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 Bordeaux Leather Top Handle Satchel Bag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Bordeaux leather top-handle satchel bag featuring top flap, push-button closure, gold-tone hardware, interior zip pocket, logo lining, a gold-tone stamped logo. 100% leather ...
21st Century Perfect Condition Patent Black Leather Hand-Bag by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic Cartier handbag is a striking example of sophisticated luxury, expertly crafted from high-shine black patent leather that offers a sleek and polished aesthetic. The fr...
Cartier Panthère Box Satchel
By Cartier
Located in Amman, JO
Cartier Panthère Box Satchel A refined expression of Cartier’s iconic elegance, this Panthère Top Handle Bag is crafted from smooth, structured leather in black. The silhouette is c...
Cartier Vintage Black Leather Handbag and a Blue Leather Change Purse
By Cartier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cartier Vintage Black Leather Handbag and a Blue Leather Change Purse Signed on the underside of the snap and on the underside of the panther with copyright, Cartier, 1990 and A 207...
1992 Hermes Black 35cm Kelly Supple Box Bag with Thick Strap
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Vintage black box leather 35cm supple Kelly bag with gold hardware. Dates from 1992, confirmed by the circle V blind stamp. Top handle, lock and key fob. Thick black cross body strap. Very minor scuffing on surface for the age of this bag. Interior zip compartment as well as two interior front slit pockets. In unused vintage condition with a clean interior. A timeless classic. The strap is a later addition and enhances the usefulness by enabling the owner to wear the bag cross body hands free. First designed in 1932, the Kelly was introduced as a travel bag that was referred to as the sac à dépêches. It was then renamed to the Kelly after actress Grace Kelly was photographed numerous times with the bag (most notably, while she was pregnant and using it to cover her baby bump). The impeccable craftsmanship, classic silhouette, scarcity, and unique history make the Kelly a must-have for any handbag collector. It can take a single Hermès craftsman...
$9,920
H 6 in W 10 in L 4.5 in
Chanel 2013 Cruise Iridescent Caviar Kelly Top Handle Crossbody Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 2013 Cruise Iridescent Caviar Kelly Top Handle Crossbody Classic Flap Bag 2013 Cruise Collection Gold Matte Hardware Flap CC Turnlock Closure Interior zippered pocket Two add...
Moschino vintage black heart bag
By Moschino
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Moschino 90’s Vintage black leather Heart bag. Designed by Franco Moschino. Vintage Condition; 7/10 Made in Italy. Height-7 Depth- 3" Width- 9" Handle Drop- 3.5"
Hermes Birkin 35 Etain Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 35 Etain Togo Leather with Gold Hardware is a timeless luxury handbag that perfectly balances elegance, functionality, and inv...
Hermès Smallest Mini Kelly Bag Pill Box and its Safety Pin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Pill Box "Kelly" Bag shape The smallest Kelly bag ever made Will come with its original safety pin, allowing it to be hung Can be used to put ...
Hermès Kelly So Black 35 Noir Boxcalf
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly So Black 35 in noir and boxcalf leather with black hardware. The bag had already been in the Hermès Spa and is in a good condition with small marks on the front and back...
HERMES black Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly II 35 bag in black Veau Togo leather with gold-plated hardware. Lined in black chèvre (goatskin) with a zipper pocket against the back and divided patch p...
Gucci Hysteria 2000s Top Handle Bag in Black Shiny Leather
By Gucci
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Gucci Hysteria top handle bag made of soft and shiny black leather with gold toned hardware. The interior is lined with the Gucci logo synthetic black fabric. Next to the major c...
$395
H 8 in W 14.5 in D 3 in
Brown Matte Alligator Top Handle Hourglass Purse with Comb and Mirror, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A ladylike staple accessory and a sign of good breeding, an alligator top handle bag remains as relevant today as it was a half-century ago. Pairs as effortlessly with denim and a trench as it does with a cocktail dress. This one has the very modern added benefit of being large enough to hold a 12-oz bottle of water too! (Please note that due to export restrictions this item may only be shipped to a US address.) Vintage alligator handbag with self-covered top frame and single top handle; interior zippered side pocket with open pocket beneath containing mirror and faux tortoise comb...
Pierre Cardin Logo Top Handle Patent Bag
By Pierre Cardin Couture, Pierre Cardin Paris
Located in New York, NY
Rare Pierre Cardin Sculptural Top Handle Patent Leather Logo Bag from the 1960's. Really unusual collectible bag with arched gilt metal handle in the fo...
UNWORN Exotic XL Gucci Camouflage Green Python Skin Tote Shoulder Bag Hobo
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci Python Skin Handbag XL size Made of finest exotic python skin A real eye catcher Closes with zipper Golden colored hardware Fully lined One pocket inside Complete with...
Aigner 1980s Vintage Women's Red Brown Leather Top Handle Bag
By Aigner
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This exceptional 1980s Aigner bag is a rare collector’s piece, crafted from high-quality smooth leather in a rich red-brown (“oxblood”) hue. The exterior leather is sturdy and glossy...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Handbag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Bordeaux leather handbag featuring a long shape, two top handles, a top zip closure, gold-tone hardware, inside zip pocket, logo lining, a leather inside logo patch. 100% le...
C de Cartier As New Blue Grey Tote with Dust Bag
By Cartier
Located in Port Hope, ON
Perfect tote, this C Cartier is a beautiful grey blue in a grained leather. It can be carried by hand or over the shoulder. The inside is designed to be divided into three sections, with the middle section having a zipper. This tote is very roomy and there are several slit pockets on the grey cloth lining of the sections. This C Cartier tote bag...
CARTIER Burgundy Gold Leather Bifold Card Case
By Cartier
Located in San Francisco, CA
CARTIER card case in a burgundy leather featuring a gold tone metal trim, embossed logo detail, and two card slots.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. 4 x 2.75 inches Sui Generis...
Sold
H 14.18 in W 11.82 in D 7.49 in
A 1990s Elegant Bordeaux Leather and Brass Top Handle Bag by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
1990s Cartier Elegant Burgundy Leather and Gold-Tone Brass Top Handle Bag Embrace timeless sophistication with this exquisite 1990s Les Must de Cartier top handle bag, a quintessenti...
Cartier Bordeaux Leather Large Week End Bag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Bordeaux leather Large Week-End Bag featuring top round leather handles, gold-plated hardware, a top zipper closure, set keys, clochette and p...
Cartier Black Leather Evening Handbag
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier Black leather evening handbag featuring floral embellishments, silver tone hardware with top frame closure and silver lambskin leather lining with inner slip pocket. Circa 2...
CARTIER Burgundy Logo Leather Wallet
By Cartier
Located in San Francisco, CA
CARTIER PARIS wallet in a burgundy leather with gold tone metal details featuring kiss lock coin purse, and snap closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor signs of wear. Marked...
Sold
H 9.06 in D 4.73 in L 12.6 in
Black leather top handle bag with silver metal panther ring closure CARTIER
By Cartier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather top handle bag with silver metal panther ring closure attached with chain. Animal printed suede lining and one pocket inside with zip closure. Zip closure top middle . ...
CARTIER Trinity black smooth calfskin top metal handle mini bag
By Cartier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CARTIER Trinity black smooth calfskin top metal handle mini bag Reference: TGAS/D00679 Brand: Cartier Model: Trinity Material: Leather Color: Bla...
Cartier Evening With Panther Closure 10ck1204 Silver Python Skin Leather Cross
By Cartier
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: EU L E Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 7.2" Width: 1.5" Height: 4.5" Shoulder strap drop: 25" OVERALL EXCELLENT CONDITION ( 9/10 or A ) Includ...
Cartier Attache Or Carry-on 239791 Bordeaux Suede × Leather Satchel
By Cartier
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 15" Width: 9" Height: 16" Handle drop: 3" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+) Signs of Wear: Minor rubbing and marks at exterior. Interior...
Cartier Crossbody 860030 Bordeaux Suede Leather Shoulder Bag
By Cartier
Located in Dix hills, NY
Width (inch) : 10.6 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 27 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 6.69 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 17 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 1.96 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 5 cm(appr...