Cartier Madison Round Rimless Gold Brown Lens France Sunglasses
View Similar Items
Cartier Madison Round Rimless Gold Brown Lens France Sunglasses
About the Item
Cartier
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.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL 8129 1980 Made in France SunglassesBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Baleares, BalearesBeautiful and stylish YSL sunglasses. White aviator frame holding a pair of double gradient lenses with beautiful old Cassandre logo. This pair show mi...Category
1980s French Sunglasses
- New Vintage Laura Biagiotti Oversized Tortoise & Gold Mask T87 1980's SunglassesBy Laura BiagiottiLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew Laura Biagiotti textured sleek mask frame with brown ( UV protection ) lenses. Made in Italy. Produced and design in 1980's. New, never worn or displayed. This item may show ...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- New Vintage Laura Biagiotti Oversized Mask T55 1980's Sunglasses Made in ItalyBy Laura BiagiottiLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew Laura Biagiotti textured sleek mask frame with brown ( UV protection ) lenses. Made in Italy. Produced and design in 1980's. New, never worn or displayed. This item may show ...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- New Vintage Laura Biagiotti Oversized Gold Mask T59 1980's Sunglasses ItalyBy Laura BiagiottiLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew Laura Biagiotti textured sleek mask frame with brown gradient ( UV protection ) lenses. Made in Italy. Produced and design in 1980's. New, never worn or displayed. This item ...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- New Vintage Laura Biagiotti Oversized Mask T32 1980's Sunglasses Made in ItalyBy Laura BiagiottiLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew Laura Biagiotti textured sleek mask frame with brown ( UV protection ) lenses. Made in Italy. Produced and design in 1980's. New, never worn or displayed. This item may show ...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- New Vintage Laura Biagiotti Oversized Sleek Tortoise Mask P7 Sunglasses ItalyBy Laura BiagiottiLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew Laura Biagiotti textured sleek tortoise mask frame with brown gradient ( UV protection ) lenses. Made in Italy. Produced and design in 1980's. New, never worn or displayed. T...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- Sunglasses rectangular by Sting, Italy 1990sBy Sting, De rigoLocated in Santa Clarita, CASting was and is an iconic, world-class singer and performer. In the 80's, his design, along with the police brand which was his as well, captured the imagination of stylistic young ...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Christian Dior 1970's Optyl Deadstock Vintage SunglassesBy Christian DiorLocated in Los Angeles, CAChristian Dior 1970's Optyl Deadstock Vintage Sunglasses Black frame with gold metal decorative details Made in Germany Original tags Neve...Category
1970s German Sunglasses
- Tullio Abbate Aviator SunglassesBy Tullio AbbateLocated in Santa Clarita, CATullio Abbate – A legendary company building the fastest motorboats for decades. This Italian company not only made the most beautiful boats but also had a luxury line of sunglasse...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- Oval vintage sunglasses by Sting, ItalyBy Sting, De rigoLocated in Santa Clarita, CASting was and is an iconic, world-class singer and performer. In the 80's, his design, along with the police brand which was his as well, captured the imagination of stylistic young ...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Top Gun aviator vintage sunglasses, Italy 90sBy De rigo, Top Gun®Located in Santa Clarita, CATop Gun® is rooted in the American ""speed culture"" from fighter jets to vintage motorcycles and anything that goes fast! The name recalls not only movies and...Category
1990s Italian Sunglasses
- Guy Laroche red cat eye sunglassesBy Guy LarocheLocated in Santa Clarita, CAMAKE: Guy Laroche MODEL: 2094 - A36 MADE IN: France ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 56 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 38 mm / 1 1/2 in Brid...Category
1980s French Sunglasses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead 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.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.