Cartier Bagatelle Palisander Sunglasses
View Similar Items
Cartier Bagatelle Palisander Sunglasses
Cartier
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.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- New Vintage Serge Kirchhofer 624 Silver Blue Lenses Sunglasses AustriaBy Serge KirchhoferLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew vintage Serge Kirchhofer sunglasses. Spotless blue gradient lenses. This item may show sign of wear due to storage. Made in Austria. FRONT :...Category
1970s Austrian Sunglasses
- New Vintage Laura Biagiotti Oversized Sleek Brown & Gold Mask P30 SunglassesBy Laura BiagiottiLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew Laura Biagiotti textured sleek black mask frame with grey gradient ( UV protection ) lenses. Made in Italy. Produced and design in 1980's. New, never worn or displayed. This ...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- New Vintage Laura Biagiotti T60 Oversized Silver & Gold 1980 Sunglasses ItalyBy Laura BiagiottiLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew Laura Biagiotti textured sleek mask black & gold frame with brown gradient ( UV protection ) lenses. Made in Italy. Produced and design in 1980's. New, never worn or displaye...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré 390 Tortoise & Gold 1990 Italy SunglassesBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Tortoise with gold details frame holding a pair of spotless grey lenses. New, never worn or displayed. Made in Italy. MEASUREMENTS ...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- New Vintage Yohji Yamamoto 52 5202 Silver Black 1990's Made in Japan SunglassesBy Yohji YamamotoLocated in Baleares, BalearesCult designer Yohji Yamamto signed this ultra chic pair dark silver designed sunglasses. Spotless medium grey lenses. Superior quality and design. This item show minor sign o...Category
1980s Japanese Sunglasses
- New Vintage Alain Mikli Wayfarer Black & Gold Made in France Sunglasses 1980'sBy Alain MikliLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew Vintage Alain Mikli in Black & gold accents wayfarer style frame. Rare item in new and unworn condition. Spotless smoke grey lenses. Please consider that this item is nearly 40...Category
1980s French Sunglasses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.