Cartier

The Cartier House was founded in 1847 by Louis François Cartier. Settled in Paris, rue Montorgueil, he took over the jeweler’s craft from his master. Five years later, the first store opened at 5 rue Neuve Des Petits Champs, today rue des Petits Champs. In 1874, Alfred Cartier took over the family business, which moved to 9 boulevard des Italiens. Alfred’s sons: Pierre, Jacques and Louis inherited of the business.

In 1899, the Cartier house moved to 13 rue de la Paix, in Paris.

Pierre opened a shop in London and obtained the patent of official supplier of the British crown for the coronation of King Edward the VIIth. On this occasion the king ordered 27 tiaras and described Cartier as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers”. In 1909, he opened a boutique in New York by buying a whole building on 5th Avenue in exchange for a natural pearl necklace. He installed a huge clock on the facade, decorated with a French rooster and an American eagle. Jacques became a medalist engraver within the Cartier workshops.

The oldest, Louis Cartier is the one who made the brand renowned. He traveled a lot searching for exceptional stones. He then opened a studio of creation. Cartier was one of the only brands who had their own studio. He became the artistic director of Cartier and the Cartier style was gradually installed. He imposed the platinum in jewels in the early 1900s.