Cartier: Art in Jewelry
CARTIER JEWELRY
Cartier sells the most beautiful things in the world. Although few people can afford to buy Cartier jewelry or watches, to simply behold the beauty of these creations holds a fascination for many. Cartier jewelry evokes pleasure for people.
Cartier is sold through its 200 boutiques, located in 125 countries. The headquarters has always been in Paris. Cartier is known as: "The Jeweler to Kings; the King of the Jewelers."
Cartier is the top name in the world for exquisite jewelry. Cartier watches, engagement rings, bracelets, glasses, and cigarette lighters are among the favorite possessions of the well-to-do.
Cartier has received royal warrants to supply royal jewels—including crowns—to England, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Siam (Thailand), Greece, Serbia, Belgium, Romania, Egypt, Albania, and Monaco.
Cartier creates art in jewelry. The company has an interesting history, which dates back to 1847. There is no name in the world that carries the same panache as Cartier.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CARTIER
Cartier was founded in 1847 by a Paris jeweler—Louis-Francois Cartier (1819-1904). His son Alfred Cartier (1841-1925) took over the firm in 1874. And Alfred's three sons—Louis, Pierre, and Jacques—are the men who made Cartier a world famous name in jewelry and watches.
Louis Cartier remained in Paris to run the company. He became the designer who created the Cartier style we know today—Art Deco; ornate but simple. Jacques Cartier opened and managed the store in London; while Pierre Cartier did the same in New York.
Louis Cartier was perhaps the first jeweler to use platinum. He was an extremely rare combination: a gifted artist and a shrewd businessman.
Cartier moved into its current headquarters in Paris in 1899. It opened the London store in 1902, and the New York store in 1909. These three cities continue to host the flagship stores of Cartier.
The Cartier family of jewelers relinquished control of the business after Pierre died in 1964. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Louis and Jacques, both of whom passed on in 1942.
CARTIER WATCHES
Cartier created the first ladies bracelet watch in 1888. In 1904, Cartier created the first men's wrist watch—the "Santos."
The company achieved further fame in 1912 with the introduction of the "mystery clock." This is a clock with no obvious connection between the hands and the mechanism.
In 1913, Cartier unveiled the famed Bagnoire design of ladies watches, which are still produced today. They are of a soft and feminine design; meant to mark the peaceful passing of time.
That same year, the Cartier Tortue watch for ladies debuted. It is a more sensual style. A version for men came out in 1928. These original designs by Louis Cartier are still in great demand today.
Perhaps the most successful of the Cartier watches is the "Tank." The Cartier Tank appeared on the stage in 1917, named in honor of allied tank commanders fighting World War One. The proportions, lines, and colors are meant to represent the Peugeot tanks used by France in that conflict.
The Baguette Watch was created in 1926. This is a bejeweled miniature watch, known for its "baguette" cut—a narrow rectangle with a flat top.
CARTIER JEWELRY
In 1895, the Cartier Oval Solitaire engagement ring was unveiled. This has remained a staple in the Cartier lineup and has been copied by every jeweler on the planet since.
Cartier sold the "Blue" Hope Diamond to an American socialite in 1910. The Hope Diamond was long thought to be cursed. Its history can be definitely traced back to 17th Century France. Today, it is housed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.
The Cartier Trinity Ring and Trinity Bracelet came on the scene in 1924. They are named "trinity" for the three colors of gold used in their design.
In the 1920s, Cartier produced an exotic style of jewelry called "Tutti Frutti." These pieces of art featured gemstones from India—rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds—arranged in flamboyant splendor, which satisfied a certain fascination with the East prevalent at that time.
In 1955, Cartier designed a coral necklace for Maria Felix. It is made from carved coral set in platinum with emerald, onyx and white coral beads.
POPULAR CARTIER ITEMS TODAY
Among popular products produced by Cartier are the Cartier Astro Love Ring, which opens up into a globe.
The Cartier India Ring features engraved onyx surrounded by diamonds.
The Cartier Panther Ring is a tribute to the wild nature and beauty of that animal.
Cartier Charm Bracelet: mounted in platinum and 18K white gold, the 11 charms include diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.
Men's Cartier Diamond Rings are prized for their hand crafted perfection.
Cartier leather bracelets, made with brown or black leather and titanium steel.
Cartier pink Sapphire and Diamond bracelets are particularly beautiful and highly sought after.
Cartier Diamond Platinum Bracelets, oft times have a total diamond weight of 10 cts.
Cartier ladies gold watches with diamonds, which sometimes feature as many as 71 diamonds set in yellow gold.
Cartier Asscher Rings, has the distinctive asscher cut, a square similar to an emerald cut.
Cartier Pasha ladies watches have proven to be quite popular over the years.
CARTIER ACCESSORIES
No doubt, watches are the main focus of Cartier, with jewelry a close second. Everything Cartier does, it does well.
In the 1980s, Cartier began to market accessories, e.g., cigarette lighters, pens, wallets, cuff links, key rings, eye glasses, sunglasses, scarves, desk items, and perfumes—elegant things at modest prices. This astute move brought products with the famous Cartier brand name within the reach of middle class consumers for the first time.
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Comments
What a great review into the time and history of Cartier Art in Jewelry, saw this while surfing else where and just had to stop by and check out your Cartier page knowing what a great author you are. Another fine wealth of information and visual delights. :) Katie
If I had only one word to describe both Cartier and your hub, James, I would use the word, elegant. That's the vision that comes to mind when I read or hear, Cartier or gaze on this delicious looking jewelry in your photos.
James, this is a beautifully designed hub full of information about the world famous jewelers. You can see why they are famous and highly collectible- there is such workmanship and innovation. Very much like your hubs! voted up. I recently did one on the Faberge easter eggs.. you can why names such as Faberge and Cartier endure other pale imitators.
Great hub....awesome photos that show the beauty of Cartier products....thanks for all the information you put in the hub .....voted up and useful.
Lovely hub, but pleased to say that, with the exception of a couple of diamond bracelets, I don't lust after this jewelery. Good thing, as I couldn't start to afford it!
Amazingly beautiful jewelry and fascinating history of the company. What a delicious hub. I really liked the panther ring as that was our HS mascot and the eyes look like yellow diamonds or peridot. Yum.
I am not much for jewelry (Earrings mostly is all) but loved the coral necklace. Great hub!
Looks to me like Cartier is the inspiration for much of the popular jewelry I see around - now they make it with crystals, ect. instead of sapphires and rubys, so the masses can enjoy.
Exquisite jewelry indeed! I have always admired Cartier, but didn't know it's history. Voted this hub up. Btw,which of the ones featured here belongs to the JW collection?
I really enjoyed this hub with the Cartier history and the jewelry was breath taking. Voted/rated beautiful!
Vladimir Uhri--- Thank you for being my first visitor! I always enjoy hearing from you, my friend. :D
Katiem2--- Well, I'm mighty glad you came by. I thought to get off my usual serious subjects and simply admire some beautiful things. Thank you, Katie, for your kind comments. :-)
James
drbj--- Elegant. That is the word. Delicious. Indeed!
Thank you for visiting my Hub. I appreciate your remarks. :)
Breath taking beautiful jewels. A very nice hub.
beautiful...I am a firm believer that even if I had the means and money to possess such beauty, I wouldn't. Sometimes, to LOOK at beautiful things is enough and luckily every one has the ability to do this! :)
Hi James, another well polished 14K gem of a hub !
Awesome and vote up !!!
James, The jewelry is fabulous. I especially like the Astro Love Ring and the Tutti Frutti nacklace. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, Wonderful James. let me take another slug of cold coffee from my chipped cup, and just drink in my hovel for a moment.Haha! Ah, yeah, it's great... lily
Dear James, This is as close as I'll ever get to Cartier anything. I actually prefer the simplest pieces, not the diamond watches, but The Tank. You have introduced me to obscene overindulgence and even if I somehow had too much money, I wouldn't give it to Cartier for that reason alone. Not with so much hunger in the world. Thank you, James, for this interesting history of an iconic genius. He certainly had what it takes to become wealthy. Was he generous, James? As alway, your writing always leaves me enlightened, interested and with many questions. Even those diamonds don't outshine you. Brilliant!
Oo-la-la! Gorgeous photos. Thanks for the fantasy!
This was an outstanding Hub. Congratulations for the beautiful visuals and wonderful words of description. I'm estimating this took you a week to put together. It's absolutely stunning. Don White
Docmo— It is interesting that you recently published a Hub about Faberge eggs. I was considering doing that myself. I won't, but I will come over and read yours.
I agree that the workmanship and innovation is what made Cartier the success that it is. Thank you for the voted up and the accolades. I am well pleased that you like my work. :)
Cogerson— You are quite welcome. I am glad you enjoyed the photo gallery. Thank you for the compliments, and the voted up and useful too. I appreciate the visit.
Les Trois Chenes— Good to see you again. I hope all is well over there in France in the beautiful countryside you call home.
I don't lust after jewelry of any kind—but I do enjoy looking at it. :D
PegCole17— That panther ring is pretty cool. The Cartier jewelry is without parallel. Thank you for visiting and commenting. :-)
Polly— Thank you! I agree that coral necklace is a beauty. I didn't own any jewelry—not even a watch—until I was in my forties. Then I got into it for a while. Not anymore.
graceomalley— You are spot on. Cartier designs have been copied all over the world. Pretty stuff. Thank you for taking the time to check out my Hub.
And let's remember above all, DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND! Loved this Hub, James, and what woman wouldn't!
IslandVoice-- What a pleasure to have to you visit my Hubs again! Thank you for coming. I appreciate the voted up!
I must confess that I do have a Cartier watch. It is one of the few things of value I have left. I could not find a photograph of the one I have. It looks like the 5th watch down (7th pic from top) except mine is sans diamonds and the band alternates between gold and silver. :D
Pamela99-- I am glad that you enjoyed this Hub. Thank you for letting me know and for the beautiful vote.
Marcella Glenn-- Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D
LoopyGem-- I agree with your comments. Thank you for making them. I appreciate the visitation. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community! :-)
kashmir56-- Nice play on words there! Thank you for the voted up and awesome! This makes me very happy. :)
always exploring-- You are welcome. The Tutti Frutti necklace and the Astro Love ring are excellent choices. That ring unfolds into double circles, perpendicular to each other. Thank you for stopping by!
lilyfly-- You are fast becoming one of my favorite commenters. I enjoy your witty little notes. Thank you for providing these moments of pleasurable levity. :D
Amy Becherer— You are welcome. I agree with you about the "tank." That is as cool as all get out.
You know, I did not check out Mr. Cartier's philanthropic record. That would have been good to do.
What with so much hunger in the world, I am not recommending anyone purchase these goods necessarily. I simply presented a story I thought might be interesting, and a peek at some beautiful things. Sort of a "lifestyles of the rich and famous" for HubPages. :D
Thank you ever much for the gracious compliments. I am grateful to you for them.
Truckstop Sally— You are welcome! Glad you liked the pics. Thank you for coming by to visit. :-)
I´´ll never be able to afford any thing made by Cartier but until this hub l had never seen such beauty up close. They may only be photographs of the real thing but it was a joy for me to see.
As for the text, you always write a brilliant history
lesson and this was no exception. Thank you.
Don White— Thank you, Don, for offering your glorious laudations. I am glad to hear from you again. It didn't take me quite that long to put this together. But I very much appreciate your kind comments.
James A Watkins
b. Malin— Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend! Shades of Marilyn Monroe. I am glad you loved this Hub. Thank you for saying so. :D
Beautiful jewelry. That Astro Love ring could make me fall deeper in love :).
Dim Flaxenwick— You are most welcome. Thank you for the laudations. I very much appreciate this visitation from you and your fine comments. :)
The Kings and Queens of Paris and other nations are after Cartier’s Jewelry not because of these being used by the King and queens but of the design and style of the Jewelers’ of King.
Bail Up !— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D
H P Roychoudury— Yes, you are so right. Thank you, my friend, for coming by to visit my Hub. I always appreciate your comments. :)
Beautiful Jewelry. Loved the hope diamond
Mimi721wis— Yes, the Hope Diamond is marvelously beautiful. I am glad you enjoyed the gallery. Thanks for coming!
I also love the hope diamond! James, how do you get the traffic, my scores are low?
Love this jewelery, the coral necklace is stunning!
Delicious designs!
sherrylou57— My traffic is off by 33 percent in the last month. The Google slapdown of HubPages has hurt. But maybe it will come back. I sure hope so. I appreciate your readership. :-)
Although I don't really wear jewelry, I am big fan of various arts, including jewelry. I never realized all that Cartier has done, though I obviously am familiar with the name.
I had no idea the kind of variety that Cartier offered. If I was a wealthy or more flashy woman, I would probably be drooling over the pictures right now. I still can't help admiring the artistry.
Fluffy77— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :)
I really like the trinity bracelet and rings, and the wedding ring is, so me! I have never seen the hope diamond I was so close, I went to the National Museum of Art but not to the Smithsonian, now that I am older. I wished I would have tried to stop by there! Beautiful!!
I ran a jewelry store for many years - nothing quite as beautiful as Cartier. I couldn't imagine myself wearing such finery but the art is appreciated. Loved this Hub.
RTalloni— I surely agree with your assessment. Thank you for reading my Hub and making your presence known. :-)
ama83— Exactly. Is the art and artistry I admire in this gallery.
Thank you for visiting my Hub and commenting. It is always a good thing to hear from you. :)
mindyjgirl— I have not seen the Hope Diamond in person either. In fact I missed the Smithsonian though like you I did not miss the National Gallery of Art. Stupendous!
The Cartier Trinity ring and bracelets are magnifico, as are the wedding rings. I'm glad you agree! :D
suziecat7— I'm glad you loved this Hub. Since you managed a jewelry store I am sure you can uniquely appreciate the artistry that goes into these creations.
Thank you for checking out my Hub. It is good to hear from you.
I'll take one of each, James! LOL
Such elegance! I loved the pictures!
mysterylady 89— One of each! Would you like them gift-wrapped?
I am glad you enjoyed the gallery. Thank you for coming! :-)
Interesting read. It does puzzle me why people will spend fortunes on on stuff like this - shows the power of marketing, I guess! And the need for status, of which these things are symbols.
Love and peace
Tony
tonymac04— Yes, it does show the power of marketing, Tony. And these things are surely status symbols, as you noted. They are beautiful objects. I'm glad you stopped by. I wish you all the love and peace you can find.
James
James - This is an exquisit hub. I feel like I have been on a stunning tour of Cartier with you as my guide. Love the history lesson on Cartier. Very interesting. It will be easy to view cartier pieces with a different appreciation now. Thank you, my friend - more like this, please. :)vocalcoach
vocalcoach— Thank you! I am grateful for your lovely compliments, my dear. It warms the cockles of my heart to receive such kind words of praise.
I appreciate the visitation. And you are most welcome.
James
Jim this was an outstanding HUB, I love jewelry and gems and Cartier is one of the reasons why. Enjoyed it. Bravo! Peter
There is a reason that God didn't give me the kind of money it would take to buy this type of decoration for myself. I don't think I would be the same type guy. God knows I can't handle it. So he gives me enough to live and be content. I do like looking at the pretty sparkly things though. Good hub brother.
PETER LUMETTA— I am glad you enjoyed this piece about Cartier: Art in Jewelry. Thank you, Peter, for the kind compliments.
James
no body— Ha! Is that it!? I like seeing pretty, sparkly things too, my friend. I'm glad the Hub is good. It's different. Just for fun. Thanks for visiting.
A magnificent hub, and beautiful photos. God Bless You.
stars439— Thank you!! Thank you very much! God Bless You.
James A. Watkins, Cartier’s Jewelry is discriminating exquisite! You have presented an elegant stunning showcase! You have captured the splendid artistic essence of these rare fine designs! Thank you for sharing another facet, Peace & Blessings!
DeBorrah K. Ogans— What a pleasure to see you here! Cartier surely creates beautiful things, alright. I am glad you opined that I have done them justice. Thank you very much for reading and commenting. You are most welcome. :-)
Breathtaking jewlery! I only wish I could afford these gems!
ChristineVianello— Thank you very much for visiting my Hub! I appreciate your comments. :D
BEAUTY, BEAUTY Jewelry!! Thank you for this exhibit! Excellent! Voted-Up!
drpastorcarlotta— You are most welcome, my dear. How good to see you! I appreciate the voted up and your gracious comments. :D
Lovely hub James you certainly know how to display your knowledge. I am not into jewelry after several heart breaking robberies. Now I make my own, which to my simple mind is just as pretty! Now no one can cause me the pain of losing the stuff, which are only worldly baubles after all.
Gypsy Willow— I am saddened to hear that you have been robbed several times. But I love that you make your own jewelry. That's awesome! Yes, they are only worldly baubles alright.
Thank you, my dear, for coming by to review my work. I appreciate you!
What talent, What beauty, as always, you have shone in this writing. Looked up Maria Felix....and found a pic of the crocodile necklace...unbelievable....Enjoyed this tremendously....Have a blessed day!!
Wealthmadehealthy— I am so glad that you enjoyed this piece. Thank you for taking the time to check out my articles. I appreciate your warm words. It is always a pleasure to hear from you. :-)
Hi, James, long time no see! lol I love Cartier, I had a watch once, a long time ago, and in fact we never realised that's what it was! until one day I said, why not take that watch to an auction, along with a few other pieces, and we got approx 1000 dollars for it! I nearly passed out with shock! lol
Nell Rose— Hey Nell! How nice to hear from you. It has been a good long while. I'll be coming over tomorrow to see what you've been writing lately.
One never knows what we might have that is of value to others. You did well at the auction. Thank you for sharing the story and I appreciate this visitation.
Hey those are some brilliant designs there!! i love the panther ring!! Ohh and that tutti fruitty neclace is just breath taking!! :)) what a great hub and great pics!!it was a delight going through all the designs
carrie
carriethomson— Hello! I am well pleased that you appreciate this Cartier Art in Jewelry. I agree with you about the Panther Ring and the Tutti-Frutti Necklace. Thank you very much for the accolades. I appreciate this visitation and your fine comments.
James
James, The platinum diamond sapphire bracelet is a lovely piece of art! Sapphires are among my favorite gemstones. My mother had a star sapphire ring that was beautiful; I loved the name, star + sapphire!
I don't tend to wear much jewelry, apart from earrings. Since childhood I've loved sports such hiking, bicycling, swimming, etc., as well as creative activities such as cooking, drawing, quilting, sewing, and writing, so I usually am uncomfortable with rings or bracelets.
BUT I still appreciate things of beauty, which, as Keats so timelessly observed, are joys forever.
Your presentation on Cartier jewelry is interesting, entertaining, and informative, and the photos are striking.
A very lovely read!
stessily— I do not wear jewelry at all, save the occasional watch. Yes, if one is as active as you are, jewelry would surely get in the way.
But as do you, I enjoy things that are of beauty.
I am glad you enjoyed this Hub. And appreciated the photographs. It has gotten a pretty good response.
Thank you for checking it out and leaving your nice note.
Vladimir Uhri 13 months ago
What a beauty.