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.
$1,020
H 0.07 in W 0.32 in L 0.48 in
18K 750 Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace with Chain
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 2.8 Grams Total Necklace Length: 16 inch Sizable: Yes Dimensions: Length: 12.0 mm X...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Half Carat Antique Style Diamond Cross Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Diamond Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .50cttw Diamond Color: H/I Diamond Clarity: SI1-SI3 Diamond Cut: Round Number of Stones: 5 Pendant Material: 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold .20 CTW Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Stuart, FL
18k yellow gold .20 CTW diamond cross pendant necklace. The diamonds in the pendant are all round, pendant measures to be 8.7mm x 6.5mm, has a lobster clasp to open and close, pendan...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Brillant Cut Yellow Gold 18 Carats Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Vannes, FR
This magnificent cross pendant necklace is an exquisite piece of timeless jewelry, designed to captivate with its elegance and refined simplicity. Made of 18k yellow gold, the pendan...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Pendant Suspended from 18ct Chain
Located in London, GB
A timeless vintage diamond cross pendant, beautifully crafted in 18ct yellow gold and suspended from a matching 18ct yellow gold chain. This exquisite piece is set with 10 sparklin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$577Sale Price|25% Off
W 0.3 in L 17.5 in
14K Yellow Gold Cross Pendant with Diamond, 20th Century Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This 14K yellow gold cross pendant captures the perfect balance of elegance, meaning, and understated luxury. Expertly crafted in rich, warm gold, the pendant measures approximately 1.5 inches in length, including the jump ring, and features a brilliant round-cut diamond weighing 0.04 carats at the center—adding a subtle sparkle that catches the light with every movement. The pendant is accompanied by a matching 16-inch 14K yellow gold chain, creating a complete, ready-to-wear piece of fine jewelry that feels both modern and eternal. The simplicity of the design allows the craftsmanship and quality of the materials to shine through. The diamond center symbolizes light, purity, and hope, making this pendant not just a beautiful accessory but also a deeply personal emblem of faith and strength. Whether worn close to the heart every day or reserved for special occasions, it’s a piece that transcends trends and generations. Perfect for both women and men, the cross pendant suits a variety of styles—worn alone for a minimalist statement or layered with other necklaces for a more contemporary fashion-forward look. It makes an ideal gift for baptisms, confirmations, weddings, anniversaries, or spiritual milestones, and is also a cherished keepsake to mark life’s meaningful moments. In today’s fashion world, cross jewelry...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace with Round Diamonds 2.02 Carats
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold cross pendant necklace with 12 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 2.02 carats total. Cross pendent is approximately 1.25 inches long X 0.75 inches wide. The neck...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Cross Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Diamond Cross Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold Necklace A timeless expression of faith and elegance, this finely crafted cross necklace is fashioned in solid 18 karat yellow gold and set ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10ct Yellow Gold Diamond Set Cross Pendant with 0.70ct Round Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This delicate 10ct yellow gold diamond cross set with 0.70ct round brilliant cut diamond, suspended on 10ct yellow gold chain, 18-inch. This pendant is a perfect gift for your loved ...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Necklace
Located in София, BG
Graceful, radiant, and timeless—this 14 karat yellow gold diamond cross necklace by Antonio Gems captures the essence of classic elegance in a delicate, modern form. The warm glow of...
Diamond, 14k 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.
