Cartier is a French luxury goods company that was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier. Over the years, the company became known for its beautiful jewelry, watches, and accessories and gained a reputation as one of the most luxurious brands in the world. Its most iconic designs include the famous Cartier LOVE bracelets and the Panthère collection.In the early 20th century, the brand became the main supplier of jewelry for the rulers of England, Spain, Portugal, Russia, and many other royal families, and Louis’ descendant, Pierre Cartier, earned the nickname The Jeweler of Kings and the King of Jewelers, given to him by the king himself, Edward VII. Here is the history of the Cartier brand for you.
The Beginnings of the Empire
The young Louis Cartier studied under well-known Parisian craftsmen, including Adolphe Picard, in whose workshop he diligently studied the craft of watchmaking. In 1847, he took over Picard’s atelier in Paris, starting his own business.On the sign he hung above the entrance to the atelier, the inscription was engraved in gilded letters: “Louis-Francois Cartier, successor to Monsieur Picard, maker of jewelry, fancy ornaments, fashion accessories, and novelties” – undoubtedly, Cartier from the very beginning of his career emphasized innovation and good advertising.Over time, the Master gained a reputation as a jeweler who could satisfy the most refined and extravagant jewelry ideas, and his admirer became none other than the cousin of Emperor Napoleon III, who took Louis under her patronage and spread the Master’s name among the French aristocracy as well as wealthy and influential French people, and eventually among the common folk.
International brand development
Thirty years later, in 1874, Louis’s son, Alfred, took over his father’s business, and he is credited with bringing the brand onto the international stage. Alfred moved the atelier to 13 Rue de la Paix, which quickly – alongside the famous Place Vendôme – became the center of Parisian luxury goods.The atelier remains at this address to this day, and the boutique located there is one of Cartier’s most important boutiques. At the beginning of the 20th century, Alfred decided to open additional Cartier salons, strategically choosing the most promising and fashionable locations – in London and New York. Both foreign and French ateliers were handed over to Alfred’s sons, and he himself retired to a well-deserved retirement. As we mentioned above, Cartier manufactured and supplied elaborate jewelry for many aristocratic families, including the crowned heads of many European countries.Artisans in the boutiques made and decorated royal insignia, crowns and tiaras, as well as royal clocks and swords. Pierre, one of Alfred’s sons, had an amazing talent for highlighting the brilliance of diamonds in his designs, using the power and sparkle of these royal stones combined with thin platinum threads. The technique he developed is still used in jewelry making today.
Cartier Today
Currently, the brand’s boutiques can be found in over 120 countries, and the company’s market value is estimated at 5.3 billion dollars. To adapt to rapidly changing trends and equally exclusive competition in the market, the brand smoothly transitioned to online distribution of its luxury products, and Cartier’s profile and activities can be followed on social media.A rich and fascinating history of the Maison focused on development and expansion, jewelry of excellent material quality and craftsmanship, a long list of exclusive clients – all this makes the Cartier brand an inspiration for aspiring jewelers and family craft businesses for almost 170 years, and Cartier’s influence on the history of jewelry makes it a global icon.
The famous Panthère
In 1914, the first women’s wristwatch in the shape of a panther, made of onyx and diamonds, appeared. In 1935, the first three-dimensional panther appeared, in the form of a magnificent ring made of yellow gold, black enamel, and ruby. A breathtaking brooch with a Double C-class diamond, sapphire, and emerald woven into a panther appeared in 1980, and in 2009 the world saw the iconic panther in the form of an exquisite platinum bracelet with diamonds, emeralds, and onyx.
Symbolic LOVE bracelet
The Cartier LOVE bracelet is one of the most coveted jewelry designs in the world. Designed by Aldo Cipullo in 1969, it is a luxurious symbol of eternal love. It can be closed and unlocked only with a specially designed miniature Cartier screwdriver, and its timeless oval shape and fit adhere perfectly to the wrist. The iconic bracelet remains a huge success in the brand’s portfolio and is a unique emblem of Cartier’s love story.
Exceptional custom jewelry
Exquisite diamonds, sapphires, and other gemstones set in the purest precious metals are a timeless investment in quality and beauty. At 79 Diamonds workshop, we specialize primarily in custom jewelry, creating designs you won’t find anywhere else. The best part of our work is that we create exactly what our Client desires – they leave the role of consumer and become a Creator, part of the project and the team. We invite you to share with us your dream idea for jewelry that will bring joy to you or the person receiving it for years to come.