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 Le Baiser Du Dragon Garnet 18k Yellow Gold Ring 53
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Cartier cocktail ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a cabochon garnet set in a geometric crown. The 14.7mm x 14.9mm buff-top cushion-shaped garnet has dark...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Red Garnet and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This bold contemporary ring boasts a stunning combination of 18k yellow gold, rich red garnet, and rows of rectangular baguette-cut diamonds! The heavy, strong design makes this ring...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 4.43 Carat Garnet and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 4.43 carat garnet and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage rings. This fine and impressive vintage garnet ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The oval shaped ring setting displays a millegrain decorated collet set 4.43ct cabochon cut garnet. This impressive feature stone is encompassed with a scrolling yellow gold designs, replicating the details of an antique 1830s ring. The bifurcating ring shoulders conjoin at a collar design and meld to a plain ring shank. This vintage gold garnet ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18k gold. This impressive ring is supplied with an IDGL gemstone grading report card. Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This vintage ring is excellent quality, set with an impressive garnet displaying fine color, brilliance and presence. The ring is an excellent gauge of gold and is in excellent condition. The original hallmarks to the interior of the shank have worn in keeping with age and are illegible. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of vintage garnet jewelry...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian Artisanal Garnet Stone Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful ring in yellow gold 18kt Large garnet oval stone Diamonds (0.10 ct approx) Floral decoration Italian craftsmanship Size 55 / 15 Total weight approx 20 grams Note: last pi...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
$5,125 / item
22 Karat Gold Garnet Ring
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22 Karat Yellow Gold Rectangle Garnet Ring by ROMAE Jewelry - Inspired by Ancient Roman Designs. Simultaneously stately and fun, our "Humanitas" ring is sure to be noticed! Here, a t...
Garnet, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Almandine Garnet Cocktail Ring Size 6 #14774
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Gorgeous 14K gold cocktail ring with 9 beautiful almandine garnets! 9.80 cts. in garnets. stones are eye clean with medium light brownish red color and good cut Ring size: 6 Shan...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oursin Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Garnet by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Oursin Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Garnet by MARIANNE CANARELLI. Dimensions: Available upon request. Ring Size: Made to order in customer’s specified ring size. For more information...
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 3.05 Carat Garnet and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.05 carat garnet and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse range of gemstone jewellery. This stunning, fine and impressive antique garnet ring...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
$3,500Sale Price|46% Off
Contemporary 14K Yellow Gold Ring W/ Garnet & Baguette Diamonds
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a beautiful contemporary ring, made in 14k yellow gold, featuring a red garnet with white baguette diamonds. The ring features three total bands, all showcasing 33 - G/H colo...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,281Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Italian Artisanal Garnet Stone Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful ring in yellow gold 18kt Large garnet oval stone Diamonds (0.10 ct approx) Floral decoration Italian craftsmanship Size 55 / 15 Total weight approx 20 grams Note: last pi...
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris Vintage 'Santos de Cartier' 18ct Yellow Gold Long Chain Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage long gold chain by Cartier Paris, circa 1970. The Santos-Dumont chain is made up of uniform elongated rectangular links in 18ct yello...
18k Gold
Andrew Grima Vintage Textured 18ct Yellow Gold Chain 1975
By Andrew Grima
Located in London, GB
Vintage 18ct yellow gold long sautoir necklace by Andrew Grima, 1975. This necklace can be connected as one single length or can be seperated into four separate chains of varying len...
18k 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.
