Tracing the Fabulous History of Cartier Jewellery
Whether you’re interested in the company’s beginnings or its modern heyday, Cartier has an extraordinary history. From Jeanne Toussaint and Aldo Cipullo to Queen Alexandra and the brand’s founding fathers, you’re sure to learn a lot about the French brand. Let’s begin! Below, you’ll learn the story behind the company’s creation.
Cartier’s founding fathers
The origin of Cartier jewellery is not entirely clear, but it is known that Louis-Francois Cartier founded the firm in 1847. The company went on to become a leader in jewelry design and became internationally famous in the early 20th century. The founder had three sons: Louis, who was the head of the Paris branch, and Pierre and Jacques, who were based in New York and London. Throughout the decades, the Cartier family has continued to make beautiful and intricate jewellery for the most demanding clients.
In addition to its iconic designs, Cartier also adapted to social and cultural changes. In the 19th century, the company introduced platinum, a precious metal that had almost ceased to exist in favour of stones. Its introduction coincided with the emergence of a new style for the 20th century, inspired by the neo-classical style of the end of the eighteenth century. The result was the Style Modern style, which was followed twenty years later by the Art Deco style.
Modernism shaped the world of design, with a focus on minimalist lines and a more optimistic outlook. Eventually, these streamlined designs and forms would become important aspects of contemporary visual culture. The Paris-based company opened a world-famous salon in 1909, and became associated with numerous prominent patrons. However, the history of Cartier jewellery is not as straightforward as its history suggests.
Jeanne Toussaint
The fabulous history of Cartier jewellery starts with the creation of the company’s iconic cat, which became a symbol. The cat’s distinctive shape and color was inspired by the beauty of India. During the 1930s, Toussaint incorporated the fashions of the Indian subcontinent into her designs, and she later reintroduced the ‘Tutti Frutti’ trend.
The brand’s panther icon is the product of a collaboration between the two designers, who were close friends and inspired each other’s work. The first of the digital series explores the story of the panther and Toussaint’s relationship with the iconic brand. Toussaint was known as the ‘panther’ in Paris, and her signature look is still synonymous with the brand.
A timeless classic, the Toussaint necklace is inspired by the legendary creative director Jeanne Toussaint. In the 1930s, she was the first woman to stand out in Cartier’s creative spirit. Jeanne Toussaint also admired Indian jewellery, and found inspiration in the splendour of the Maharajas. Her independent attitude and eye for detail made her an icon in the world of Cartier.
Featuring three beautiful books, The House of Cartier is a house synonymous with quality fine jewelry. The brand’s creations have been associated with many aesthetic movements, including the Art Nouveau movement and the 1960s’ chic underground. The Maison Cartier has been a cornerstone of French history, and the brand has reflected that spirit in its creations. So if you’re interested in the fascinating history of Cartier jewelry, don’t miss the books!
Aldo Cipullo
Aldo Cipullo, a contemporary Italian jeweller, traces the fantastic history of Cartier jewellery through his designs. Cipullo was born in Naples and raised in Rome, where his father Giuseppe Cipullo owned a business manufacturing costume jewelry. At the age of fifteen, he began selling merchandise in his father’s shop and eventually moved to Florence. He then attempted acting, starring in the 1957 film Guendalina.
In 1969, Aldo Cipullo designed the infamous Love Bracelet for Cartier. The inspiration for this unisex piece was a medieval chastity belt. Cipullo wanted to create a bracelet that would represent love’s eternal quality. The Love Bracelet had a screwdriver incorporated into its design to keep it secure.
Aldo Cipullo’s life story has been retold in the new book, “Cipullo: Making Jewelry Modern.” This beautifully illustrated book covers the designer’s career and includes many of his personal photographs. It’s not hard to imagine Cipullo wearing one of his pieces – his iconic Friendship Bracelet is still among the best-selling pieces at Cartier.
Aldo Cipullo is one of the few designers whose name is etched on the iconic Cartier logo. Though his designs are celebrated even today, few know the extent of his genius. Cipullo lived in the heart of the New York creative scene and passed away from a heart attack in 1984. However, his legacy endures, as many of his designs are classic and timeless pieces.
Queen Alexandra
The diamond resille necklace that Queen Victoria commissioned from Cartier is a classic example of Queen Alexandra’s love of French craftsmanship. The necklace was a hit with Queen Victoria, who wore it while she sipped her favourite perfume on a regular basis. The necklace also became a symbol of the Queen’s love of Paris. The necklace also has a touching message from the artist Louis Cartier, who is credited with inventing the diamond-set magnifying glass that has become a symbol of the Royal Family’s love for the jeweller’s work.
After the war, the jeweller Louis Cartier will marry the Hungarian Countess Almassy, who will be the future Queen of England. After the war, the jeweller will impose precious elements on his jewellery line. The flamingo pendant will be displayed in a Paris Maison Cartier window, and is adorned with diamonds, rubies and sapphires.
Louis Cartier was one of the best-known jewellers in the world. His great creations include the infamous “Baquette Diamonds”, the famously luminous gems. His work is revered today, and is listed at world-renowned auction houses as works of art. Today, Cartier is a global company with more than one hundred employees and continues to strive to maintain its high standards and good taste.
Juste Un Clou collection
Inspired by the everyday world, the Juste un Clou collection traces the history of the famous French jewelry company. This line was first created in the 1970s and quickly became one of the most popular collections in the world. The collection features jewellery in a variety of shapes, including a rounded nail. Originally known as the Nail bracelet, this modern line is now available in rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold. Some pieces of jewellery in the Juste un Clou collection are non-paved and include rings, brooches, necklaces, pendant earrings, and earrings.
The Juste un Clou line was inspired by a variety of cultures and movements throughout the world. In 1908, employees of the brand travelled to China, Japan, and Persia to gain inspiration for the jewellery they were making. These cultures inspired the designers to use blue feathers and other materials for the dials. The resulting designs were a blend of classicism and casual style.
With the popularity of the Juste Un Clou line, Cartier has also attracted a host of celebrity fans. From bona fide royalty to contemporary Hollywood royalty, you’ll be able to find someone who will admire your precious piece. You can even sell your Cartier jewellery if you don’t need it anymore. If you’re considering selling your Cartier jewellery, here are some tips:
Trinité de Cartier ring
The Cartier brand name is synonymous with the highest quality luxury goods. Founded in 1847, Cartier is a French conglomerate with headquarters in Paris. The company designs, manufactures, distributes, and retails their products worldwide. It is a global luxury brand that has been patronized by royalty since its inception. Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and the British Royal Family are among the many celebrities who have purchased Cartier jewellery.
Pierre Cartier, the founder of Cartier jewellery, was imprisoned during the Napoleonic wars. However, when he returned to Paris, he was penniless and evicted. His wife, a washerwoman, encouraged him to start a jewellery workshop. After training as a jewellery apprentice, he purchased his boss’s workshop and continued to work hard to make it a global business.
A classic example of this is the Trinity de Cartier ring. This triple-band ring represents friendship, fidelity, and true love. The Cartier Trinity ring is a perfect example of a timeless aesthetic. A woman can order it as a wedding band or a solitaire. You can even order the Trinity ring with white gold pieces and ceramic accents. This ring is an iconic Cartier piece, whose design is timeless and evocative of the company’s history.
From ancient Egypt to modern times, the Cartier style has adapted to changing styles. In the 19th century, Cartier introduced platinum, a precious metal that was then nearly discarded in favour of stones. Platinum was also linked to the creation of a new style for the 20th century, based on the neo-classical style of the end of the eighteenth century. This style would become the Art Deco style twenty years later.
Tracing the Fabulous History of Cartier Jewellery