Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, and over the years, it became a favorite among European royalty and high society. The brand's success was due in large part to its innovative designs, which combined traditional jewelry-making techniques with modern materials and design elements.

Cartier jewelry is sought after for several reasons, including its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and use of high-quality materials. The brand has a long and illustrious history that has contributed to its reputation as a leader in the world of luxury jewelry and watches.

Cartier's designs have also been heavily influenced by art, culture, and history. The brand's signature "panther" motif was inspired by the Art Deco movement, and the Trinity ring was inspired by the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity. Cartier has also created pieces inspired by Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese art and culture.

The iconic and very sought after Tutti Frutti Collection by Cartier features jewelry pieces set with colorful, exotic carved gemstones, and was inspired by Indian jewelry design.

Cartier has a long list of famous clients, including members of European royalty, Hollywood celebrities, and business tycoons. The brand has created jewelry and watches for Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Queen Elizabeth II, among others.

Cartier was known for its Art Deco jewelry designs during the 1920s and 1930s, and it produced many iconic pieces during this period. One of the most famous Art Deco works of Cartier is the Tutti Frutti Bracelet.

The Tutti Frutti Bracelet is a masterpiece of Art Deco design, featuring a colorful array of carved emeralds, rubies, and sapphires set in platinum with diamonds. The bracelet was created in the 1920s and was inspired by Indian jewelry that Louis Cartier had seen on his travels to India.

The colorful gemstones are arranged in a bold, abstract pattern that reflects the Art Deco style of the time. The bracelet was owned by many famous women, including Queen Alexandra of England, Daisy Fellowes, and Elsie de Wolfe.

Another famous Art Deco work of Cartier is the Cartier Mystery Clock. These clocks featured a transparent dial with hands that appeared to float in the air, as if by magic. The clock's movement was hidden behind the dial, adding to the mystery.

The first Cartier Mystery Clock was created in 1912 and was an instant sensation. Cartier went on to create many variations of the Mystery Clock, featuring different materials such as jade, onyx, and rock crystal.

Both the Tutti Frutti Bracelet and the Cartier Mystery Clock are examples of the innovative and groundbreaking Art Deco designs that Cartier produced during this period, which have become iconic works of the Art Deco movement and continue to be admired and coveted by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts today.

Today, Cartier remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after luxury jewelry and watchmaking houses in the world, with a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and timeless elegance. The brand's commitment to excellence, creativity, and innovation ensures that their pieces remain highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry.

History of Cartier-

Cartier, a French luxury company was founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, who took over the jewelry workshop of his master, Adolphe Picard, on 29 Rue Montorgueil in Paris.

In the early days, Cartier specialized in designing and crafting high-quality jewelry for aristocrats and nobility. The company's reputation grew rapidly, and by the 1850s, it had become the go-to jeweler for some of the wealthiest families in France.

In 1874, Louis-Francois's son, Alfred Cartier, took over the business and expanded it further, opening a new store in the fashionable Rue de la Paix in Paris. The store was an instant success and attracted a new clientele of wealthy and influential people. Alfred was also responsible for introducing the Art Nouveau style to Cartier's designs, which proved to be a huge hit and set the company apart from its competitors.

In 1904, Alfred's sons, Louis, Pierre, and Jacques, took over the business and turned it into a global brand. They opened stores in London, New York, and St. Petersburg, and began designing jewelry and accessories for celebrities and royalty, including King Edward VII of England and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.

During this period, Cartier created some of its most iconic designs, such as the "Santos" watch, which was designed for the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, and the "Tank" watch, which was inspired by the shape of a military tank. Cartier also continued to innovate, introducing new materials such as platinum, which became a hallmark of the brand's jewelry.

In the years that followed, Cartier continued to expand, opening stores in Asia, the Middle East, and South America.

The Cartier brand has come a long way since its inception in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier in Paris. Louis-Francois Cartier recognized the growing middle class's need for jewelry and created a jewelry business that catered to their needs and whims. He kept a close eye on fashion trends, selling Egyptian-style jewels, hair ornaments, and bandeaus. Cartier's clients included Princess Mathilde, Empress Eugenie, and many other wealthy Parisians.

Alfred Cartier took over the business from his father in 1874 and organized the firm's first international exhibition in London. He showcased pieces in the popular archaeological revival style, an array of flora and fauna-inspired designs, large diamond set pieces, and more. Louis Cartier joined the business in 1898, and they renamed it Alfred Cartier et Fils. They moved to number 13 Rue de la Paix, where they remain today. In 1902, they opened a branch in London, and after Jacques moved to London to run it, he decided to move it to its current location on New Bond Street in 1909. The three Cartier brothers had taken the approach of "divide and conquer," and by 1910 they had several Royal Warrants.

Cartier was innovative in watch and clock design, creating one of the earliest wristwatches in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont after he complained of the difficulty in using his pocket watch while flying. They also made some of the most beautiful and elaborate Mystery Clocks from about 1913 onwards, which remain collector's items to this day.

The combination of color, form, and design found in India, China, Egypt, and Japan inspired Charles Jacqueau to create a wide range of jewelry, tempered by Western aesthetics and craftsmanship. From 1911 until 1935, Jacqueau headed a team of eleven designers in Paris, creating an exceptional array of jewelry in what would come to be known as the Art Deco style. For many, these jewels are what set Cartier apart in terms of creativity, design, and workmanship.

In 1917, the New York branch of Cartier relocated to its present address, 653 Fifth Avenue. Notably, this building was traded with Mr. and Mrs. Morton Plant for a mere $100 and a double row pearl necklace valued at $1 million. Meanwhile, during this period, the Indian Maharajas were commissioning exceptional jewelry, including the famous Maharaja of Patiala necklace. Jacques, on his travels, acquired many Indian carved gemstones, which were profusely used in Cartier jewelry during the 1920s and 30s, in the style now known as Tutti Frutti. Jean Toussaint, who joined Cartier in 1919 as a handbag and accessories designer, became the Creative Director for jewelry in 1933. Among her many accomplishments, she is best known for transforming the panther from an interesting decorative motif into the iconic image that is now synonymous with Cartier. The most renowned panther jewel is perhaps the brooch she designed for the Duchess of Windsor in 1949, featuring the large cat seated proudly atop a huge Kashmir sapphire cabochon weighing over one hundred fifty carats.

Following the deaths of both Louis and Jacques within a year of each other at the beginning of the 1940s, Pierre took sole control of the firm. In 1945, Jacques' son Jean-Jacques took over the management of the London branch, and Pierre returned to Paris, leaving Louis's son Claude in charge of New York. After Pierre retired, his daughter Marion took over the Paris branch until 1962 when Claude sold Cartier New York. This was followed by the sale of Paris in 1966 and London in 1974. Five years later, the company was "reunited" through a merger between the respective owners, creating "Cartier World." Since then, the company has expanded exponentially, with branches all over the world. They have produced iconic designs such as the Love bangle and Trilogy ring, bought and sold historic gemstones, and continued their tradition of innovative jewelry and watches.