All about cartier frangrances and accessories

Since the late nineteenth century, Cartier has lived up to the name of luxury by providing the world with top quality jewelry and accessories.

The jewelry empire known as Cartier has a legacy that leads back to nineteenth century Paris. Like his namesake and grandfather, Louis Francois Cartier took on the role of a goldsmith. While working as an apprentice to acclaimed jeweler, Adolphe Picard, he developed his craft by assisting his master in the production of some Paris’s finest handmade jewelry. Upon Picard’s death in 1847, Cartier took the helms of the business and created the luxury brand that still exists today.

As the years passed, Cartier’s work began to grow popular and the home base of his jewelry workshop began to migrate to various areas of Paris. When he expanded to the Palais-Royal district, his fashionable jewelry suited the stylistic area well as he gained an avid consumer in the cousin of Napoleon III, Princess Mathilde. In 1874, Louis Cartier kept the business within the family and made his son, Alfred Cartier, a partner to the newly named company, Alfred Cartier & Fils.

Alfred Cartier kept with family tradition as his sons soon took on various roles within the company. Louis and Pierre joined together to form Cartier Fréres, while the youngest son, Pierre, went on to manage the London store. While there, Pierre introduced the world to Art Deco jewelry. The abstract geometric forms of artistry provided a refreshing new outlook on accessories. Soon after, particularly during the first part of the 1900’s, the business began to expand overseas to Moscow, the Persian Gulf, and New York. Another turning point in the Cartier business was the development of the Tonneau wristwatch, which would serve as a catalyst for the company’s reputation for the world’s finest watches.

The wristwatch was a new concept of the time because it was uncommon and somewhat radical for men to have a time telling piece of jewelry worn on the wrist. Cartier rebelled against the ideas of watch fobs and fused the ideas of fine jewelry with the aspect of time . The Tonneau wristwatch may have been the first formal presentation of Cartier’s watches, but before Louis Francois death in 1904, he created a wristwatch with a leather band for his aviator friend, Alberto-Santos Dumont. From this, the Santos watch was born, but it was not until 1911 that they formally introduced the watch to the public.

Cartier prides itself on it high-end elegant jewelry. The mainstay over the years has been its wonderfully accurate watches. The Tonneau and Santos are just a few that pieces that revolutionized the concept of wristwatches. Inspired by America’s new war machine in World War I, Cartier created the “Tank” wristwatch in 1917. The instant classic piece of jewelry contained the rugged masculinity of a man, but preserved the elegance of the company’s name.

As for the world of women’s wristwatches, Cartier’s popularity did not grow until the 1920’s and 30’s. The company’s devotion to femininity prompted them to make small, pristine watches that would compliment the gracefulness of a lady. In 1938, Cartier created the world’s smallest wristwatch that was given to the Princess Elizabeth of England.

Cartier is not only known for its fine gold and platinum watches, but also for its wide array of accessories that range from pendants to leather goods. After Pierre Cartier introduced the world to art deco accessories, the company began to create some of the most stylish accessories including their famous diamond baguette encrusted Mystery Clock that has been produced in many variations. In 1924, they presented a ring and bracelet that sophisticatedly contrasted three shades of gold. Throughout the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, Cartier produced some of the most exclusive pieces purchased by royal figures and various celebrities. The platinum diamond encrusted Panthére motif brooch was set upon a 152.35 carat sapphire cabochon and was purchased by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. In 1969, a pear shaped diamond brought by Cartier was later dubbed the “Taylor-Burton Diamond” when actor Richard Burton offered it to actress Elizabeth Taylor.

During the 70’s and 80’s Cartier gained more popularity for their leather products and fragrances. In 1974, they unveiled their first collection of Bordeaux leather goods, which was followed by a collection of pens and vermeil watches. Their woman’s perfume, Must de Cartier and Santos was released in 1981, which would be followed by the men’s version and another perfume, Panthére de Cartier, in the tail end of the 20th Century.

The Cartier name has now become a name of quality, elegance and fashion. The beauty in their products is as remarkable as the story that precedes them. For centuries, Cartier has provided an endless list of jewelry, leather goods, fragrances and other accessories that provide something for everyone. Whether it is simply chic or flamboyantly avant-garde, the Cartier name will forever be a mainstay in the world of high-end accessories.