Founded in 1847, Cartier is a globally recognised luxury jewellery brand. This brand makes outstanding and iconic pieces that retain their value.

However, the jewellery and watches not only retain their value but also some Cartier items appreciate.

So, how Cartier earned an association with class and splendour?

To understand it, let's delve into the history and the founders of this classic and innovative jewellery and watch-maker. We will also be exploring some of the Cartier's signature collections.

Have a look!

The Beginning

The expert jeweller Louis Francois Cartier established the company in 1847. Gradually, it gained a reputation for producing extravagance.

However, the son of Louis Cartier, Alfred acquired the company in 1947. Later, he expanded it into futuristic forms of watch manufacturing.

But the brand that we know today is built by his three sons - Jacques, Pierre, and Louis. The fact is that:

While they wished to make Cartier a global name, the three gentlemen opened locations quickly in New York, St. Petersburg, and also London.

Louis Cartier controlled the brand's Paris house.
The company shifted to the Rue de la Paix in Paris under his leadership where one of their archival Maisons yet stands.
More significantly, it was Louis who designed the iconic Santos watch, balancing function and form.

On the other hand, Pierre opened the Maisons in London and New York.

He attained good customer base from industrialists, Broadway stars, and financiers that later extended to Hollywood.
However, while Pierre settled in New York, Jacques took over the control of the London location.

Thus, the three brothers extended together from manufacturing timepieces to fine jewellery. The jewellery items include bracelets, rings, necklaces, and gemstones.

Moreover, Cartier is referred to as "the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers". The brand secured this royal warrant after it designed 27 tiaras for King Edward's coronation.

Paving the way for Cartier's iconic watches

Cartier made many innovative watch designs that included pocket watches and clocks embellished with pearl, onyx and other gems.

cartier watch history

Interestingly, a new trend of wearing short sleeves apparel among women appeared in the 20th century.

While women showed off their bare wrists across Paris, Louis Cartier could foresee the future of the wristwatch.

Cartier created the legendary Santos watch in 1904 for helping the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.
The Brazilian aviator wanted to track time while flying to help in calculating the speed and breaking records.
Ever since the Santos model was made, Cartier released it in several unique styles for both genders.

Another classic collection introduced in 1912 is the Cartier Tortue. The watch is named "Tortue" because of its tortoise-inspired shape.

However, with its unique and unconventional design at the time, the model achieved immense popularity across gender and age.

After World War I, wristwatches became fashionable as well as practical. While the lines of a military tank inspired Louis Cartier, the brand offered the Cartier Tank with strap.

Two Classic Cartier Jewellery Collections

Cartier Love Collection

It was in the 1970s that the Love bracelet made its way to the market. Since then, the Cartier Love bracelet has become the most successful and iconic Cartier collections.

cartier jewellers history

The bracelet is screwed together using a tiny screwdriver that symbolises everlasting love.

However, the Love collection today also include rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Cartier Trinity Collection

In 1924, Louis Cartier built the Trinity collection that flaunted white, pink, and yellow gold interlacing bands.

The bands represented the different stages of any relationship.
For example, the yellow gold symbolises fidelity; whereas rose gold represents love and white gold symbolises friendship.
However, every band is interknitted yet movable.

Indeed, the classic yet contemporary design of the Trinity collection gained sustained popularity and success since its debut.

How to sell Cartier Jewellery and Watches?

If you are willing to sell your Cartier watch or a Cartier Love bracelet, follow these simple steps below to get the best possible deal from the trusted buyers at The Luxury Hut.

Fill in this online form
Receive an initial price quote
Call on 0207 242 9160 to book an appointment or send your asset for a final price
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Cartier: The Origin of A Renowned Jewellery Brand

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