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.
$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 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 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
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
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 Sterling Silver Double Picture Frame
By Lebkuecher & Co., Cartier
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
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 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
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 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 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
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
Cartier Santos Palladium Plated Stylo Bille Must II Comes With Original Papers
By Montblanc, Cartier
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 Modern Classical Frame for Portrait or Landscape Picture
By Cartier, Kosca 1
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
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
$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 Santos 18ct Gold Plated & Brushed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Original Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Cartier Brushed Steel & 18ct Gold Plated Santos Stylo Bille Must II Pen comes with Hard Case and Booklet Cartier pens are designed by Cartier,...
Gold Plate, 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
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 1950 Presentation Desk Box In .925 Sterling Silver And Brown Wood In Box
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A art & crafts desk box designed by Cartier. This is an amazing desk box created by the jewelry house of Cartier, back in the 1950. The box has been made in a rectangular shape,...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$229Sale Price|64% Off
Cartier Decorative Box Display Stand, Metal, Modern Design, France
By Cartier
Located in London, England
Discover the refinement of the Cartier display, ideal for highlighting your jewelry or watches with a touch of elegance. This chic display has an immaculate white base and a red back...
Metal
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
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
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 Swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910.
Sterling Silver
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
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
$1,188Sale Price / set|20% Off
Must de Cartier Santos Fountain Pen 18ct Gold Nib & Brushed Steel and Gilt Metal
By Cartier, Montblanc
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A vintage Must de Cartier Santos fountain pen, dating to circa 1990´s, combining a satin brushed-steel cap and barrel with polished gilt-metal detailing. A refined and highly collect...
Gold, Metal, Steel
Classic Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Vintage Must de Cartier Gold-Plated Bark-Textured Pen with Trinity Detail and Box, France An elegant vintage Must de Cartier writing pen from France, featuring a gold-plated bark-te...
Gold Plate
Stunning Cartier Diabolo Black Resin Pen Platinum Mounts & Cabochon Finish Boxed
By Montblanc, Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Elegant Diabolo de Cartier ballpoint pen in black composite, with steel details, blue resin cabochon. Dimension: 136.5mm Manufactured by Montblanc Cartier pens are designed b...
Steel
20thC English Solid Silver & 9K Gold Cigar Case By Cartier Of New Bond St c.1929
By Cartier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A 20th century English solid silver and 9k gold cigar case by Cartier. The lid and base are decorated with raised gold inlaid bands over a finely engine-turned ground. Applied to the...
Gold, Silver
Cartier Diabolo Black Resin Palladium Finish Rollerball Pen With Case & Papers
By Cartier, Montblanc
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Diabolo Black Resin Palladium Finish Rollerball Pen With Original Box & Papers An elegant Diabolo de Cartier rollerball pen, crafted in black resin/composite with polish...
Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu Travel Alarm Clock / Desk Clock – Ref. 3038 – Swiss Made
By Cartier
Located in Victoria, BC
A sophisticated Cartier travel alarm clock / folding desk clock, combining the unmistakable styling of the Maison’s celebrated Ballon Bleu design with a compact format intended for t...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Red Chinese Dragons Card and Envelope Set in Luxury Box Desk Stationery
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 R...
Paper
Vintage Cartier Art Deco Wooden Desk Box, France, circa 1930-1950
By Cartier
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Vintage Cartier Art Deco Wooden Desk Box, France, circa 1930-1950 An elegant vintage Cartier decorative box, featuring a wood case with pronounced g...
Metal
Cartier Powder case for handbag striped Enamel Sterling Silver made by Salimbeni
By Cartier, Salimbeni
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
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 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
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
Cartier Evening Bag floral motif Enamel Sterling Silver made by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Ovalized evening bag in 925/1000 sterling silver with stylised floral motif designs enamelled in Art Deco style. Taken from an original drawing by Louis Cartier from the early 1900s ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Seguso Cartier Signed Murano Clear Ribbed Surface Italian Art Glass Shell Bowl
By Archimede Seguso, Cartier, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
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
$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 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 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 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
Limited Edition Millenium Cartier Letter Opener with Clock, No. 0207/2000
By Cartier
Located in San Francisco, CA
This elegant Cartier platinum finish stainless steel letter opener with a traditional silver Cartier style dial and "exploded" numbers was made in honor of the new millenium, the yea...
Platinum, Stainless Steel
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 18ct Gold Plated & Black Trinity Vendome Writing Set
By Cartier, Montblanc
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated & Black Trinity Vendome Ballpoint Pen & Mechanical Pencil Set Complete With Cartier Leather Case, and Original Cartier Box Manufactured by Montblanc...
Gold Plate, Enamel
$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
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
$940Sale Price / set|20% Off
Cartier Trinity Silver Plated Ballpoint Pen, Art Deco Design, 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Trinity Ribbed Silver Plated Ballpoint Pen With Red Cartier Box A classic Cartier Trinity ribbed silver plated ballpoint pen, presented with its iconic red Cartier presentat...
Silver Plate
Cartier Picture Frame Box
By Cartier
Located in Riverdale, NY
Antique Cartier Picture frame box with velvet lining. Covered in signature red leather grain textile with gold embosssed edge and a silk satin lining embossed "Cartier". This box was...
Wood
Cartier Musical Box Mechanism by Maison Reuge, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni
By Cartier, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round box with a Swiss musical mechanism (music box) by Maison Reuge. Made of 925/1000 sterling silver with black and white fired enamels in the Art Deco style. Diameter: 7.4 cm; tot...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Cartier Desk Magnifier with Original Box, France, circa 1980
By Cartier
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Vintage Cartier Desk Magnifier with Original Box, France, circa 1980 Elegant vintage Cartier desk magnifier, France, circa 1980, presented in its original Cartier box. This refined...
Glass
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
Cartier Box: Fired Enamel, Sterling Silver, with a clear amethyst, crafted by Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Round table box made of 925/1000 sterling silver with a fire-enameled Art Deco design. Dimensions: diameter 14.5 cm, height 3 cm. Weight: 648 g. Featuring a clear amethyst weighing ...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier Retro Deco Enamel Frame for Portrait or Landscape Picture
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Retro Deco sterling silver picture frame, ca 1980. Rectangular surround with faceted corners and black and white marbleized enamel trapezoidal panels; sides plain. With glass, silk l...
Sterling Silver, Enamel