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Cartier, A Royal Presentation Cigarette Case

Name: Cartier, A Royal Presentation Cigarette Case
Brand: Cartier

$25,500List Price

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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 Antique Solid 14K Gold Cigarette Case, 149.2 Grams, Early 20th Century

$45,000

Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Cigarette Case, 149.2 Grams, Early 20th Century

By Cartier

Located in Tysons, VA

An exceptional antique Cartier cigarette case crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This distinguished piece reflects Cartier’...

Category

Early 20th Century French Desk Accessories

Materials

14k Gold

Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Cigarette Case, 149.2 Grams, Early 20th Century

$45,000

Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Cigarette Case, 149.2 Grams, Early 20th Century

By Cartier

Located in Tysons, VA

An exceptional antique Cartier cigarette case crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This distinguished piece reflects Cartier’s renowned mastery in producing refined personal luxury accessories during one of the most celebrated periods of the maison’s history. The case has a substantial weight of 149.2 grams, demonstrating its solid gold construction and superior craftsmanship. Its elegant form, precise engineering, and balanced proportions exemplify Cartier’s uncompromising standards and timeless aesthetic. Pieces of this nature were produced for elite clientele and represent both functional luxury and enduring collectible value. Cartier vanity and smoking accessories from this era are increasingly rare, particularly in such substantial gold weight and preserved condition. The case represents an important example of early Cartier production and serves as both a functional object and a significant collector’s piece. This exceptional Cartier cigarette case would make a distinguished addition to any serious Cartier collection, luxury accessory collection, or antique gold object...

Category

Early 20th Century French Desk Accessories

Materials

14k Gold

$61,884

W 4.65 in D 0.52 in L 2.37 in

Cartier Paris c.1920's Art Deco Vanity Case In 18k Gold

By Cartier

Located in London, England

A beautifully crafted Vanity case by Cartier in 18-karat yellow and rose gold from the Art Deco period of the 1920s. A stunning and magnificent vanity case, created during the art ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Boxes and Cases

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Gold Retro Box with Sapphire Clasp

$14,000

H 0.63 in W 2.88 in L 1.63 in

Cartier Gold Retro Box with Sapphire Clasp

By Cartier

Located in Darnestown, MD

Elegant 14 karat gold minaudiere by Cartier from the 1940's. This Retro piece has a double zig zag design on all surfaces. The clasp is a cabochon sapphire. The box measures 2 7/8 i...

Category