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
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 Case & Papers Cartier pens are designed by Cartier, & are manufactured by Montblanc. This collaboration allo...
Steel
Cartier Santos 18ct Gold Plated & Brushed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Original Box
By Montblanc, Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Santos Brushed Steel & 18ct Gold Plated Stylo Bille Must II Comes With Original Paperwork & Red Cartier Presentation Box 2003, brought from Selfridges London Carti...
Gold Plate, Steel
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
Cartier Paris “Tank” Stationery Set, 10 Cards & Envelopes in Original Box 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Paris “Tank” Stationery Set, 10 Cards & Envelopes in Original Box, circa 1990s A refined and rare vintage stationery set by Cartier...
Paper
Cartier Christmas Tree Design Card and Envelope Set Luxury Season's Greetings
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Oversized Cartier Card and Envelope Set with the Iconic Christmas Tree Design. Cartier Season's Greetings Christmas Tree Stationary Cards. Authentic Luxury Cartier Stationery...
Paper
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
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 Paris Panther Design Card and Envelope Luxury Set Desk Stationery
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 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 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
CARTIER - Pasha Travel Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Beaune, FR
Cartier Pasha travel alarm clock in silver-plated steel. Presented in its original box, it has never been used. It features a side adjustment button with a blue cabochon. It is in pe...
Steel
Cartier Luxury Iconic Crocodile Gold Design Card and Envelope Desk Stationery
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Card and Envelope Set with the Iconic Crocodile Gold Jewelry Design. Authentic Luxury Cartier Stationery Card Letter and Envelope Crocodile,...
Paper
$538Sale Price|50% Off
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
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
Evening Bag produced for the Maison Cartier in New York in the 1970s Salimbeni
By Cartier, Salimbeni
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
Antique 20th Century Cartier Art Deco 9-Karat Gold, Sapphires, Diamonds, Compact
By Cartier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 20th century Cartier Art Deco 9 carat gold extremely large compact, of rectangular form, inside bearing various open and closed compartments and a retracting lipstick, the to...
Gold
Cartier Set of 10 Panther Design Card and Envelop Luxury Season's Greetings
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Luxury Cartier set of 10 Cards and Envelopes with the Iconic Cartier Panther Jewelry Design. Large Cartier Panthere Season's Greetings, Joyeuses Fetes Stationary Cards. Authentic Lux...
Paper
$1,443 / 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
Antique 20th Century Cartier Solid Silver Travel Clock c.1908
By Cartier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 20th Century French solid silver Cartier travel clock, elegantly crafted with an engine turned outer case. When opened, it reveals ...
Silver
Must de Cartier “Trinity Vendôme” Ballpoint Pen Gold & Silver France circa 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 the so...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Handbag Powder Compact sterling silver black and red fire enamel lines Salimbeni
By Cartier, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Square purse powder compact with two rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling silver with black and red fire enamel lines. Spring-loaded opening. Ground mirror and mesh inside. Dimensions:...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
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 Sterling Silver Shell Form Bowl
By Cartier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early to Mid-20th Century, Italy. This Cartier shell-shaped bowl features a scalloped edge and traditional shell design elements. It is hallmarked with C...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Art Deco Black Enamel, Jadeite and Diamond Vanity Compact, circa 1920s
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
An elegant Art Deco vanity compact by Cartier, Paris–Londres–New York, crafted in black enamel with 18kt gold and silver-gilt mounts. The exterior is centred with a carved jadeite pl...
Gold, Silver
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
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 vintage Murano hand blown crystal clear Italian art glass ribbed decorative seashell shape centerpiece bowl. The design is documented to designer Archimede Seguso, and this...
Crystal
Vintage 20th Century Cartier Solid Silver Jewellery / Trinket Box
By Cartier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A mid 20th Century Cartier jewellery box crafted from solid silver, adorned with a exquisite gold plated lid handle. This item epitomises luxury in...
Sterling Silver
Cartier “Trinity” Travel Alarm Clock Black Enamel & Tri-Color Gold France 1990
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 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
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
$2,098Sale Price|30% 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
Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modernist Flower Blossom Candlesticks
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Mid-Century two-light table candleabra or candle holders. In sterling silver. Retailed by Cartier. Likely designed and manufactured by Abbiati Gioacchino fu Carlo f...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$241Sale 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
$3,349Sale Price|30% Off
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
Cartier Diamond Platinum and Bakelite Cheroot Holder
By Cartier
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 1930s 0.20 carat diamond, platinum and Bakelite cheroot holder made by Cartier; an addition to our smoking related collection. This exceptional antique cheroot holder has a plain tapering cylindrical form. The body of this antique Cartier cheroot holder is embellished with a platinum band pavé set with thirty-four Dutch cut diamonds. The Bakelite body can be separated into two components, screw fit together. The holder terminates with a bulbous ovoid shaped mouthpiece. This exceptional holder is fitted to the original hinged leatherette presentation box with a velvet lined interior, securing with a push fit catch. The interior of the antique box bears the retailer's mark 'Cartier, Paris 13 Ruede La Paix, London 175 New Bond St, New York 653 5th Avenue'. This impressive piece has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as platinum. Condition This impressive 1930s antique Cartier cheroot holder is exceptional quality, set with high color graded diamonds displaying a fine white color and brilliance. The holder is a very good gauge of platinum and is in excellent condition. Dimensions Length 8.6 cm / 3.39" Diameter of terminal 1...
Platinum
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 18ct Gold Nib & Silver Plated Trinity Fountain Pen With Red Cartier Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Nib Trinity Fountain Pen With Red Cartier Box Stunning Example of a Must De Cartier fountain pen. Crafted in France, this must de Cartier Trinity 18ct Gol...
Gold Plate
$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
Panthere de Cartier Collectible Vintage Perfume Bottle in original Box Art Deco
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Panthere de Cartier Collectible Vintage Perfume Bottle in original Box Art Deco style. It is vintage from the 1980s. It is marked Cartier made ...
Art Glass
Cartier Trinity Ribbed Silver Plated Pen With Red Cartier Box & Red Enamel Clip
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Trinity Ribbed Silver Plated Ballpoint Pen With Red Cartier Box & Enamel Clip Stunning Example of a Must De Cartier ballpoint pen, featuring the classic trinity rings an...
Silver Plate
Handbag powder compact enamel sterling silver black and red Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Handbag powder compact in 925/1000 sterling silver with black and red fired enamel. Spring button opening. Ground mirror and mesh inside. Small, barely visible crack in the red ename...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
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
Vintage Cartier Cut Crystal Obelisk
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier Cut Crystal Obelisk. In overall great vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Some minor scuffs. No chips, cracks, or repairs.
Crystal
Cartier Paris “Tank” Stationery Set, 10 Cards & Envelopes in Original Box 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Paris “Tank” Stationery Set, 10 Cards & Envelopes in Original Box, circa 1990s A refined and rare vintage stationery set by Cartier...
Paper
Cartier Luxury Christmas Tree 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 Tree Design. Cartier Season's Greetings Christmas Tree St...
Paper
Cartier Tank Desk Clock Two-Tone Gold and Steel
By Must De Cartier, Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Santos 24-karat gold-plated and steel Art Deco travel quartz desk clock with alarm. Les Must de Cartier travel quartz alarm clock, rectangular white dial with Roman numerals....
Gold Plate, 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
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 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
Set of Four American Solid Silver & Enamel Cigarette Boxes by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A superb 20th Century exceptionally rare set of four American solid silver and enamel cigarette boxes. Each lid is decorated with a different cigarette brand: “Lucky Strike,” “Old Go...
Silver, Enamel
Sterling Silver Swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910.
Sterling Silver