As well said one of the Princes of Wales, Cartier are "jewelers of kings, the kings of jewelers." Known worldwide for their great watchmaking tradition and goldsmith designs richly ornamented with precious stones, the firm has managed to not only survive but increase in value and turn its name into famous bait.

Cartier's story begins, like many others, in a small workshop, in this case the number 29 rue Montorgueil in Paris at the time of Louis-Francois Cartier (1819-1904) decided in 1847 to take over the business until then ran his teacher, Adolphe Picard. His son Alfred took the reins at 1874, with the fate of three children (Louis, Pierre & Jacques), who wish to continue the family saga of jewelers. It is they who give the firm a final push to exit the international market and become what it is today Cartier. In 1859 changed its address to Boulevard des Italians, incorporating the Empress Eugenie to the list of clients..

Of the three brothers, was Louis (1875-1942) who developed greater passion for the profession and the best business ideas, partnering with his father Alfred in 1898. A year later, Louis moved "Cartier" at number 13 Rue de la Paix, taking responsibility for the brand as well as the most successful designs, like the line "Tutti Frutti" colorful jewelry in that sapphires, emeralds and rubies are intertwined forming fanciful shapes, or "Mystery Clock, transparent clock whose hands move" by themselves "in appearance, since its mechanism is hidden to the eye.

In 1902, Pierre Cartier, Alfred's son and brother of Louis, he moved to London to open a boutique in 4 New Burlington Street, coinciding with the coronation of King Edward VII, which charged them 27 tiaras for the occasion, and were awarded the Royal Order of the British Royalty, naming the firm official supplier of the crown, as did the King of Spain Alfonso XIII.

We must mention that was a huge step in the company in the market. The year was 1904 when the famous Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont, a friend of Louis Cartier, offered a challenge that changed the direction of the company, why not design a more practical watch pocket that he could wear when flying?. And so was born "Santos", the first watch, at least for men since the Patek Philippe watch company had already created one for women and custom.

The watch gives a twist to the firm because of its popularity in the market. It was a practice piece that admitted many variations in design (box, sphere, belt ...). "Santos", flat square bezel watch, became in turn a new motor of the watch industry.

A year later, in 1905, is named the official supplier by King Carlos I of Portugal, in 1907 by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and 1908 by King Paramindr Maha Chulalongkorn of Siam.

In 1909 the branch is opened in New York by Piere Cartier on Fifth Avenue, and a new direction in London (New Bond Street). And ten years later was appointed by Albert I of Belgium for his providing, while Cartier watchmakers opens two shops in New York.

The appointments return. As an official supplier in 1913 by King Peter I of Serbia, and in 1914 by Duke Philip of Orleans. Three years later, the New York branch is moved to a luxurious mansion (also on Fifth Avenue) and that it should be noted as a curiosity which was bought by Pierre Cartier in exchange for a natural pearl necklace with two rows (55 and 73 beads, respectively).

Official supplier of the future Edward VIII in 1921.

Alfred Cartier died in 1925.

Four years later, in 1929, is named the official supplier by King Fouad I of Egypt, six after (1935) opens its first branch in Monte Carlo and in 1938 in Cannes. The following year it became the official supplier King Zog I of Albania.

The year that ends the Second World War, the Cartier company restructures and puts in control of each of its three main branches one of the members of the family: Pierre Cartier in Paris, Claude (son of Louis) in Cartier New York and Jean-Jacques (son of Jacques) in Cartier London.

In 1964, the Cartier family leaves the control of the company. In 1969 Cartier Geneva is opened, one year after Cartier Hong Kong and the following year Cartier Munich.

In 1972, Cartier Paris is acquired by a group of investors, even seven years after legally rejoins Cartier London and Cartier New York.

Among his best-known clients and commissions, we can name the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, for which in 1920 made an impressive diamond necklace "Bestiary", or the sale of the famous blue Hope Diamond to Evalyn Walsh in 1910 (U.S. client). The House of Orleans and the Principality of Monaco are also among its clients, in addition to numerous public figures, billionaires who love fine jewelry, royal houses... And designs: clock-cuff Panther in 1914, 1919 tank watch, rings Trinity (three rings of different colors of gold interlaced) in 1924, Baguette watch in 1926, chronograph Torte in 1928, patent of the "invisible setting" in 1933 (the stones are encased in such a way that metal cannot be seen), watch Crashwatch in 1967, bracelet "Love bracelet in 1969, watch Panthère in 1983 and watch Roadster in 2001 among many others.

HToday, Cartier is part of the Swiss group Richemont (luxury goods) with own handcrafted watchmaking.