Think you see beauty in everything? Even jewelry and watches? Check out the unique history of Cartier, with creative collections featured at Yamron.
Once known as the king’s jeweler and the king of jewelers. Today, we simply say, “Cartier”. To think it all started out as a place to go for bespoke jewelry and timepieces — and then see how it has grown to become one of the world’s most prestigious watchmakers. Cartier’s success is based on his boldness. Cartier has grown since its founding in Paris by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847 by inviting visionaries and free spirits into the Maison. Since then, the brand has become synonymous with French luxury. Today, this revolutionary spirit is stronger than ever today, becoming an artistic spirit central to everything: Pushing the limits, shifting the use or context to expose beauty, embarking on a journey to distant horizons, and welcoming the rich diversity of other cultures.
Louis-François Cartier created Cartier in 1847, taking over his master’s workshop during the subversive times of the unfolding French revolution. Cartier’s company expanded over a decade with the advent of the Second Empire, culminating in the opening of the first Cartier boutique in 1859. The company was then taken over by Louis-François’ son Alfred, who relocated it to the prestigious rue de la Paix in Paris’ jewelry district. The Cartier brand was extended by Alfred’s sons to London and New York.
Alfred’s third son stayed in Paris to continue Cartier’s expansion at home. Cartier was given the title of “Jeweler of Kings, King of Jewelers” by King Edward VII for his innovative concepts, such as the use of platinum in jewellery. Louis’ friend Alberto Santos Dumont commissioned a watch to wear while piloting his lighter-than-air dirigible, and the celebrity endorsements didn’t stop there. Because of Santos-celebrity, Dumont’s the wrist-worn watch, which was unusual at the time, became a must-have fashion accessory for men.
Louis was inspired by his experiences on the Western Front to create a watch based on the Renault FT tanks he’d seen in action, transforming a war machine’s profile into something beautiful: The Cartier Tank, one of the brand’s most famous timepieces. The Pacha of Marrakech received a commission for a waterproof watch that could be worn while swimming. The Cartier Pasha, another symbol of Cartier’s history, is based on the canteen crown pattern. The triple gold Trinity ring, woven in three filaments of red, white, and yellow gold, was perhaps Louis’ most famous design.
Cartier launched many styles in the early 1900s that have since become trademarks for the company. The first Baignoire and Tortue versions were introduced in 1912. The first Tank was introduced in 1917. Cartier had become so popular that other companies began to imitate its timepieces. The brand responded by adding reference numbers to their timepieces.
Cartier went through a difficult period after Louis’ death in 1942. His ideas and vision helped to shape the company into what it is today, but his death did not signal the end of Cartier’s imaginative run. Cartier flourished thanks to the inspiration of Alain Dominique Perrin and Jeanne Toussaint, who introduced the almighty Panther—a Cartier symbol—into the jewelry and watch lines.
Cartier’s success has continued into the twenty-first century. The Roadster was introduced by the company in 2002. In 2004, they also launched the Santos 100 as part of the model’s 100th anniversary celebrations. Cartier has had an unrivaled reputation in the watchmaking industry for over 150 years. Known for classics like the Aldo Cipullo-designed Cartier love bracelet, the Juste un Clou bracelet, Panthère de Cartierwatch and (as mentioned) Trinity ring, Yamron’s pieces are as coveted as they are enduring.
Even now, with its Concept ID series, this iconic brand continues to push boundaries and question expectations. The Concept ID Two is a watch that may have come from the future, with a fully transparent ceramic case sealed from the air to minimize resistance on moving parts. Its titanium movement is so precise that it doesn’t require lubricating oils, and its fiberglass mainsprings and carbon crystal balance are magnetic field resistant. Renowned for quality craftsmanship and unparalleled design, Cartier has been the choice of royalty and celebrities for over a century. It’s a perfect example of how this artisanal jeweler and watchmaker has wowed audiences for nearly two centuries and shows no signs of slowing down.
As a result, prestigious Parisian Maison have opened around the world, with over 200 boutiques in 60 countries.
These timepieces watches are a piece of history as well as a sign of luxury and elegance. Cartier sees beauty in everything and is known for its open-mindedness and curiosity. Its values include creativity, independence, sharing, and excellence. Truly, this vision allows for the creation of an artistic territory based on a distinct style. Cartier’s designs reflect the convergence of outstanding savoir-faire and timelessness, from jewelry and fine jewelry to watchmaking and perfumes. More importantly, Cartier isn’t afraid to defy convention. Yamron’s La Maison produces strong aesthetics and symbols that sound true to their roots while having timeless appeal, from its Love Bracelet to Juste un Clou and Tank or Santos watches.
All has its own level of quality, and the pursuit of perfection is more than meets the eye. All begins with a stone at Cartier: Jewelers and designers strive to bring out the exquisite aura of each stone, enhancing its elegance through design, the finest materials, and the Cartier vision.
The ordinary becomes valuable when it becomes special.
See our collection of Cartier pieces. Be sure to come by our store, La Maison Yamron in Naples, Fl to see them in person.
