Cartier 101
Uncover the history behind the iconic French maison and its sought-after styles.
Established in 1847, the Maison de Cartier embarked on its journey as a result of the enterprising spirit of apprentice Louis-Francoise Cartier who, then twenty-eight, seized the reins of a jewelry workshop and store.
in 1874, Alfred, as Louis-Francoise's only son, assumed leadership, ushering the Maison de Cartier into a new era. He boldly incorporated platinum into jewelry making and guiding the company through formidable trials.
Alfred’s three sons would join their strengths and establish Cartier as a world-renowned company. Louis would invent the wristwatch, Pierre would take over the New York branch; Jacques, the London one. The latter would also obtain a royal warrant to provide King Edward VII and his court with jewelry.
1942 saw both Louis and Jacques pass away within months of each other. Consequently, Pierre shouldered the responsibility of leading the business on his own.
In 1972, Robert Hocq, the owner of Silver Match lighter, joined forces with investors led by financier Joseph Kanoui to acquire Cartier Paris and, later, Cartier London. The branches were ultimately reunited in 1974 with the final acquisition of Cartier New York, bringing all of them under unified ownership.
Aldo Cipullo created the iconic Love bangle in 1969.The line’s unique screw motif is an indication of the unbreakable bond between two people, with the Cartier screwdriver, usually included with all bracelets, serving as a metaphor for unlocking the heart.
In 1970, Cipullo also created a bracelet resembling a curved nail. It quickly became a symbol of sophistication and individuality, and in 2012 Cartier introduced new designs to the line, including thicker bracelets and wrap-around diamond rings.