A Brief History of the Iconic Cartier Jewelry Brand
Jean-Louis Cartier opened his first workshop in Paris in 1847, and the legendary jewellery brand was born. Since its creation, Cartier has become synonymous with luxurious high-end jewellery, accessories, and watches that have been worn by multiple generations of royalty, movie stars, and socialites alike. If you’re familiar with the brand name but aren’t sure of its history, here are some facts about the Cartier name to get you up to speed on this iconic label.
Founded in 1847
Cartier was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier and his brother Joseph. Originally a jewellery company, they were soon producing bracelets, chains, and other jewellery as well. The name came from the fact that Louis-François’ surname had an extra t at the end. In 1904, Louis-François’s son Pierre joined the business and took over after his father died in 1904. In 1904, Gabrielle Coco Chanel came to work for Cartier and was instrumental in the company’s expansion. The company is now owned by the Richemont Group Limited.
He is credited for introducing famous brands like Tank and Presidential watches in 1919. Pierre also introduced gold necklaces with diamonds set on them to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1947.
Becoming a legend in watchmaking
Today, it is now one of the most iconic luxury goods brands in the world, with a big following around the world.
The first Cartier logo was designed by Louis-François’ son Adrien in 1904. One of the major milestones for the company came in 1911 when it became a maker of fine timepieces, focusing on precision and design as opposed to jewellery. In 1933, Coco Chanel commissioned Cartier to create an exceptional diamond necklace and matching earrings that she called The Eye.
It took Cartiers 18 months to make the pieces, and they are still regarded as an icon of 20th-century design. A couple of years later, King Edward VIII gifted his fiancée Wallis Simpson with an elegant choker created by Cartier that became known as The Horseshoe Necklace.
Later, during World War II, to protect France’s treasures from being plundered by Hitler’s troops, Cartier closed its stores and began manufacturing weapons instead. To this day, some of the more popular designs include Classic C watch models, jewellery like bracelets and necklaces; leather goods such as wallets; and fashion items like sunglasses or shoes.
Nowadays, these products can be found all over the world, but there are four specific locations where people flock to get their hands on a piece of Cartier merchandise. First up is their flagship store in Paris, France, where customers will find any kind of product imaginable (this location also houses their museum). Second, up in New York City, which has two locations — one at Fifth Avenue and the other at Madison Avenue. Third, up is London, where you’ll find not just a flagship store but also a concession stand at Harrods department store. Finally, there’s Bangkok which has been growing into an important hub for Cartier over recent years with plenty of shops selling merchandise along Sukhumvit Road near Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Why Cartier is still an international powerhouse today
It’s been a pioneer in the world of fine jewellery, introducing new techniques and products to an enthusiastic public. The brand is still going strong today, with over 2,000 employees worldwide.
The history of Cartier jewellery is closely tied to that of its founder. Louis-François Cartier was an apprentice in a Parisian watchmaking shop when he met James Gordon Bennett, Jr., grandson and heir to The New York Herald’s publisher, who was passing through Paris on a grand tour.
The two became fast friends and struck a deal: If young Bennett would lend his name to what Louis-François could develop as a brand for luxury watches and other fine products, then Louis-François would leave France for America with his brother Jacques to open a workshop for James’ father’s newspaper. Bennett agreed, and together they worked tirelessly to make both sides successful.
One such endeavor led them to discover gold mines in Canada that helped secure their futures.
Other brands owned by the parent company LVMH
In addition to its namesake brand, LVMH owns several other luxury brands in a variety of industries. In fashion, it has Dior, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and Marc Jacobs. In wine and spirits, it has Moet & Chandon champagne and Hennessy cognac. As for beauty products, it includes Sephora makeup stores and Guerlain perfumes.
