The Cartier brand has come a long way since it was first established by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847. The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, distributing and selling of elegant jewelry and watches. Cartier is well known for its iconic watches and magnificent jewelry and has a long history of sales to celebrities and royalty.

Cartier set up his first shop in the area surrounding the Palais-Royal with an intention to attract the French imperial family as his clients. After a selling to a growing list of an aristocratic clientele, which composed of international princes, his ambition was realized. In1859, he received his first order from Empress Eugenie. Cartier later upgraded his business premises in Paris and continued designing luxury items to the imperial family and the international elite.

Family ownership

The Cartier Jewellery business was run as a family trade, with Alfred Cartier, Louis-Francois’ son also working in the company. In 1874, Alfred took over the company and together with Louise, Jacques and Pierre established the brand name worldwide. Louise highly contributed to some of the greatest designs such as the mystery clocks, exotic oriental décor, and fashionable wristwatches.

Cartier signed a contract with Edmond Jaeger in 1907, to inclusively supply the movements for Cartier watches. Cartier had also opened branches in New York, London and St. Petersburg at this time and had become one of the most successful Jeweler and watch companies in the world. Cartier and Edward Jaeger formed a joint company in the early 1920s to produce movements specifically for Cartier. At this point, Cartier introduced the use of references numbers to the watches it sold, which were usually stamped on the underside of the lug. Cartier, Claude Cartier, and Marionne Claudelle later sold the London Cartier business in1964 after the death of Pierre.

Post-family ownership

Cartier Paris was later in 1972 sold to a group of investors led by Joseph Kanoui. President Robert Hocq together with Alain Dominique Perrin as the General Director began introducing a new line of jewelry products. The group repurchased Cartier New York and Cartier London by the end of 1976 and in 1979; the two were later combined with Cartier Paris under one management.

The complete merger of the three Cartier branches happened in 1981 with Perrin appointed as the chairman. Perrin led the formation of Cartier Foundation of Contemporary Art which was aimed at bringing the Cartier business into the twenty-first century. The exhibition showcased the art taste and style of the brand including objects, jewelry, watches, clothes, accessory, photography, and fashion magazines.

There was a major exhibition named "Splendors of the Jeweler" in 1996 hosted in Switzerland to present 150 years of products by Cartier. The business was later acquired by Richemont, a company owned by a South African family.

Cartier Jewelry today.

For over 150 years, Cartier has captivated the world with its unique and novel designs, proving to be indeed the King of Jewelers and Jeweler to Kings as labeled by King Edward VII. Cartier is famous for its range of rings, bracelets and iconic items that symbolize everlasting love. The classic and timeless iconic jewels quickly grew as a result of their permanence and powerful symbolism.

Their most famous creations today that has become a sign of sophistication and elegance include the infinity bracelet, Love bracelet, infinity ring, trinity ring and friendship bracelet. Legendary names and famous celebrities have worn the timeless and elegant Cartier creations across the world. The brand has continued to experiment with various designs patterns and styles to create dramatic charm and enchanting diversity.