Founded in Paris, France in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, Cartier is one of the world's most esteemed and prestigious luxury brands, renowned as the "Jeweler of Kings" for its regal clientele. Through three generations of family ownership and management, Cartier established itself as the preeminent jeweler of the aristocracy, crafting exquisite jewels and timepieces of unrivaled quality and beguiling style.

Louis-François Cartier began his apprenticeship with Parisian jeweler Adolphe Picard, gaining expertise in creating elaborately ornamental pieces in the popular revivalist styles of the time. In 1853, Louis-François took over Picard's workshop where he gained a reputation for his own elegant jewelry designs featuring en tremblant settings that added vibrancy to gemstones.

Louis-François' son Alfred Cartier took over in 1874, bringing his artistic vision to the firm. He established signature Cartier motifs inspired by Persian and Moorish design, including scrolling foliage and arabesques made of diamonds and platinum. Alfred captured the patronage of nobility throughout Europe, including the Russian grand dukes and maharajas of India. Under his leadership, Cartier gained renown as the "Jeweler to Kings, King of Jewelers".

In 1898, Alfred's sons Louis, Pierre and Jacques took the reins of Cartier. They built on their father's legacy, expanding to shops in London and New York, broadening the brand's appeal beyond royalty to bankers, patrons of the arts and American millionaires. New designs were unveiled, including the first modern wristwatch — the 'Santos' in 1904, and the luxury tank watch in 1917. The iconic Panthère motif was introduced in 1917, embodying the wild spirit of the independent woman in the jazz age.

By the 1920s, Cartier was the indisputable arbiter of Parisian style. Jacques' daughter Suzanne oversaw the Paris branch, designing whimsical 'Tutti Frutti' gem-encrusted bracelets and the wildly popular 'Baguette' cut diamond watch. In the following decades, iconic collections like 'Love', 'Trinity' and 'Panthere' were launched, featuring new shapes, materials and a brilliant palette of colors.

Today Cartier is a subsidiary of Compagnie Financière Richemont SA. Under the creative directorship of Victoire de Castellane since 1998, Cartier continues crafting avant-garde high jewelry and timepieces that uphold its reputation for peerless craftsmanship, exceptional gemstones and audacious designs infused with Parisian verve. With over 300 stores worldwide, Cartier has grown into a globally renowned luxury brand but remains true to its regal heritage, creative vision and quest for perfection in jewelry and watchmaking. The magnificence that was once reserved for kings is now enjoyed by all. The legend of Cartier lives on.