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.
Adaptable gold and diamond doorknocker earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of gold and pavé, diamond, day-to-night doorknocker earrings of oblong design, in 18k and platinum. Atw diamonds 2.25 cts. * Free shipping * Includes letter of authenticity f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels interchangeable diamond and gold doorknocker hoop earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Mid-Century gold and diamond interchangeable doorknocker hoop earrings featuring gold, mother-of-pearl, and blue chalcedony inserts, in 18k with clip backs. Van Cleef &...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Antique framed drop pendant earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Victorian gold pendant earrings composed of inverse drop-shaped pendants framed by openwork surrounds and suspending articulated ball fringe pendants, in 15 karat gold, wit...
15k Gold
Retro Cartier multigem earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Retro gold and multi-gem earrings of scrolled and winged design set with emerald, ruby and sapphire, in 18k. Cartier, Paris. Created during the exuberant years of the Retr...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier, Paris gold and diamond wirework leaf earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Mid-Century diamond and gold earclips of stylized leaf design, featuring intertwined diamond and openwork gold leaves, in 18k. Cartier, France, #02733. Signed and with poin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold Girandole Style Earrings with Open Scrollwork and Ball Pendants
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Victorian period gold earrings of girandole design comprised of three ball pendants suspended from a scrolled openwork surmount, in 14k.
14k Gold, Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, these authentic Cartier earrings are crafted in luminous 18K yellow gold, exemplifying the refined craftsmanship for which the maison is renowned. The sleek, el...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Door Knocker Earrings, 1.5 Inch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking statement from one of the world’s most iconic maisons, these vintage Cartier door knocker earrings are crafted in Step into the world of timeless luxury with this extraordinary pair of vintage Cartier 18 karat yellow gold door knocker earrings. Measuring an impressive 1 ½ inches in length and weighing a substantial 15.15 dwt, these earrings carry the unmistakable presence of high Cartier craftsmanship. Each earring is stamped “CARTIER 18K”, a hallmark of authenticity that collectors and connoisseurs instantly recognize and value. The door knocker form is one of Cartier’s most celebrated motifs—bold yet elegant, modern yet enduring. Designed with sculptural precision, the earrings strike a perfect balance between volume and movement, ensuring they make a statement while remaining comfortable to wear. Their vintage provenance adds rarity and prestige, appealing to those who seek jewelry that is both a style statement and an heirloom-quality investment. Cartier’s creations have long been favored by royalty, celebrities, and tastemakers across generations, and these earrings capture the maison’s unique ability to transform classic gold into wearable art. With their rich yellow glow, they complement any skin tone and transition seamlessly from day to evening. Whether paired with a sleek black dress for a gala, worn with tailored separates to elevate a business look, or styled with minimalist resort wear, these earrings exude effortless sophistication. In today’s fashion landscape, gold statement earrings are at the forefront of runway and editorial trends, and Cartier’s vintage designs stand apart as icons of style. With rising gold prices and growing demand for signed vintage jewelry...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Trinity door knocker earrings – 18K tri-color gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A true collector’s treasure, these vintage Cartier earrings embody the bold sophistication and timeless elegance that define the house of Cartier. Crafted in 18K yellow, white, and r...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cartier Trinity Diamond Drop Earrings in 18k Tri-Color Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
These exquisite vintage drop earrings from the iconic Cartier Trinity collection are crafted in a sophisticated blend of 18k yellow, white, and rose gold. The elegant, teardrop-shape...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Vintage 18K Yellow and White Gold Oval Door Knocker Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Bold, architectural, and unmistakably Cartier — these vintage oval door knocker earrings in 18-carat yellow and white gold exemplify the house’s mastery of form and proportion. With their sculptural curves and smooth polished finish, they strike a perfect balance between statement and sophistication. Totaling 6.6 grams, they offer luxurious weight and presence while remaining comfortable for all-day wear. The dual-tone gold design reflects Cartier’s refined aesthetic — effortlessly blending warm yellow gold with cool white gold for a timeless contrast that flatters every skin tone. First seen in the Maison’s 1970s and 1980s collections, this bold yet minimalist silhouette has returned to prominence on runways and in fashion editorials, where vintage Cartier pieces are celebrated for their enduring chic. Perfect for day-to-evening elegance, these earrings elevate a tailored blazer, a silk blouse, or a sleek evening dress. They pair beautifully with Cartier’s Trinity or LOVE jewelry, completing a sophisticated ensemble that transitions seamlessly from city days to gala nights. An ideal gift or collectible investment, these earrings embody the craftsmanship and timeless style that have made Cartier a cornerstone of fine jewelry for over a century. Details: Designer: Cartier Style: Oval Door Knocker Earrings Material: 18K yellow and white gold Total Weight: 6.6 grams Design Era: Vintage Estate Condition: Excellent, with Cartier hallmarks Why We Love It: Cartier’s vintage gold earrings...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier France Georges L'Enfant Diamond & 18K Yellow Gold Door-Knocker Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Tampa, FL
Convertible Cartier earrings with pavé diamond huggie style tops and removable gold door-knocker drops. These Cartier day–night earrings feature a versatile two-part design: pavé-se...
Diamond, 18k 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.
