History

Louis-François Cartier founded his maison in Paris in 1847, taking over the workshop of his master Adolphe Picard. The house rose rapidly through Parisian society, earning the patronage of Princess Mathilde, cousin of Napoleon III. By the early 20th century, Cartier had become jeweller to royalty across Europe — earning the title 'jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers' from Edward VII of England, who placed orders for 27 tiaras for his coronation in 1901.

Royal Legacy

Louis Cartier, grandson of the founder, was the creative force who shaped the modern house. He pioneered the use of platinum in jewellery, enabling extraordinarily delicate settings. He also created one of the first purpose-built wristwatches — the Santos, designed in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed to read the time without releasing the controls of his aircraft. The Tank watch, introduced in 1917, remains one of the most influential watch designs in history.

The Love Bracelet

In 1969, Italian designer Aldo Cipullo conceived the Love Bracelet for Cartier New York: a gold bangle that could only be opened with a small screwdriver, symbolising eternal commitment. It was launched with celebrity endorsements including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and became one of the most recognisable jewellery designs of the 20th century — and Cartier's most commercially successful collection. Today a classic yellow gold Love Bracelet retails from approximately $7,950.

Iconic Collections

Cartier's pantheon of iconic designs spans the Trinity ring (three intertwined bands in yellow, white and rose gold, first created in 1924), the Juste un Clou (a nail bent into a bracelet, introduced in 1971), the Panthère de Cartier (the house's panther motif, dating to the 1910s), and the Clash de Cartier. The house also produces extraordinary High Jewellery: one-of-a-kind pieces set with the world's finest coloured gemstones and diamonds.

Prices

Cartier offers the widest price range of any major jeweller. Entry pieces — Trinity rings, Love charms — begin around $600. The Love Bracelet starts from $7,950 in yellow gold. Significant jewellery pieces range from $15,000 to several million. Cartier is part of the Richemont Group since 1988 and operates over 200 boutiques worldwide.