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Cartier Decorative Objects

French

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.

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Creator: Cartier
Pen "Must De Cartier Trinity Silver Ballpoint Pen", France By Cartier, 2000s
Pen "Must De Cartier Trinity Silver Ballpoint Pen", France By Cartier, 2000s

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver

Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame

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! ...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cartier Santos 18ct Gold Plated & Brushed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Original Box
Cartier Santos 18ct Gold Plated & Brushed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Original Box

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,...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Steel

Vintage Cartier Art Deco Wooden Desk Box, France, circa 1930-1950
Vintage Cartier Art Deco Wooden Desk Box, France, circa 1930-1950

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...

Category

1930s French Other Vintage Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Cartier American Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Amphora Bowl
Cartier American Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Amphora Bowl

Cartier American Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Amphora Bowl

By Cartier, Lebkuecher & Co.

Located in New York, NY

American Edwardian Classical sterling silver amphora bowl, ca 1920. Ovoid with flying leaf-wrapped scroll side handles. On shoulder chased leafing and flowering scroll frieze with pe...

Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cartier Musical Box Mechanism by Maison Reuge, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni
Cartier Musical Box Mechanism by Maison Reuge, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni

Cartier Musical Box Mechanism by Maison Reuge, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni

By Salimbeni, Cartier

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...

Category

1970s Italian Art Deco Vintage Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Cartier Burgundy Leather Eyewear Case Made in France 1980s
Cartier Burgundy Leather Eyewear Case Made in France 1980s

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...

Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Cartier Table Box, Black and White, Art Deco Style, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni
Cartier Table Box, Black and White, Art Deco Style, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni

Cartier Table Box, Black and White, Art Deco Style, Sterling Silver, made by Salimbeni

By Salimbeni, Cartier

Located in Firenze, FI

Rectangular table box with rounded corners, made of 925/1000 sterling silver, featuring a fire-enameled Art Deco design. Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.5 x 3.2 cm. Weight: 560 g. This piece ...

Category

1970s Italian Art Deco Vintage Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Cartier Box: Fired Enamel, Sterling Silver, with a clear amethyst, crafted by Salimbeni
Cartier Box: Fired Enamel, Sterling Silver, with a clear amethyst, crafted by Salimbeni

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 ...

Category

1980s Italian Art Deco Vintage Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Amethyst, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Cartier Table Box, Fired Enamel, Sterling Silver, Art Deco design by Salimbeni
Cartier Table Box, Fired Enamel, Sterling Silver, Art Deco design by Salimbeni

Cartier Table Box, Fired Enamel, Sterling Silver, Art Deco design by Salimbeni

By Salimbeni, Cartier

Located in Firenze, FI

Rectangular table box with rounded corners, made of 925/1000 sterling silver, featuring a fire-enameled Art Deco design. Dimensions: 8.5 x 11.4 x 3.2 cm. Weight gr. 382. This piece i...

Category

1970s Italian Art Deco Vintage Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Cartier Desk Magnifier with Original Box, France, circa 1980
Vintage Cartier Desk Magnifier with Original Box, France, circa 1980

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...

Category

20th Century French Other Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Vintage Cartier Cut Crystal Obelisk
Vintage Cartier Cut Crystal Obelisk

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. This item is in our NYC private...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Sterling Silver Swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910
Sterling Silver Swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910

Sterling Silver Swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Sterling silver swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910.

Category

1910s French Vintage Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cartier Silver-Plated Art Deco Purse
Cartier Silver-Plated Art Deco Purse

Cartier Silver-Plated Art Deco Purse

By Cartier

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Cartier Silver-Plated Art Deco Purse An elegant Cartier purse with a refined, sculptural handle formed by two stylized hands holding a cabochon-style green stone. The piece combines ...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Cartier Travel Alarm Clock
Cartier Travel Alarm Clock

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 ...

Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Cartier Sterling Silver Shell Form Bowl
Cartier Sterling Silver Shell Form Bowl

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...

Category

20th Century Italian Cartier Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cartier decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Cartier decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Cartier decorative objects, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Cartier were created in the Art Deco style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Pierre Le Faguays, Max Le Verrier, and Marcel-André Bouraine. Prices for Cartier decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $179 and can go as high as $89,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,394.

Questions About Cartier Decorative Objects

  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    One of the reasons Cartier is so expensive is because, since its inception in 1847, the brand has had a massive celebrity fan base that spans royals, movie stars, singers and socialites. The brand also uses the highest quality metals and gems in their pieces, rendering them expensive to produce. Lastly, most Cartier pieces are easy to identify, making brand recognition a key factor in the brand's exclusivity.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cartier Vermeil means a timepiece made by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier out of a material called vermeil. It is a precious metal produced by combining genuine gold and silver. Shop a variety of Cartier Vermeil watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The meaning of Cartier Vendôme varies. Most often, the term describes a line of watches made by the French luxury jewelry house. However, the company has also produced sunglasses and wedding jewelry with the style name Cartier Vendôme. Shop a variety of Cartier Vendôme watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    The Cartier logo is a pair of interlocking Cs. However, many people associate the panther with the French luxury jewelry maker more than its actual logo. Louis Cartier incorporated the feline figure into its design lexicon. In 1914, Cartier hired illustrator George Barbier to design advertisements for the jewelry house. Barbier drafted a drawing that featured a glamorous woman with an elegant panther at her feet, and Cartier loved it. He had an additional connection to the panther in the form of his alleged romantic interest, fellow Cartier designer Jeanne Toussaint, who adored the animal so much that she decorated her apartment with furs and donned a coat of panther fur. Cartier gave her the long-lasting nickname Panthère. Since then, Cartier has offered watches, bracelets, necklaces, brooches and earrings inspired by the panther. Find a diverse assortment of Cartier jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    Cartier is special for at least a few reasons. The French luxury brand is one of the most well-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world.

    Cartier has helped create style trends over the course of its long history, including playing a prominent role in defining Art Deco jewelry. The brand designed one of the first modern wristwatches for men — the Santos de Cartier — and its Panthère motif and Love bracelet are universally renowned among lovers of fine jewelry.

    Additionally, it should come as no surprise that Cartier engagement rings are among the most desirable on the jewelry market for those hoping to be betrothed. The house, founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds.

    Find Cartier jewelry for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    No, Cartier is not the same as Rolex. Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847. Some of its most iconic watches include the Tank, the Santos, the Ballon Bleu, the Calibre de Cartier and the Drive de Cartier. Hans Wilsdorf established Rolex in London in 1905. Today, the maker is well-known for its sophisticated watches, including the Submariner, the Daytona, the DateJust, the Oyster Perpetual and the GMT-Master II. Find a selection of Cartier and Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell if something is Cartier, look for a maker's marking. Every Cartier piece, from jewelry to watches to sunglasses, bears the maker's marking in an inconspicuous area. These markings have changed over the years, so you can often use their style, placement and wording to date and identify your piece. Once you locate the mark, refer to trusted online resources to find out more about what that specific marking indicates. Find a selection of Cartier jewelry and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    To authenticate a Cartier lighter, locate the serial number. Then, contact Cartier’s customer service team to assess whether it is a genuine serial number and whether the product type and style match your piece. Check the official Cartier website for current contact information. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Cartier lighters.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Cartier does make earrings as well as a slew of other exquisite and high-end pieces of jewelry. Established in 1847 in Paris, France, this luxury goods brand is known throughout the world for its jewelry and watches. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    How to wear Cartier earrings depends on your personal preferences. Small hoops and studs can balance chunky statement necklaces, while dramatic drops and oversized hoops can become the bold focal point of an outfit. Shop a variety of Cartier earrings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    What a Cartier bracelet symbolizes varies from piece to piece. With its screw motif, the Love bracelet represents the enduring nature of true love, while the three types of gold featured in the Trinity bracelet stand for love, fidelity and friendship. Translating to "just a nail" in English, the Juste un Clou bracelet is sometimes associated with simplicity and modernity. Find a large collection of Cartier bracelets on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Sometimes, Cartier sunglasses are called buffs. This name comes from the fact that Cartier was the first major eyewear designer to use rare buffalo horn as a material for crafting eyeglass and sunglass frames. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Cartier sunglasses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
    The Cartier Tank is so popular for several reasons. Many people like its unique shape, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I. Others appreciate its long history since it was released in 1918. Over the years, some models have featured details that further appeal to collectors. For example, the Tank Divan is notable for its striking rectangular case that is situated horizontally. The Roman numerals on its watch face are elongated, stretching to fit its unusual proportions. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Cartier Tank watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Pasha de Cartier is a watch introduced by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier in 1985. Today, the watch features an automatic movement and is available with various leather and bracelet bands. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Pasha de Cartier watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Unnamed designers working for Cartier designed the Cartier Ecrou bracelet. They based the design for the jewelry released in 2017 on that of the Juste un Clou that Aldo Cipullo created for the brand in 1971. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Cartier Ecrou bracelets.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What Cartier watch is the most famous is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some well-known watches produced by the French luxury brand include the Tank Solo, the Ballon Bleu De Cartier, the Tank Anglaise, the Crash and the Clé De Cartier. Find a selection of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023
    There are a couple of reasons why Cartier glasses are so special. First, the French luxury brand produces each pair with careful attention to detail and precise crafting techniques that make the eyewear stylish and durable. Cartier also uses fine-quality materials like buffalo horn, titanium, gold, leather, onyx and bubinga wood. Additionally, many Detroit rappers like Royce da 5'9", Tee Grizzley and Big Sean have sported Cartier sunglasses over the years, making the brand's eyewear synonymous with hip-hop culture. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier glasses.