Cartier, jewelry signed with excellence

There are brands whose reputation is well established, and Cartier is certainly one of them. Much more than a jewelry house, Cartier is a true luxury institution and a perfect representative of French know-how for over a century. Rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches... Its creations, from the most iconic to the most modern, are in tune with the times and continue to shine throughout the world. Maison ELOE tells you the story of this essential jewelry house and presents its iconic designer jewelry.

The history of the House of Cartier

Although it all began in 1847 when Louis-François Cartier took over the workshop of his master Adolphe Picard on rue Montorgueil in Paris, it was in 1856 that the House of Cartier took a major turning point: Princess Mathilde, cousin of Napoleon III, purchased a piece from the brand and thus inducted it into the Parisian high society and aristocracy. The international elite began to know Cartier; this was the beginning of its fame.

Louis Cartier, Louis-François's grandson, took over the reins of the Maison in 1898 and played a major role in its development. It was he who decided to move the boutique to 13 rue de la paix and to design designer jewelry in the “Guirlande style,” a blend of neoclassical inspiration and platinum, which was still little used at the time. At the same time, a boutique opened in London in 1902, then in New York in 1909.

Cartier is a pioneer of modern jewelry. The Maison creates unique pieces that blend the key codes of the Art Deco movement: abstract designs, geometric shapes, and color combinations. It creates iconic pieces that appeal to the greatest aristocracies of the time (Spain, Siam, Russia, etc.).

Jeanne Toussaint took over as artistic director in the 1920s and injected new inspiration into Cartier's creations: yellow gold, volume, and movement became essential elements of the Maison. She is behind many iconic pieces of jewelry, such as the Panther, the Caged Bird (a symbol of liberation), and the Serpent. From 1969 onward, other models, such as the Love bracelet, the Clou bracelet, and the Must, were launched.

In 1983 and 1984, respectively, the Cartier Collection and the Cartier Foundation were born, whose goal is to preserve and transmit the brand's already century-old heritage. It became involved in 2005 by adopting the Kimberley Process, which put an end to the trade in diamonds from conflict zones. Cartier then established itself as an eco-conscious brand.

For over 150 years, the Maison has consistently created unique luxury creations that reflect its expertise and inspirations while remaining contemporary. Many of the brand's vintage pieces are cutting-edge and can still be found in jewelry boxes around the world.

The story of Cartier is far from over.

Maison Cartier: its iconic signature jewelry

Cartier is distinguished by its iconic models, those that have made the House famous for decades. A legacy that continues to live on every day.

The Cartier Panther

The year 1914 saw the first appearance of a Cartier emblem: the Panther, proudly displayed on the dial of a diamond and onyx wristwatch reminiscent of the feline's fur. A tentative introduction, at the time intended solely for this piece.

It was only a few years later that the brand truly succumbed to the wild animal trend – then very fashionable – and adopted it definitively with the arrival of Jeanne Toussaint. She made it a must-have for the House and used it in numerous creations such as the Panthère necessaire, the Panthère brooch-clip, Panthère jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces, etc.) and, above all, the Panthère watch for men and women, a true Cartier muse.

The Trinity Collection

The Trinity ring was invented by Louis Cartier in 1924. These three intertwined rings in yellow, white, and rose gold represent fidelity, love, and friendship. The lines were clean and modern for the time, as no stones were used to set this designer piece.

It was popularized by Jean Cocteau, one of the first to adopt it, and continues today to be worn by lovers of designer jewelry around the world. More than a ring, Trinity is now a collection: necklaces, bracelets, and earrings enhance this iconic Cartier ring.

Love

In 1969, in the midst of the "peace and love" era, Aldo Cipullo, a jeweler at Cartier, designed a modern piece of jewelry meant to symbolize love. This marked the birth of Love, an oval gold bangle adorned with metal screws that quickly became a staple of the French Maison.

But more than just a bracelet, Love is one of a kind: the piece of jewelry can only be assembled with a gold screwdriver, also provided by the brand. It seals the passion and feelings of its owner. The collection is available in necklaces, earrings, and rings (engagement, etc.).

Just a nail

Probably the most famous nail in the world. In 1971, Aldo Cipullo created the “Nail” collection, whose flagship piece was an industrial-inspired nail bracelet. However, the designs were not as successful as expected, and the brand stopped producing them ten years later.

It was not until 2012 that Cartier unveiled the new “Juste un clou” collection, a true tribute to the work of Aldo Cipullo, which this time became a must-have for the House. Cartier reconnected with its history and the nail rose from its ashes.

Cartier and the vintage trend

It's impossible to talk about luxury jewelry without mentioning Cartier. For 150 years, the Maison has shone, and its creations endure. Even the oldest models continue to find their place in the jewelry boxes of enthusiasts. Whether iconic pieces or ephemeral creations, vintage Cartier jewelry is featured on Maison ELOE.