Cartier Jewelry

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.

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.

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Questions About Cartier Jewelry

Is Cartier real gold?
1 Answer
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.
What is the Cartier symbol?
1 Answer
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.
Why Cartier is so expensive?
1 Answer
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.
What is Cartier Vermeil?
1 Answer
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.
What is Cartier Vendôme?
1 Answer
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.
What is Cartier famous for?
1 Answer
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.
What is the Cartier logo?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
The Cartier logo is a pair of interlocking Cs. However, many people associate the panther with the French luxury jewelry maker more than its actual logo. Louis Cartier incorporated the feline figure into its design lexicon. In 1914, Cartier hired illustrator George Barbier to design advertisements for the jewelry house. Barbier drafted a drawing that featured a glamorous woman with an elegant panther at her feet, and Cartier loved it. He had an additional connection to the panther in the form of his alleged romantic interest, fellow Cartier designer Jeanne Toussaint, who adored the animal so much that she decorated her apartment with furs and donned a coat of panther fur. Cartier gave her the long-lasting nickname Panthère. Since then, Cartier has offered watches, bracelets, necklaces, brooches and earrings inspired by the panther. Find a diverse assortment of Cartier jewelry on 1stDibs.
What is so special about Cartier?
1 Answer
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.
Why is Cartier so popular?
1 Answer
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.
How much is a Cartier bracelet?
1 Answer
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.
Is Panthere designed by Cartier?
1 Answer
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.
Is Cartier a British company?
1 Answer
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.
What diamonds does Cartier use?
1 Answer
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.
Does Cartier use platinum?
1 Answer
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.
Is the Cartier screwdriver gold?
1 Answer
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.
Does Cartier have rings for men?
1 Answer
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.
Is Cartier Crash for men?
1 Answer
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.
What is the classic Cartier watch?
1 Answer
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.
What gold is a Cartier bracelet?
1 Answer
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.
What quality are Cartier diamonds?
1 Answer
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.
Who designed the Cartier Crash?
1 Answer
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.

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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More Cartier Jewelry & Watches

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Cartier Jewelry

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Tank Francaise LM Watch Automatic 18K Yellow Gold Steel W51005Q4

1990s Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Ref 1320 Ladies Panthere de Cartier 22mm Stainless Steel

1980s Swiss Retro Vintage Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Must De Tank Sunburst Dial Vermeil Manual Wind

1980s Swiss Retro Vintage Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Must de Cartier Vermeil Tank Manual Wind

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Trinity Diamond Medium Model Bracelet

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Fire Opal Bezel Set Necklace

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Juste Un Clou Size 17 Medium Model Bracelet

21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Platinum Solitaire Diamond Ring 0.40ct

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Panthere Tie Pin Brooch

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Twist Diamond Choker Necklace

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Panthere de Cartier Tsavorite Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Open Cuff Bracelet 18

20th Century French Cartier Jewelry

Vintage Cartier Large Vivid Green Peridot 18k Yellow Gold Tank Band Solo Ring 53

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Hematite Double Panthere Cuff Bracelet

1990s French Modernist Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Paris Agrafe Buckle Bracelet In 18Kt White Gold With 1.75 Ctw Diamonds

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Platinum 8.00cttw Round And Baguette Cut Diamond Earrings

21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Love Ring with 3 Diamonds 0.25ct

Late 20th Century Swiss Contemporary Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Santos Ronde Stainless Steel White Dial Mens Watch

1990s French Cartier Jewelry

Rare Vintage Cartier Red Ruby Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Band Ring 53

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Cut Jade Earrings

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Cartier Jewelry

Authentic Must de Cartier Ballpoint Pen with Cartier Charm - A100783

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Rose Gold Captive WG600003 Ladies Diamond Watch

1980s French Modern Vintage Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Eagle Horus Collar Necklace

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Diadea Lariat Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K White Gold Panthere De Cartier 1925 Ref. 2476 28mm Ladies Watch

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K White Gold Captive 35mm Round Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Love Bracelet Size 20 in 18K Rose Gold

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Link 16 Inch Chain Necklace

20th Century Italian Modern Cartier Jewelry

Bvlgari Tubogas 18K Yellow Gold Tubogas 26mm Black Round Dial Watch

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Delices De Goa 18K Yellow Gold Diamond, Coral And Amethyst Earrings

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Walking Panthere Earrings

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Tremblant 18K White Gold Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Clip-On Earrings

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond C De Cartier Ring EU 55

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Tassel Spotted Panthere Diamond Onyx Pendant

2010s French Contemporary Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Panthere De Cartier Necklace 18k White Gold Diamond Emerald & Onyx

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Tank Francaise 20mm Steel Silver Dial Ladies Quartz Watch W51031Q3

1990s French Cartier Jewelry

Vintage Cartier Deep Red Ruby Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cut Solitaire Ring 5

20th Century French Contemporary Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Vintage Vendome Silver Body Pen Vertical Stripes N.386998

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier Juste Un Clou 18K Rose Gold Large Model Size 18 With Paperwork Bracelet

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry

Cartier 18KY Gold Interchangeable Malachite, Tiger Eye, Lapis, Onyx Cufflinks

20th Century French Modern Cartier Jewelry