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 Vintage Trinity Double C Cuff Bracelet In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Trinity cuff with diamonds designed by Cartier. Very attractive cuff bracelet from the Trinity collection, created by the French jewelry house of Cartier, back in the early 1980. Th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Clash De Cartier Bracelet In 18Kt Gold Size-19 With Box & Certificate
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A Clash de Cartier bracelet designed by Cartier. This fabulous Clash de Cartier bracelet is an unconventionally elegant icon created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier,...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Paris Flexible Tectonique Bracelet Bangle in 18Kt Gold 3.78 Ctw Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set tectonique bracelet bangle designed by Cartier. A rare contemporary 18 karats white gold diamond set Tectonique bangle bracelet created by the jewelry house of Cartier. This bracelet is comprised of square links, of which 21 are set with a single 0.18ct round brilliant cut diamond. Each link is attached to form a semi rigid design, finished with a cross over section, fitted with a hidden safety clasp and a hinged slash for extra security. Diamonds: Mount within a French grain setting with 21 calibrated round brilliant cut diamonds, 3.78 carats, D/E color, VVS-1 clarity. Weight: 40.25 Grams, (25.80 Dwt). Measurements: Fit a wrist up to 7 Inches (18 Cm) and the width is 12.5 mm (1/2 Inch). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, the eagle's head for the assay and warranty of the 18kt gold, the maker's mark JC, the serial numbers and signed in full, "CARTIER CC...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
CARTIER Paris Panther Trinity Bangles In 18Kt Gold With Pave Diamonds & Onyxes
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Trinity panther bracelet bangles designed by Cartier. An outstanding Trinity bangles bracelet created in Paris, France, by the renowned jewelry house Cartier, circa 2000. This iconic “Trinity de Cartier” slip-on bracelet is composed of three interlocking bangles, each individually crafted in a different color of solid 18-karat gold and finished with a high polish. The rose gold bangle is plain, emphasizing its warm tone; the white gold bangle is lavishly set with four hundred twenty-six calibrated white, colorless diamonds; and the yellow gold bangle is decorated with the maison’s signature panther motif, inlaid with black onyx. The total combined weight of the diamonds is approximately 4.26 carats, adding exceptional brilliance to the composition. A striking and highly recognizable design, this bracelet exemplifies Cartier’s mastery in combining symbolism, innovation, and refined craftsmanship. The piece remains in excellent condition, further enhancing its desirability as a collectible modern jewel. Country: Paris, France. Period: Modernist, 1995-2000. Model: Trinity Panther de Cartier. Materials: 18Kt Yellow Gold, 18Kt White Gold, 18Kt Rose Gold, VVS white Diamonds and black onyx. Diamonds: Mount in a French pave setting, with 426 calibrated round brilliant cut diamonds, with a weight of 4.26 carats, white colorless D/E color, VVS clarity. Weight: 73.90 Grams, (47.40 Dwt). Size: 7.25 Inches, (18.4), French size 18. Measurements: The width all together is 15 mm (0.59 Inches). Hallmarks Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay and warranty of the 18kt gold, the six-digits serial numbers and signed in full as follows, "©CARTIER MD .750 RG 8024". Collateral: This Cartier Trinity Panther...
Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, ...
CARTIER 1990 Paris Trinity Ring In Three Colors Of Solid 18Kt Gold & Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Trinity ring designed by Cartier. This is a beautiful vintage ring for every day created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier, back in 1990. This iconic trinity ring has...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 1977 New York Vintage Bangle Bracelet in Solid 18kt Yellow Gold
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Bangle bracelet designed by David Webb (1925-1975). An sleek and elegant bangle bracelet, created in New York city at the atelier of David Webb, back in the late 1970's. This bracelet has been crafted with four fluted stations, in solid rich yellow gold of 18 karats, with high polished finish. It is fitted with an invisible hinge, a push boxed lock and a hinged security slash for extra safety. Weight: 94.74 Grams (60.74 Dwt.). Size: The inside circumference is 6.65 Inches (17 Cm). Measurements: Thickness of 15 mm (0.59 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped, with the maker's mark, the gold assay hallmark and signed, "WEBB 18KT". David Webb (1925-1975) was an American jeweler. On July 28, 1948, he founded David Webb, the company, which opened at 2 West 46th Street. Among his clients were Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Barbara Streisand and Beyoncé have also worn his jewelry. Born in Asheville, North Carolina in 1925, Webb was a self-taught designer whose work included dragon bracelets, Maltese cross brooches and animal motifs. In 1964, The Duke of Windsor purchased a bracelet for his wife. Diana Vreeland, a noted columnist and editor of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, was often seen with a David Webb black-and-white enamel zebra bangle...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Trinity Interlocking Bangle Bracelets in Tri-Tone 18 Karat Gold
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This vintage Cartier Trinity bracelet is a timeless icon of elegance and French design. Crafted from interlocking bands of 18 karat yellow, white, and rose gold, the bracelet represe...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 18K Tricolor Gold 7-Band Trinity Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in istanbul, TR
Authentic Vintage Cartier 18k Tricolor Gold 7 Band Trinity Bangle Bracelet .Rare "Trinity" bracelet comprised of seven inter-locking bands.This iconic design symbolizes love, fidelit...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Classic Bracelet 18K Three Color Gold Iconic Bangle Cuff
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless symbol of elegance and enduring style, this Cartier Trinity Classic Bracelet is one of the Maison’s most celebrated and recognizable creations. Crafted in luxurious 18 kar...
Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Classic Bracelet 18K Three Color Gold Iconic Bangle Cuff
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless symbol of elegance and enduring style, this Cartier Trinity Classic Bracelet is one of the Maison’s most celebrated and recognizable creations. Crafted in luxurious 18 kar...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Cartier Interlocking 18k Rose & Yellow Gold Stainless Bangle
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Multi-Tone Gold Bangle: A Harmonious Blend of Bold Modernity and Timeless Elegance This iconic Cartier bangle is a masterful creation in 18k yellow and rose gold, complement...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier ‘Trinity de Cartier’ Three Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier ‘Trinity de Cartier’ three bangle bracelet. This classic, vintage piece is composed of three interlocking bangles, one each in yellow g...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier understands the value of preserving the signature codes of great design, and how to tweak it for modern aficionados.
Throughout the season, timepieces are clues to the characters' character.
