Louis-Francois Cartier

(1819-1904)

Founded in Paris in 1847, by Louis-Francois Cartier (1819-1904), the firm known as Cartier quickly became recognized for its exemplary workmanship and taste. Louis-Francoise Cartier began his esteemed career by taking over the workshop of his master Adolphe Picard, located at 29 rue Montorgueil in Paris. He expanded the premises, and after a troubled period Paris began to prosper. Cartier opened a new shop on 9 boulevard des Italiens, at the center of the Parisian bustle.

In 1899, Alfred Cartier, son of the founder, chose a new prestigious address at 13 rue de la Paix for their new store, at the heart of Parisian elegance and luxury. It was one of Paris's most expensive streets, and offered everything an elegant wealthy woman may wish to purchase. Cartier set a trend and other jewelers followed suit by moving to the rue de la Paix and the nearby Place Vendome. That area of Paris became the centre of international jewellery.

Alfred Cartier entrusted his three sons to manage the Maison de Cartier. The eldest son Louis (1875-1942) directed the shop in Paris, while his younger sons Pierre and Jacque left on voyages to explore the world. They later established themselves in other areas, Pierre (1878-1965) in New York, and Jacques (1884-1942) in London. Spurred by the economic prosperity between the wars, Cartier simultaneously created and fulfilled the demand for original and exceptional jewels; many made to order. In addition to attracting the world's most eminent clients, the courts of England, Russia, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Siam officially granted Cartier their royal patronage. The then Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII proclaimed Cartier, "Jeweler of Kings for King of Jewelers."

In the first half of the century, Cartier introduced many innovations into the jewelry market. Primarily known for their work with diamonds, the firm designed lavish pieces, often incorporating other stones in new and unusual settings for contrast and color. Cartier also investigated Far Eastern, Indian and Egyptian sources, creating original designs from these influences. Already known for their excellence of design and craftsmanship, Cartier's timepieces were taken to a new level by Maurice Couet, a designer who in 1913 introduced the famous Mystery clock, the hands of which appear to float magically on faces of rock crystal.

Claude Cartier, son of Louis, inherited the business in the 1940s, and directed it until his death in 1965. The firm was purchased in 1972 by Joseph Kanoui and Robert Hocq who introduced "Le Must de Cartier," a line that exists to this day.