THE BRAND

Cartier was established in Paris in 1847 when its founder, Louis-Francois Cartier, took over his master's workshop. Despite immense uncertainty and unrest during the ongoing French Revolution, Cartier continued to see success and growth over the next decade, opening the first Cartier boutique in 1859.

In 1874, Louis-Francois' son, Alfred Cartier, took over the business. Alfred's business acumen was far more advanced than this father's and it was his ambition to grow the business quickly. Alfred was instrumental in introducing Cartier into the royal houses of Europe and beyond, with Cartier's designs being ptrendywith King Edward VII. Cartier enjoyed immense success in the late 1800s and eventually opened a showroom in Paris's Rue de La Paix area in 1899. While Alfred was successful in establishing Cartier as the go-to choice for the French elite, it was his sons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques that would bring the Cartier brand to worldwide renown.