Rare Cartier Figural Jewelry Box
View Similar Items
Rare Cartier Figural Jewelry Box
About the Item
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.
- Cartier Marble BoxesBy CartierLocated in Munich, DEElegant marble boxes made for Cartier with the silver engraved Logo in excellent condition.Category
1990s French Hollywood Regency Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMarble
$1,313 / item - Rare Signed Jewelry Box by Emilio PucciBy Emilio PucciLocated in Redding, CTRare Signed Jewelry Box by Emilio Pucci. Hinged Box designed with his trademark psychedelic silk pattern. Similar to the design of his trademark pattern...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
MaterialsSilk, Upholstery
- Cartier Picture Frame BoxBy CartierLocated in Riverdale, NYAntique 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...Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes
MaterialsWood
- Jewelry BoxLocated in New York, NYA beautiful and well-made black and white (off-white) shagreen style covered jewelry box. Box has beautiful lines with vaulted lid, brass hinges, and black velvet lining inside and o...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Jewelry Boxes
MaterialsVelvet, Resin
$625 - Jewelry BoxLocated in Antwerp, BEAn exceptional, fine and impressive jewelry box. The surface of this box is embellished with dragons and flowers. The box is fitted with a hinged cover. ...Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
MaterialsMetal
$1,532 - Rare Cartier London Art Deco Sterling Silver Vermeil Lapis Lazuli Cigar BoxBy CartierLocated in New York, NYFine Cartier London Art Deco period sterling silver, vermeil and lapis lazuli cigar box Early 20th Century Elegant, streamlined geometrical design of alternating vertical and horizon...Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Cigar Boxes and Humidors
MaterialsLapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
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.