Maison Cartier

Maison Cartier is a renowned French luxury goods conglomerate that designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells jewelry and watches. Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the company has a long history of serving royalty and celebrities, earning it the nickname "The Jeweller of Kings and the King of Jewellers."

History

Maison Cartier was established in 1847 when Louis-François Cartier took over the workshop of his master, Adolphe Picard, in Paris. The company gained prominence under the leadership of Louis-François's son, Alfred Cartier, and his grandsons, Louis Cartier, Pierre Cartier, and Jacques Cartier.

Expansion

In 1904, Louis Cartier created the first men's wristwatch, the Santos de Cartier, for his friend, the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. This innovation marked the beginning of Cartier's reputation for luxury watches. The company expanded internationally with branches in London and New York City, managed by Jacques Cartier and Pierre Cartier, respectively.

Royal Patronage

Cartier's association with royalty began in 1902 when King Edward VII of the United Kingdom ordered 27 tiaras for his coronation. He referred to Cartier as "the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers." The company has since held royal warrants from various monarchies, including Spain, Portugal, Russia, and Greece.

Products

Maison Cartier is known for its high-end jewelry, watches, and accessories. Some of its most iconic collections include:

• Cartier Tank - A line of watches inspired by the Renault FT tanks used during World War I.
• Cartier Love - A jewelry collection symbolizing eternal love, featuring a distinctive screw motif.
• Cartier Trinity - A collection featuring interlocking rings of yellow, white, and rose gold.

Notable Pieces

Cartier has created numerous notable pieces throughout its history, including:

• The Hope Diamond - A 45.52-carat blue diamond, once owned by Evelyn Walsh McLean.
• The Panthère de Cartier - A collection featuring the panther motif, first introduced in 1914.

Headquarters

The company's headquarters are located at 13 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France. This location has been the heart of Cartier's operations since its establishment.

See Also

• Louis-François Cartier
• Alfred Cartier
• Louis Cartier
• Pierre Cartier
• Jacques Cartier
• Cartier Tank
• Cartier Love
• Cartier Trinity
• Hope Diamond
• Panthère de Cartier