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Cartier

French

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.

Average Sold Price
$6,190
Styles
Related Creators
Iconic Designs from Cartier
Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.
Cartier Love Bracelet
Cartier Love Bracelet
Cartier Love Ring
Cartier Love Ring
Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
Cartier Trinity Ring
Cartier Trinity Ring
Cartier 4.50 CTW Diamond 18 Karat Tri-Colored Gold Rolling Trinity Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as three interlocked bands of rose, yellow, and white gold Pavé set throughout with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 4.50 carats total - G color with VS1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cartier

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Vintage Triple Tone 18 Karat Gold Ring Marked Cartier 750 Serial 294628
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Cartier Vintage Triple Tone Gold Ring. Crafted from luxurious 18 karat yellow, white, and black gold, this timeless piece showcase...
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Cartier

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 1970s 18k and Silver Garnet Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier 18k Yellow Gold and .925 Sterling Silver Ring, Set with a Fine Color Rectangle step cut Garnet approximately 1.50 Carat, finger size 7. Comes in a Cartier present...
Category

1970s American Vintage Cartier

Materials

Garnet, 14k Gold, Silver

Cartier Panthere Watch in 18k Yellow Gold with Custom Pave Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Panthere METAL: 18k Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Quartz CASE SIZE: 22mm WRIST: 7.25 inches
Category

2010s French Modern Cartier

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

CARTIER 18kt Yellow Gold Chain
By Cartier
Located in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU
The CARTIER 18kt Yellow Gold Chain is a testament to timeless elegance and understated luxury. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cartier

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

CARTIER 18kt Yellow Gold Chain
CARTIER 18kt Yellow Gold Chain
Free Shipping
L 19.38 in
Cartier Tank Française 18K White Gold 2366 Automatic Date Watch
By Cartier
Located in Toronto, CA
Cartier Tank Française 18K White Gold 2366 Automatic Date Watch Boxed Brand: Cartier Model : Cartier Tank Française Reference Number : 2366 Watch Number: 892593 CD Fea...
Category

Early 2000s European Cartier

Materials

White Gold

SANTOS-DUMONT CARTIER White Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU
The "SANTOS-DUMONT CARTIER White Gold Necklace" is a luxurious and exquisite piece of jewelry created by the renowned French jewelry and wa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cartier Santos Watch, Steel, Ref. 2960
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
Vintage Cartier Santos watch, steel, Ref. 2960 Here's a vintage Cartier Santos steel automatic reference 2960 with a white roman numeral dial f...
Category

Late 20th Century French Cartier

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Steel

Browse all Jewelry from Cartier
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Creators Similar to Cartier

More Cartier Designs
Cartier Love Bracelet
Cartier Love Bracelet
Average Price
$13,868
Number Available
135
Cartier Love Bracelet
By Cartier
Styles
Modernist
If the robust locking mechanism and miniature screw heads that characterized the Cartier Love bracelet when it first appeared conjured crude, medieval hardware, there’s a good reason. When Italian-born American jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo created the company’s signature bangle, he was inspired by chastity belts. Cipullo believed that the bond and commitment embodied in love deserved their own distinctive symbol. When he designed the Love bracelet, in 1969, Cipullo (1935–84) hadn't been work...
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Cartier Love Ring
Cartier Love Ring
Average Price
$6,207
Number Available
111
Cartier Love Ring
By Cartier
Styles
Contemporary
Transgressive may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of Cartier's Love ring, but when the collection was designed in 1969, it was immediately understood as radical and provocative. With respect to traditions at the acclaimed French luxury jewelry house, Cartier had a policy that mandated anonymity of its designers, so the names of its in-house artisans weren’t known outside the firm. The brand’s much-publicized emergence of Italian jeweler Aldo Cipullo (1935–84), who crea...
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Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
Average Price
$18,164
Number Available
49
Cartier Santos Automatic Watch
By Cartier
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Cartier Trinity Ring
Cartier Trinity Ring
Average Price
$7,506
Number Available
48
Cartier Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Styles
Modern, Contemporary
With its three intertwined bands, Cartier’s Trinity ring feels both modern and classic. Originally designed in 1924, the design was a minimalist outlier in an era dominated by the ornamentation of the Art Deco aesthetic. Designed by Louis Cartier (1875–1942), the grandson of the legendary French jewelry house’s founder, he chose three unadorned 18-karat gold bands for the Trinity ring, employing only their varied hues — white, pink and yellow — and the simple Cartier stamp for decoration. The...
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Read More

How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet

This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.

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Discover Why Islamic Art Is an Enduring Influence on Cartier Jewelry

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Cartier jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Cartier jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Cartier jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Cartier diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 1,850, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 4,559 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Mauboussin, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., and Chaumet. Prices for Cartier jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $2,500,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $7,519.
Questions About Cartier
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The price of Cartier bracelets varies based on age, condition, and rarity. The least expensive versions of the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, can still cost around $4,000. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of Cartier bracelets for sale.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Cartier rose gold doesn't tarnish but over many years of wearing, rose gold generally is said to become darker. Rose gold allegedly becomes slightly yellower in tone, toward a traditional gold.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Cartier watches are considered luxury watches. Cartier is a noted jeweler, taking that attention to detail and access to high-quality metals and jewels to their watches—they spare no expense and are highly desirable. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Cartier pieces may be cheaper in Paris than they are in the U.S., but that's because of the exchange rate. Cartier doesn't price the pieces depending on the country.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A Cartier engagement ring can cost between $3,000 and $800,000. The price depends on the diamond's carat weight and quality.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most Cartier watches are quartz, but the iconic Tank watch is automatic. While quartz watches work due to a pre-installed battery, automatic watches use a spring system and are self-winding.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cartier Vermeil means a timepiece made by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier out of a material called vermeil. It is a precious metal produced by combining genuine gold and silver. Shop a variety of Cartier Vermeil watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The meaning of Cartier Vendôme varies. Most often, the term describes a line of watches made by the French luxury jewelry house. However, the company has also produced sunglasses and wedding jewelry with the style name Cartier Vendôme. Shop a variety of Cartier Vendôme watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    One of the reasons Cartier is so expensive is because, since its inception in 1847, the brand has had a massive celebrity fan base that spans royals, movie stars, singers and socialites. The brand also uses the highest quality metals and gems in their pieces, rendering them expensive to produce. Lastly, most Cartier pieces are easy to identify, making brand recognition a key factor in the brand's exclusivity.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023
    There are at least a few things that make Cartier so special. Cartier is one of the most well-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world. The French luxury brand has helped to define style trends. Cartier made one of the first modern wristwatches for men� the Santos de Cartier� and its panth�re motif and Love bracelet are internationally renowned. Every piece produced by Cartier is also carefully crafted out of high-quality materials. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Cartier pieces.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Cartier sells rings for men. The luxury jewelry house produces numerous band rings, including the 1895 wedding band, the C DE, the Love and the D'Amour wedding band. In addition, the brand offers a ring version of its Trinity bracelet. The piece combines yellow, white and rose gold bands to symbolize love, friendship and fidelity. Find a selection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Cartier website does not state whether the Love bracelet screwdriver is 18k gold like the bracelet. However, according to owners, the screwdriver is not gold but gold-plated. New screwdrivers can be purchased if you lose or break one or they may be replaced by Cartier. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Cartier Love jewelry from top sellers around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Cartier uses platinum in the production of their jewelry and other items. In fact, Alfred Cartier and his three sons are credited with mastering this metal and creating a process that made it possible for jewelers to use this metal efficiently. Find vintage and contemporary Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Cartier panther, or panthère, is a symbol of fierce femininity, luxury and sophistication. Cartier continues to produce high-quality jewelry that features its panthère motif, highlighting the brand's creativity. Find a wide range of Cartier pieces, including panthère, on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    There are a range of Cartier watches that are highly iconic to the brand. The Cartier Tank watch is one of the classic options. The Panthère de Cartier and Clé de Cartier watches are also popular pieces. Shop a range of authentic Cartier watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Most Cartier bracelets are 18-karat gold. Some pieces like the acclaimed Love bracelet come in yellow, rose and white gold. In addition, Cartier makes some of their bracelets out of platinum. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of Cartier bracelets.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Originally, the Cartier Crash was a watch designed for men. However, upon its reintroduction in 2012, the watch was also marketed towards women, with a gorgeous bracelet in either an 18k white gold or rose gold case and diamond crown. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Cartier Panthere is one of the brand's most distinctive and iconic shapes, replicating a panther head adorned with gems and jewels. The first panther pattern to appear in the Cartier line was on a watch for women, created in 1914. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry and watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Cartier is not a British company. The luxury jewelry maker was founded in Paris in 1847. However, the brand was a jeweler to the British royals, with King Edward VII ordering 27 tiaras for his coronation. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Cartier exclusively uses diamonds from classes D through H to ensure that the gemstones are colorless and have little or no fluorescence. Their high standards contribute to the quality of the luxury jewelry maker's pieces. Shop a collection of Cartier diamonds from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Rupert Emmerson and Jean-Jacques Cartier designed the Cartier Crash watch. It debuted in 1967. The classic Cartier Oval provided a starting point for the watch, and its crumpled dial reflected the mod fashion trends of the 1960s. Shop a variety of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Cartier only uses high-quality diamonds in their jewelry designs. The brand works only with gemstones that rank as Very Good or Excellent for cut and between IF and VS2 for clarity according to GIA standards. On 1stDibs, find a range of Cartier diamond jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    The most popular Cartier jewelry is open to debate. Because the French luxury jewelry maker has produced many iconic lines and style trends change over time, it can be difficult to state which is the most popular at any given moment. Some highly sought-after Cartier pieces include those from the Love, Trinity and Panthère de Cartier collections, as well as the Juste un Clou bracelet. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Cartier jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
    There are a few things that are special about the Cartier Santos watch. One is its history. When it debuted in 1904, it was one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Louis Cartier designed the timepiece for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying. A unique feature of the Santos is that it comes with both a bracelet and a leather strap, plus a tool that lets you easily swap out the components. Also, many people appreciate the watch’s timeless details, which haven't changed much since its inception. Shop a large selection of Cartier Santos watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023
    Yes, Cartier watches are respected by many collectors due to their innovative designs, reliable mechanisms and fine craftsmanship. One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch—one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Louis Cartier designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, the popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying. Another of Cartier’s famous timepieces is the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Cartier watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Sometimes, Cartier sunglasses are called buffs. This name comes from the fact that Cartier was the first major eyewear designer to use rare buffalo horn as a material for crafting eyeglass and sunglass frames. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Cartier sunglasses.

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