Cartier is a brand that is not only directly linked with the world of luxury jewellery and accessories, but one which has shaped much of the industry’s development over the years – encompassing changing trends and styles and creating pieces which are as delicate as they are practical, wearable, and accessible to the modern wearer.
But where did the Cartier brand come from and what is it that makes the brand such a coveted name in the world of investment and luxury accessories?
Who is Cartier?
Cartier is recognised as a brand steeped in luxury, which thrived and grew in unison with the emerging desire for luxurious pieces and elegant accessories. Today, it boasts some of the finest jewellery pieces in the world and is renowned for its high-value items which are loved and worn by some of the biggest names in the world.
Where did Cartier begin?
Cartier began when a young apprentice, skilled and passionate about the art of watchmaking, took over his master’s workshop in Paris. Louis Francois Cartier made his name as a trendsetter by number stamping the pieces he made, and by describing his pieces with as much flair as he put into making them. Every piece that left his workshop was different, and this – playing into the desire for unique and elegant items among the elite and wealthy – gave Cartier a leg-up into the world of high society.
How has Cartier changed over the years?
Over the years, some of the biggest changes in the Cartier brand and growth rate came when Louis Francois’ son, Alfred, entered and made his name in the business. Under his guidance and with the benefit of his business acumen, Cartier became a brand worn by the rich, famous, and royal – with the move to Rue de La Paix marking the association of this area of Paris as being home to some of the finest jewellery in the world.
Aside from the growth of the brand and its presence on the market, Cartier’s commitment to perfection has never changed. Craftsmanship has long been a priority within the brand, alongside a desire to continue to carve out a space for Cartier as an innovative brand – with Alfred’s son Louis designing and creating the first wristwatch for the brand. This, alongside their release of platinum into the world of jewellery, made Cartier a brand steeped in innovation.
What type of products does Cartier produce?
Thanks to the founder, his son, his sons, and all the craftsmen who have come since, Cartier continues to delight with a plethora of products – spanning the jewellery and accessories market with the finest stones, the more delicate cuts, and some of the luxury accessory market’s best wristwatches.
To understand the success of the Cartier brand, it is important to look at the brand’s presence across the market for both men and women – with the brand crucially designing and creating high-end pieces for all lifestyles and all buyer types.
What are Cartier’s most famous jewellery pieces?
The Love Bracelet is one of the most famous jewellery pieces in the world, never mind just the Cartier brand – however, it is not the only piece which has attracted the attention of the luxury designer market.
In fact, some of the most famous pieces are also recognised as the most innovative and unique, made for special occasions or special buyers. Some of the most notable include:
- The Crocodile necklace, commissioned by movie star Maria Felix
- The Tutti Frutti Collier Hindou necklace, commissioned by Queen Alexandra. This inspired an entire Tutti Frutti collection which encompassed natural shapes and colourful stones
- Grace Kelly’s diamond engagement ring
- The Cartier Royal Pearl, which once belonged to Queen Mary
The history behind Cartier’s iconic Love Bracelet
One of the most famous pieces that are still a huge part of the Cartier collection is the Love Bracelet – a piece which is simple in its design but is uniquely made to be screwed on and not taken off.
This bracelet was first launched in the 1970s and marks the unconditional nature of intense and passionate romance – having been originally released in New York as a unisex addition to the Cartier collection.
What makes Cartier so unique in the designer jewellery market?
A lot of Cartier’s unique market presence comes from the fact that every piece from the brand is contained within its own collection – tapping into and exploring current trends, showcasing traditional values, and using only the very best materials and techniques in the industry.
The timeless nature of every piece in every collection that Cartier releases creates a space in the designer jewellery market which feels accessible – giving everyday people permission to wear pieces which, though expensive, are not unlike the items they might choose to wear every day.
With a combination of high-end and innovative designs and everyday pieces which can be worn to lift an ordinary outfit, Cartier combines timeless style and design with the very finest materials and the highest level of craftsmanship every time.
Are Cartier jewellery pieces a good investment?
There is a lot to be said about owning a Cartier piece of jewellery as an investment. When you buy an authentic piece that has been designed and made by Cartier, you own not just a high-value piece of jewellery but a piece of history – something which has been passed down from an apprentice who lived in Paris with a dream and a skill that has transformed into something monumental.
If you are interested in investing in Cartier jewellery, be sure to secure a formal authentication to assess the authenticity of any piece, and always purchase from a reputable seller like Love Luxury who can guarantee the value of any piece.