In 1847 Louis-François Cartier took over the Paris jeweller’s belonging to his mentor, Adolphe Picard, and opened its doors to a private clientele. This was the birth of a legendary firm which, generation after generation, has taken the firm’s name from the heart of Paris to the world’s most luxurious corners.

Without neglecting the classical style, Cartier’s untiring spirit of innovation over the years has placed it at the forefront in creative work. For example, after years of research, Louis Cartier, the founder’s grandson, adopted the combination of diamonds and platinum for his garland style jewellery. Cartier uses very fine threads of platinum to bring out the luminous quality of the diamonds, showing how irreplaceable this precious metal has become.

In 1997 Cartier celebrated its 150th anniversary with an exhibition reviewing its first four decades, a time when the three historic branches (Paris, London and New York) were managed by the three brothers, Jacques, Louis and Pierre, grandsons of the founder. The exhibition was showcased at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the British Museum in London.

As well as its prestigious collections of jewels and watches, the business grew to take in leather goods, perfumes and accessories, including writing instruments, glasses, cuff links, cigarette lighters, new baby gifts, decorative items, and scarves.