Cartier Jewelry
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.
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. It’s certainly one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970s Vintage Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Modern Vintage Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
20th Century Cartier Jewelry
2010s Modern Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century Cartier Jewelry
2010s Cartier Jewelry
18k Gold, Rose Gold
1950s Vintage Cartier Jewelry
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Jewelry
Onyx, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cartier Jewelry
Early 2000s Cartier Jewelry
Silver
2010s Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Cartier Jewelry
Silver
Early 2000s Cartier Jewelry
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
2010s Cartier Jewelry
PVD-Coated, Steel, Stainless Steel
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Cartier Jewelry
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Enamel, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s Vintage Cartier Jewelry
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Modern Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, White Gold
20th Century Cartier Jewelry
Early 2000s Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970s Vintage Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Early 2000s Cartier Jewelry
18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Modern Cartier Jewelry
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
White Gold
2010s Cartier Jewelry
White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Modern Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
2010s Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
2010s Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Cartier Jewelry
Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Cartier Jewelry
Onyx, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, White Gold
Early 2000s Cartier Jewelry
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cartier Jewelry
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Modern Cartier Jewelry
Chalcedony, Diamond, Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Jewelry
White Gold
1990s Cartier Jewelry
Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Jewelry
Steel
1970s Vintage Cartier Jewelry
Lapis Lazuli
2010s Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Modern Cartier Jewelry
Sterling Silver
1990s Cartier Jewelry
18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Cartier Jewelry
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cartier Jewelry
Cartier jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs
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- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021You can tell if a Cartier ring is real by checking for a Cartier stamp, metal type, ring size and unique serial number on the back of the ring. In order to confirm the authenticity, ensure that the Cartier stamp is evenly stamped and free of mistakes.
- What is a 56 ring size?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021In the USA, a ring with 56 mm circumference is considered to be an 8-size ring. On the other hand, in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand it is P 1/2. Find a variety of antique and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a size 57 ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021In the USA, a ring with 57 mm circumference is considered to be an 8.5 size ring. On the other hand, in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand it is Q 1/2. Find a variety of antique and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
- Why Cartier is so expensive?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021One 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.