Established in 1847 in Paris, by the Frenchman Louis-Francois Cartier, the Maison rose to global fame in the early 1900s through the dedicated work and creative genius of Louis-Francois’ grandsons: Louis, Pierre and Jacques. The three brothers established Cartier as jewellers to the world’s great, good and glamourous, with customers ranging from Russian Grand Duchesses, American heiresses and Indian Maharajas to the Brazilian Aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont and avant-garde French artist, poet and novelist, Jean Cocteau.
Some of Cartier’s most iconic collections were produced by designers Charles Jacqueau and Pierre Lemarchand, who worked closely with Louis Cartier to transform his rough sketches into wearable masterpieces of timeless chic.
In 1964 the firm was sold to the Swiss Richemont Group. The legacy of the three brothers’ shared vision for the firm’s creations continue to enchant wearers and collectors alike.
Cartier has a long legacy of pioneering jewellery designs that have captured global admiration. The Tank Watch (1917), inspired by the rectangular form of military tanks, redefined wristwatch design with its minimalist structure and has been worn by icons like Princess Diana and Jackie Kennedy. The Trinity collection (1924) expresses deep symbolic meaning through its three interlocking bands of white, yellow, and rose gold, representing love, friendship, and fidelity. The Panthère de Cartier motif, debuting in 1914, embodies Cartier’s fascination with the wild elegance of the panther, using diamonds, onyx, and emeralds to create pieces that are both powerful and sophisticated.
The 1920s also saw the rise of Cartier’s Art Deco aesthetic, with bold geometric lines and contrasting colours that transformed traditional jewellery design. Among the most vivid representations of this era is the Tutti Frutti collection, a lively blend of carved emeralds, rubies, and sapphires inspired by Indian artistry. With its colourful, sculpted gemstones and fluid, asymmetrical patterns, Tutti Frutti captures the daring spirit and exoticism of the Art Deco period.
Designer Aldo Cipullo introduced two of Cartier’s most recognisable modern designs: the Love Bracelet (1969) and Juste un Clou (1970s). The Love Bracelet, with its screw-lock mechanism, is a timeless emblem of commitment, symbolising love that is securely fastened. Juste un Clou, on the other hand, takes the form of a nail, reimagined as a sleek and minimalist bracelet or ring, showcasing Cipullo’s talent for turning the everyday into statements of modern elegance. Together, these pieces have become iconic symbols.
