Cartier Paris Art Deco Diamond Ladies Watch
View Similar Items
Cartier Paris Art Deco Diamond Ladies Watch
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.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- Cartier Paris “Tortue” Diamond and Grosgrain WristwatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYRepresenting a watchmaking milestone, this circa 1913 ladies’ “Tortue” wristwatch by Cartier Paris is composed of platinum 18K gold, and diamonds, with a silk strap. The “Tortue”tonn...Category
Early 20th Century French Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
- Cartier Paris and Edmond Jaeger Seed Pearl and Diamond WristwatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYDating from the 1910s, this early platinum, seed pearl and diamond wristwatch was created by Cartier Paris in collaboration with Edmond Jaeger and European Watch & Clock. The square ...Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl
- Cartier Paris Diamond "Panthère" RingBy CartierLocated in New York, NYThis Cartier Paris "Panthère" ring in 18K white gold, set with diamonds, onyx and emeralds, dates from the 2000s. It is designed as a bypass ring, the panther's head with emerald eye...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Cartier Paris Diamond Tassel NecklaceBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCreated in the 1980s, this Cartier Paris necklace is composed of 18K gold and approximately 29.00 carats of diamonds. The necklace is formed of ...Category
Late 20th Century French Choker Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Price Upon Request - Cartier Paris Bombé Diamond RingBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCreated in the late 20th century, this Cartier diamond bombé or dome ring is set in 18K gold. The wide bombé center flanked by shaped bands are pavé-set with round brilliant-cut diam...Category
Late 20th Century French Dome Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Paris Diamond "Panthère Griffe" RingBy CartierLocated in New York, NYA design dating from the 2000s, this Cartier "Panthère Griffe" ring is composed of 18K white gold and diamonds. It is designed as a bypass form of overlapping raised diamond pavé pan...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Vintage Movado Art Deco Diamond Ladies WatchBy MovadoLocated in Dallas, TXVintage Movado Art Deco Diamond Ladies Watch - Manual winding. 14K Yellow gold with diamond bezel and diamond lugs ( 20 mm ). Two tone silver dial with ...Category
20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
- Cartier Platinum Ladies Watch 1920's Art Deco by European Watch & Clock Co.By CartierLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: European Watch & Clock Co. for Cartier STYLE / REFERENCE: Evening Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & Diamond & Pear CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Le...Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsPlatinum
$34,500 / itemFree Shipping - Ladies Art Deco Platinum Diamond Onyx Wrist WatchLocated in Miami Beach, FLArt Deco diamond and onyx watch head set in newer triple-strand band of onyx beads with diamond spacers. Watch head is platinum. Spacer...Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Platinum
- Ladies' 18K White Gold Art Deco Diamond & Sapphire WatchLocated in Laguna Beach, CALadies' Antique Art Deco wristwatch with diamond and sapphires, set in 18k white gold. Stamped 18k inside the case. The movement is a precision Waltham 15 jewel manual wind mechanism...Category
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Cartier Art Deco Guillotine Purse WatchBy CartierLocated in New Orleans, LAOriginally created as a purse watch, this "Guillotine" purse watch (montre de sac à guillotine) by Cartier is an extremely rare find and in a class all its...Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Boxes and Cases
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Antique Art Deco Diamond Platinum Elgin Ladies Wrist WatchBy ElginLocated in Mount Kisco, NYThe perfect combination of diamonds and platinum keeps time on this spectacular Art Deco Ladies Wrist Watch by Elgin Watch Co. Dripping with two carats ...Category
Vintage 1930s American Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
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.