Cartier is one of the most recognizable names in luxury and their jewelry and timepieces are some of the most coveted in the entire world. Founded in 1847 by jewelry apprentice Louis-François Cartier, the company quickly became known for its high-quality workmanship and taste. Cartier became a supplier to the royal court of Napoleon III and by the end of the 19th century the company introduced branded watches. Louis-François’ grandsons, Louis, Pierre, and Jacques took over around the turn of the century and helped to establish the Cartier name worldwide.
The 20th century saw the rapid expansion and success of the firm. In 1904, they designed their Santos wristwatch for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, a design so popular that it is still in production today. Several years later, Cartier signed a contract with the luxury watch and clock manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre. By this time, Cartier had offices in London, New York, and St. Petersburg and was becoming one of the most successful watch companies in the world. Their jewelry was also enormously successful, characterized by light and airy designs which stood in stark contrast to the more formal and highly decorative accessories of the period. They produced some of the best pieces the world had ever seen, including their famous tutti frutti necklaces and bracelets, made of multi-color gemstones, and a necklace for the Maharaja of Patiala consisting of nearly 3,000 diamonds. For a brief period in the early 20th century they were also owners of the infamous Hope Diamond, which was then sold to New York socialite Evelyn Walsh McLean.
Unlike many companies, Cartier managed to survive the Great Depression and continued to expand globally. Louis and Jacques died in 1942 and Pierre carried on leading the firm until his death in 1964. In 1972, the company was acquired by a consortium led by WW2 French Resistance hero, Robert Hocq, and they set about buying all of the branches of Cartier and forming a single entity, which it remains to this day. Cartier continues to be considered one of the premier jewelers and watchmakers, worn by celebrities, world leaders, and the wealthy elite, and operating 200 stores in 125 different countries.
Upcoming Lots Cartier
109
Jean Dinh Van for Cartier
'Double Faces' gold ring
110
Jean Dinh Van for Cartier
Diamond and gold ring
112
Cartier
Diamond and enamel pendant brooch with earrings
180
Cartier
Bicolor gold and diamond ‘Bubbles’ earrings
181
Cartier
Gold and diamond 'Baignoire' ring
182
Cartier
Gold, enamel, and emerald 'Panthère' brooch
195
Cartier
Retro sapphire and diamond clips
196
Cartier
Retro sapphire, diamond, and gold brooch
202
Cartier
Woven gold bracelet
250
Cartier
'Le Baiser du Dragon' diamond and ruby necklace
263
Cartier
Grey cultured pearl and diamond ring
267
Cartier
Coral and gold figural brooch
268
Cartier
Gold earrings and Modernist gold earrings
326
Cartier
'Tank Louis Cartier' gold wristwatch, Ref. 6001
327
Cartier
'Ronde Louis' gold wristwatch, Ref. 0900 1
328
Cartier
Maxi Oval 'Ellipse' gold wristwatch, Ref. 2605
Auction Results Cartier
Cartier
Late Art Deco diamond bracelet
result: $40,000
Cartier
Ruby and diamond ring
result: $32,500
Cartier
Art Deco seed pearl and diamond wristwatch
result: $17,500
Cartier
Aquamarine, ruby, and diamond ring
result: $15,000
Cartier
'Tank Basculante Millennium' gold wristwatch, Ref. 2391
result: $13,750
Cartier
Art Deco handbag
result: $11,875
Cartier
'Snoopy' gold pendant
result: $10,625
Cartier
'Gentiane' gold necklace
result: $6,250
Cartier
Gold Panthère Tank watch
result: $6,250
Cartier
1 oz. gold bar pendant and long chain necklace
result: $6,250
Cartier
Art Deco box
result: $5,938
Cartier
Pasha Seatimer yellow gold wristwatch
result: $5,938
Cartier
Belle Epoque diamond necklace
result: $5,625
Cartier
'Panthère' gold and diamond wristwatch, Ref. 1280
result: $5,525
Cartier
'Baignoire' gold wristwatch, Ref. 1954
result: $5,313
Cartier
Gold 'Panthère' ring
result: $5,313
Cartier
White gold 'Love' bangle bracelet
result: $5,000
Cartier
Sapphire, ruby, and diamond brooch
result: $5,000
Cartier
Art Deco tourmaline, diamond, and black enamel ring
result: $4,800
Cartier
'Tank Americaine' white gold chronograph wristwatch, Ref. 2312
result: $4,688
Cartier
Rose gold and diamond 'Love' ring
result: $4,375
Cartier
Mid-Century gold and ruby fringe earrings
result: $3,900
Cartier
Clock
result: $3,900
Cartier
Art Deco tri-color gold bracelet
result: $3,900