Made in France A superb and rare Art Deco gentleman’s fitt...
Silver
Cartier Table Box, Black and White, Art Deco Style, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Large rectangular table box with long, rounded sides, crafted from 925/1000 sterling silver, featuring a two-tone fire-enameled design in the Art Deco style. With "lost" hinge, i.e. ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier 18c Gold Plated Travel Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Norwich, GB
Cartier Gold Plated Folding Travel Alarm Clock 18 carat gold plated and brass quartz alarm clock from the Baignoire series, Housed in a round folding case with blue insert. White...
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