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.
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed pre-owned Panthere de Cartier pendant on a black silk cord chain"Pampilles" lariat necklace crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 2000s). Crafted in 18k yell...
Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Classic Bracelet — 18K Rose Gold, 4 Diamonds, Size 17
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier Love bracelet exemplifies refined elegance with its distinctive design. Crafted in 18k rose gold, it features four brilliant-cut diamonds, bezel-set and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Cartier Emerald Vivid Green Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 47
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Green Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a fine vivid green emerald. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only us...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 90's Wide Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier wide band ring in 18k yellow gold, made in France. Clean, bold design with a smooth, polished finish that gives it a strong presence whi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Rose Gold Onyx Diamond Amulette de Cartier Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
An enchanting and deeply symbolic piece from the iconic Amulette de Cartier collection. Conceived as a precious talisman or a "lucky charm," this extra-small (XS) model bracelet unit...
Rose Gold
CARTIER 18K White Gold Diamond Wide Mesh Bracelets
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A dazzling duet by Cartier, these wide mesh bracelets articulate a vision of structured brilliance and modern elegance. Composed of alternating marquise motifs and round brilliant-cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Panthere de Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Panthere de Cartier Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 148446 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Panthere de Cartier Ring Condition Description: The Panthère de Cartier ...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Vintage Vivid Yellow Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Tank Band Solo Ring EU53
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Cartier Vivid Yellow Orange Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Tank Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring with a 6mm tension set vivid yellow orange citrine. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only ...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Graduated Twisted Oval Link Necklace 19 In
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant Cartier Germany necklace crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, showcasing a refined graduated oval link design enhanced by subtle twisted and textured detailing. This...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, 1952, French.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set to center with an octagonal step-cut natural Colombian emerald with minor oil in an open back claw setting with an approximate...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier French Art Deco Diamond Jade Onyx Platinum Vintage Fountain Jabot Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a jabot style bar brooch terminating at top with a stylized streamline water fountain Fountain designed after the famous Arts Décoratifs Exposition notable fountain Compr...
Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Platinum
Bracelet Cartier Paris Nouvelle Vague Mischievous Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, DE
The Cartier "Paris Nouvelle Vague" bracelet is a highly exclusive and sought-after piece of jewelry, masterfully crafted from 18k yellow gold. This exceptional design features a stri...
Cartier Tank Louis SM 78087 Paris Dial 18k YG Cartier Deployant
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2148 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis SM Reference 78087 Year 1980s Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Cartier Leather Strap and Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Deployant Diame...
Rare Cartier Tortue Mother of Pearl & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Tortue Mother of Pearl & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace. Stunning yellow gold necklace featuring a tortoise shaped pendant. Mother of pearl body with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise Midsize Custom Diamond Bezel 1.1 Carat Watch 2301
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE MIDSIZE CUSTOM DIAMOND BEZEL 1.1CT. WATCH 2301 -Mint condition -Case Size: 25 x 30mm -Width with Crown: 28.5mm -Case thickness: 6.6mm -Stainless steel -Moveme...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier 18ct White, Yellow and Rose Gold Small Les Must de Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Cartier 18ct White Gold, 18ct Yellow Gold and 18ct Rose Gold Small Les Must de Cartier Small Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J1686 Brand: Cartier Model: Les Must de Cartier Small R...
Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$73,875Sale Price|25% Off
GIA Certified 1.8 Carat E Internally Flawless Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant diamond engagement ring centered by a beautiful GIA certified 1.83 carat round brilliant cut diamond, graded E color and Internally Flawless clarity. The center diamond h...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Roadster GMT XL 42mm - Vintage Men's Automatic Watch
By Cartier
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is a very recognisable and stunningly eccentric timepiece: a Cartier Roadster GMT XL with reference number 2722. It dates back to the mid 2000s, featuring an intriguingly oversize tonneau shaped stainless steel case measuring 42mm wide and 47mm high including the lugs. The silver watch face...
Stainless Steel
CARTIER Ruby and Diamond 'Nigeria' Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Like a jeweled tapestry woven in passion and light, the ‘'Nigeria’ ring is a celebration of intensity and allure. Deep crimson rubies and luminous diamonds are artfully pavé-set in p...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Lacquered CARTIER Pentagon Mini Lighter 1970s
By Cartier
Located in DELFT, NL
In the pantheon of luxury brands, Cartier stands tall, an enduring symbol of elegance and masterful craftsmanship. Founded in 1847, the brand has long been synonymous with exceptiona...
Gold Plate
Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos Galbée 187901- Two Tone Ivory Roman Auto 29 mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Contoured Two-Tone Classic The Santos Galbée Reference 187901 is the definitive 1990s evolution of Cartier’s most iconic silhouette. While the original 1904 design was a pioneer...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Panthere SM 1057917 YG/SS 2 Row 1990s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2095 Brand Cartier Model Panthere SM Reference 1057917 Year 1990s Dial White Roman Case 18k Yellow Gold and Steel Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold and Steel Diameter 22mm Length 15.4cm M...
Cartier White Gold Diamond Mimi Star Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier White Gold Diamond Mimi Star Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z155109 Listing Title: Cartier White Gold Diamond Mimi Star Ring Condition Description: Since Louis-François Cartier t...
White Gold
Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour White Gold Baguette HPI0 Gem Set.
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
The Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour White Gold / Baguette, variant reference ID: HPI00890, is a masterpiece in Cartier's Rotonde collection. Featuring the innovative 'Mysterious H...
Diamond, White Gold
Ring Cartier Panthère de Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, DE
The iconic Panthère de Cartier ring is a bold and unmistakable statement piece, masterfully crafted in 18k yellow gold. This dramatic design features the maison's legendary panther m...
Vintage Cartier Tank Francaise 18k Yellow Gold 28mm Automatic Watch Ref. 1840
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Cartier Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 51.5 Grams (case and strap) Case Size (Width): 28mm (not including th...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$165,000Sale Price|25% Off
Cartier 20 Carat Sculptural Diamond Suite Necklace Bracelet and Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and highly sculptural diamond suite by Cartier, designed in what is often referred to as the style, characterized by bold geometric articulation, modular links, and f...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Baignoire 78094 Double Step Pointed Paris Dial 18k YG 1970s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2132 Brand Cartier Model Baignoire Reference 78094 Year 1970 Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 23mm x 31.5mm Length N/A Movement Manual Windin...
Cartier Diamond Heart Necklace 18k White Gold 16" Choker Estate Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed pre-owned Cartier diamond heart necklace crafted in 18k white gold. Diamonds total an estimated 0.18 cara...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier JUSTE UN CLOU BRACELET 16 Nail GRL727 18kt Yellow Gold AU750 AUTHENTIC
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
It's a small model Juste un Clou bracelet, classic, 18K Yellow gold . size 16 comes with box 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight 8.8 gm Used condition Authenticity and money back is guaran...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER 18K Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A luminous expression of 1980s glamour, this vintage Cartier bangle is a bold study in form, brilliance, and balance. Composed in warm 18K yellow gold and exquisitely pavé-set with a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love 18 Karat Rose Gold One Diamond Wedding Band Ring, Small Model
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Love 18 Karat Rose Gold One Diamond Wedding Band Ring, Small Model Metal: 18k rose gold Weight: 4.72 grams Retail: $2,410 USD Diamond: 1 round diamond .02 carat D VVS2 Size...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Certified Heart-Shaped Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover a truly rare and spectacular expression of love from the legendary House of Cartier. This exquisite "Ballerine" ring is centered around an incredibly scarce find: a GIA Cert...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Roadster 2675 – Baby Blue Dial – Ladies – Quartz
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
These ladies‑size Cartier Roadster models are always stunning, and this example — featuring a beautiful baby blue dial — stands out superbly. Presented in perfect working order, this...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Silver Plated Cartier Les Must Lighter in Box 1990s
By Cartier
Located in DELFT, NL
Cartier is synonymous with unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless elegance, a beacon of refinement in the world of luxury goods. The maison's lighters, especially those from past de...
Silver Plate
18 Karat White Gold Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking Cartier 18K white gold diamond band featuring an elegant geometric link design set with approximately 1.26 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds. Crafted with Cartier's signatu...
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Destinee Cushion 1.15 cts H VS1 Halo Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier Destinee Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Halo with Diamond Halfway on Shank Ref. number: N4746100 Certification: GIA 2215029799 Metal: Pt 950 Platinum Size: 6.25 ...
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Panthere de Pave Diamond White Gold Leopard Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Cartier level-back earrings from the iconic Panthere de Cartier collection feature a leopard design crafted in 18k white gold set with round brilliant-cut D-E-F VVS1-V...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
CARTIER Pasha Ring, Multi Stone
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous 18K Yellow Gold Pasha Collection Ring with 9 Multi Colored Semi Precious Stones. Square and Triangle Shaped Gemstones Including Pink and Yellow Tourmalines, Amethysts, Red G...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Vintage 18K Case Box, Unisex Collectors Item
By Cartier
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A collectors item. Signature: Cartier Paris, French assay marks Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Dimensions: 4.0cm x 2.7cm x 0.8cm Gross weight: 19.4g
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER New York 1935 Art Deco Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 5.16 Cwt Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds cocktail ring designed by Cartier. This is an exceptionally rare cocktail ring created by the legendary jewelry house of Cartier in New York City during the height of the A...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Must de Cartier 5057001
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Must de Cartier 5057001 Black Dial Gold-Plated Case Box, Manuals, Papers (dated 1993), New Strap and Original strap make this a complete full set. A refined and elegant ...
Vermeil
$4,800
Cartier Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1998, 18k, Cartier, France. Set with a superb .28 carat G color, VS clarity diamond, this beautiful diamond ring from Cartier Paris has a visually pristine presentation. The e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Love Bracelet Size 16
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Cherish a symbol of everlasting affection with this vintage Cartier Love bracelet. Crafted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, its iconic screw motif emb...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Santos 18K White Gold Hawk’s Eye Dumont Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A bold and sophisticated Cartier Santos Dumont ring, expertly crafted in 18k white gold and showcasing the brand’s signature blend of timele...
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s Cartier Santos 2961 18K YG & Steel Auto White Roman 29mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
One Of The First And Best The Cartier Santos is not just another watch, it's arguably the first purpose-built wristwatch for men. Created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, ...
Stainless Steel
CARTIER Caresse d’Orchidées 18K White Gold Diamond Flower Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
From Cartier’s poetic Caresse d’Orchidées collection, this exquisite ring captures the sensual grace of orchids in full bloom. Crafted in 18K white gold, the sculptural petals are pa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Cartier Coral Bead Cufflinks
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A refined touch of elegance in a classic form. These cufflinks by Cartier, crafted in 18k gold, feature striking red coral stones. The smooth, round coral creates a vivid contrast a...
Coral, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Red Ruby Ellipse Oval Cut 18k Gold Bypass Split Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Oval Cut Red Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Split Bypass Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with 2 fine deep red oval cut rubies. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Platinum Diamond Arrow Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A delicate expression of Art Deco refinement, this Cartier arrow brooch captures the Maison’s fascination with symmetry, motion, and light. Crafte...
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Double C Logo Diamond 18k Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Cartier necklace features an oval Double C pendant crafted in 18k rose gold and completed with an adjustable length chain. Made in France circa 2010s. Measurements: 0.38...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
CARTIER 3 Elephants Diamond Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Cartier brooch features an adorable family of 3 elephants crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds and emerald and citrine eyes. Made in France...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl & Diamond Extra Small Model Amulette Pendant
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl and Diamond Extra Small Model Amulette Penda PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 153917 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl and Diamond Extra Sma...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Panther Ring in 18 Karat White Yellow Gold Band
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic CARTIER Panther Ring 18k White & Yellow Gold Size 49. This stunning ring is an 18 karat white gold band and features a relief pattern a 18 karat yellow gold ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Panthère Emerald Eye Gold Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The animal that became an empire. Few motifs in the history of jewelry are as enduring—or as synonymous with a maison—as the Cartier panther. First introduced in the early twentieth ...
Emerald, Gold
$73,500Sale Price / set|25% Off
Cartier 20 Carat 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A spectacular pair of Cartier earrings, masterfully crafted in rich 22 karat yellow gold and exquisitely pavé-set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. The diamonds are estimated to wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Le Baiser Du Dragon Ruby Diamond Lacquer Necklace & Earrings Set
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Cartier set composed of dangling earrings and pendant necklace from the iconic Le Baiser Du Dragon collection are inspired by Chinese aesthetics and Art Deco geometry ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cartier 0.30ct Round Diamond VVS Ellipse 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Brilliant Diamond 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring. Beautiful white gold ring set with a fine 0.30ct round cut natural diamond. The diamond has very white E/F col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Contessa Ring 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds - Signed & Numbered
By Cartier
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
Cartier Contessa ring. Crafted in 18k solid gold, this contemporary masterpiece features a stunning alignment of 9 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.9 carats. This pi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris Diamond "Panthère Lakarda" Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1990s by Cartier Paris, this "Panthère Lakarda" ring is composed of diamonds, emeralds, onyx, and 18K gold. The flexible form is pavé-set with approximately 300 round ...