Cartier is renowned throughout the world for fantastic jewelry and wristwatch designs. If you do not own a Cartier piece, you have surely wanted one at some point in your life. Still, what do you know about Cartier? Most of us don’t know much, it is only the present image of the brand that we know. However, Cartier deserves a bit more of us. The company was founded in 1847, exactly 170 years ago. To honor this jubilee, we have a little trip down the memory lane of Cartier in this text.
Founding
The company was started by and named after Louis Francois Cartier in Paris in 1847. He inherited the company from his teacher and master jeweler, Adolphe Picard. Louis Francois changed the name of the company and thus founded the now famous Cartier brand. His son Alfred took over the company in 1874. However, it was his three sons that really expanded the name and the influence of the brand worldwide. They opened and managed offices in various parts of the world, including London, New York and St. Petersburg.
Innovation
Cartier is perhaps best known to men as the starters of the wristwatch trend. In the early 20th century, a friend of Louis Cartier (one of the sons of Alfred) complained how ineffective pocket watches were for aviators. Louis designed a wristwatch for his friend, and named the series after him, Cartier Santos. They continued creating new watch series, some of which are still active today, including Baignoire and Tank series. They started producing women’s watches shortly after the men’s, with many of the same designs and series being adapted for female customers.
Change of ownership
The company remained in family hands for over a century. It was only in 1964, after the death of the third generation of Cartiers who owned this business that their children decided to sell it. The company is presently fully owned by a group of investors under the name of Richemont. It is a conglomerate of luxury goods based in Switzerland.
Jewelry
Even though they are famous for their watches, Cartier started and has maintained a prominent position in the high-end jewelry market. This aspect of the company’s market is heavily geared towards women. A Cartier, for a woman, is synonymous with brilliant design and a variety of different collections for any occasion. With as many as 25 active jewelry collections, it is really hard to find a person whose taste isn’t catered to by Cartier.
Cartier royal legacy
However, Cartier’s legacy and reputation don’t come only from the collections of jewelry. They are also known for being “the jeweler of kings and a king of jewelers,” to quote King Edward VII of England. A stunning number of royalty and nobility of Europe have been or still are patrons of Cartier, including royals of Spain, Belgium, Egypt, Portugal and many more; most recently the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton . This impressive roster of customers came after the aforementioned King Edward VII ordered 27 tiaras for his coronation in 1902. He was so pleased with the work of Cartier that he issued a royal warrant to Cartier in 1904.
If you are on a lookout for a piece of vintage Cartier jewelry or pre-owned Cartier watch, visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Ring Store. Our showroom and jewelry store on San Diego Avenue is the largest source of new and vintage high-end jewelry in San Diego. Our experienced and polite staff will ensure that you find a Cartier piece to suit your style.
