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.
George VI 9 Carat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Powder/Mirror Compact by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage 0.06 carat ruby, 0.24 carat diamond and 9 karat yellow gold mirror/powder compact made by Cartier; an addition to our Cartier collectables...
Gold
Cartier Art Deco Sterling Silver Compact Case by
By Cartier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine Cartier compact case in Art Deco style, circa 1930s. Sterling silver with gold gilt interior. The exterior features engraved line pattern that r...
Silver
Cigarette Case black lines Art Deco style Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular pocket cigarette case with long rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire-enamelled stripes. With button and spring opening. Measurements cm. 10.3 x 5.8 ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
1920s Art Deco Gold & Enamel Vanity Case by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
1920s Art Deco gold & enamel vanity case by Cartier 14k Gold. signed Cartier Weight: 112.7 grams Dimensions: Width 3 in, Height 0.44 in approximately.
Gold, Enamel
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 Gold and Sapphire Card Case
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Formed entirely of 18K yellow gold polished to a high shine, this sleek case was created by the one and only Cartier. The exterior features a finel...
Gold
Cigarette Case black and red lines Art Deco style Salimbeni
By Cartier, Salimbeni
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
Cigarette Case black lines Art Deco style Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Handbag cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire enamel. Opening with spring button. Size cm. 6.3 x 9.7 x 1.5. Weight gr. 215. Created in Art Deco style for Cartier...
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
$19,250Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
$237Sale 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
Stuart Devlin Set of Twelve Silver and Silver-Gilt "Twelve Days of Christmas"
By Cartier, Stuart Devlin
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
$1,416 / 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 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
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
Antique Cartier Cheroot Holder, Platinum & Bakelite, Circa 1930
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
Art Deco Sterling Silver Compact and Card Case
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a beautifully crafted Art Deco period Sterling Silver Lady's Compact or necessaire. This stunning engraved and monogrammed compact opens to reveal a sterling silver interior with fittings for two different types of coins and a covered powder dispenser...
Sterling Silver
$4,300
H 0.6 in W 3.82 in D 2.49 in
Cigarette Case Art Deco style designed for Cartier USA Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Cigarette case for handbag in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fired enamel. Opening with spring button.. Measure cm. 6.3 x 9.7 x 1.5. Weight gr.210. Created in the Art Deco style...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$950
H 3.25 in W 2.49 in D 0.4 in
20th Century Art Deco Solid Silver & Guilloche Enamel Cigarette Case c.1929
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
20th Century silver and guilloche enamel cigarette case, of a rectangular form with rounded sides. The one side of the body is enamelled in translucent green over a circular spiral e...
Silver, Enamel
Art Deco Sterling Silver-Mounted Shagreen Table Box
By Charles Boyton & Sons, Ltd.
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco, sterling silver-mounted shagreen table box, London, 1923, Charles Boynton & Sons, Ltd, makers. Measures: 6 1/4" wide x 3 1/2" deep x 2 1/4" high. Wood lined. Shagreen is be...
Sterling Silver
Art deco Alpaca Jewelry Box vienna around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Art deco Alpaca Jewelry Box vienna around 1920s Only polished Original wood inside
Alpaca, Wood
Silvered Art Deco Jewelry Box, Vienna, Around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Silvered Art deco Jewelry Box, Vienna, around 1920s. Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
$2,800
H 0.4 in W 3.39 in D 1.97 in
Elegant Gold and Diamond Compact by Van Cleef & Arpels, Circa 1935-40
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, US
This exquisite compact, crafted by the renowned Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, exemplifies the artistry and sophistication of the late Art Deco period. Rectangular in shape, the compact ...
Gold
Art Deco Jewelry Box Vienna Around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Art Deco Jewelry Box vienna around 1920s. Polished and stove enameled. Cut glass.
Brass
$356Sale Price|40% Off
H 3.625 in W 2.5 in D 0.2 in
Art Deco Sterling Combination Coin Compact Card Case, American, circa 1920
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Deco sterling combination coin compact card or cigarette Case, American, circa 1920 by Webster Co. Rectangular cushion shape with hand chain attached. Opens to reveal half and fu...
Sterling Silver
$2,789Sale Price|30% Off
H 5.12 in W 5.12 in D 8.46 in
Ronson 1936 Pik a Cig Magic Monkey Striker Touch Lighter & Cigarette Dispenser
By Ronson Art Metal Works, Louis Vincent Aronson
Located in Miami, FL
Art deco magic monkey mechanical dispenser box designed by Ronson. An extremely rare and very decorative mechanical desk box, created in the city of Newark, New Jersey United States by The Ronson Metal Works Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1936. This is the mechanical Pik-a-Cig Monkey box...
Bronze, Enamel, Steel
$995
H 3.25 in W 2.5 in D 0.25 in
Antique Austrian Silver & Enamel Cigarette Case with Floral & Ribbon Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This silver and enamel cigarette case is hallmarked by an unknown maker and is presumed to have been made in Austria in approximately 1920. The case is composed of .800 silver and ha...
Silver
$1,995
H 6.25 in W 3.25 in D 0.5 in
Large Antique Komai Style Japanese Damascene Cigarillo, Cigar or Cigarette Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique damascene styled tobacco case is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Japan and dating to approximately 1920 and done in a Anglo-Japanese style. The case...
Metal
Cigarette Case rounded shaped green fired enamel lines Salimbeni
By Cartier, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular pocket cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with rounded shaped lines, alternately fire enamelled. With spring opening button and lost hinge, i.e. semi-invisible. M...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sold
H 4.36 in W 2.75 in D 4.8 in
CARTIER 1970 New York Lunch-Box Purse Clutch In 18kt Gold Vermeil On Sterling
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Lunch-box purse designed by Cartier. This is a stunning hand formed evening purse clutch in the shape of a diminutive lunch box, created by the French jewelry house of Cartier, back...
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.6 in W 3.82 in D 2.49 in
Cigarette Case Art Deco style for Cartier USA in 1980s spring button Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Cartier
Located in Firenze, FI
Handbag cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire enamel. Opening with spring button. Size cm. 6.3 x 9.7 x 1.5. Weight gr. 215. Created in Art Deco style for Cartie...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.37 in D 0.4 in
Vintage 20th Century French Silver Plated Card Holder, Must De Cartier, Paris
By Cartier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A superb 20th Century silver plated card holder by Cartier. This is a very well made and stylish item from the Must De Cartier line. A perfect accessory for any businessman. The card...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Cartier Gothic Revival Wood and Sterling Box
By Cartier
Located in Toledo, OH
Unique wooden table box by Cartier with sterling silver hand hammered details and a lovely original patina in the Gothic Revival style. Stamped "Cartier Sterling 64-54 Handmade" on t...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.4 in W 3.15 in D 2.59 in
Antique 20th Century Cartier Art Deco 18K Gold & Silver Compact, Paris c.1930
By Cartier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 20th Century Cartier Art Deco 18 Carat gold & solid silver-gilt compact, of rectangular form, set with a gold push-button, both sides are engine turned and comes in the origi...
Gold
Cartier American Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
American Modern sterling silver box, ca 1920. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular with straight sides, crisp corners, and molded rim. Cover flat and hinged with discreetly p...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Large Art Deco Sterling Silver Box
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Heavy Cartier sterling silver reeded table box from the mid-century modern era. Rectangular with domed and ribbed top; straight sides; ribbed front and ba...
Sterling Silver
Cartier American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Andrew A. Taylor, Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern sterling silver box. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with curved top and overhanging rim. Box and cover interior ced...
Sterling Silver
Le Must de Cartier Vintage Playing Card Game Box, 1976
By Cartier
Located in Munich, DE
Never in use Cartier playing cards box, one deck plus joker, poker, bridge playing cards in Cartier red 2-doors case. Les Must de Cartier playing...
Leather, Paper
Cartier Brass and Copper Enigma Box, 1959
By Cartier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cartier Paris crafted this sophisticated copper and brass decorative box in the 1950s. It is a puzzle box that uses Leonardo da Vinci's specular writing technique*. If you look at the box the straight way, the text engraved on the top is incomprehensible. When the lidded box is placed in front of a mirror, the hidden message can be deciphered. This secret message is an invitation to a socialite wedding in New York in 1959! The message reads: "Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Bernstein have the honour of announcing the marriage of their daughter Joan Honey...
Metal, Brass, Copper
Sold
H 0.67 in W 3.15 in D 2.17 in
20th Century Cartier 18K Gold, Enamel, Jade, Coral & Diamond Vanity Case, c.1920
By Cartier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
20th Century French Cartier Art Deco gold vanity case, of rectangular form with rounded corners, the lid set with a flower shaped thumb-piece, with ja...
Coral, Jade, Gold, Enamel