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Louis-Francois Cartier founded his namesake brand in 1847 in Paris, France. In the early years, Cartier established the company’s reputation by catering to the extravagant desires of the elite in society. After building the brand for a few decades, Cartier brought his sons and later his grandsons into the business. They helped him bring a fresh perspective to the company and expand the brand’s offerings.
Once dubbed the jeweler of kings, and the king of jewelers, today we simply know them as Cartier. The company began as a destination for bespoke jewelry and timepieces. Now, it has flourished into one of the most highly regarded watchmakers in the world. Cartier watches are not just a symbol of luxury and sophistication, they are a piece of history.
Cartier has been selling jewelry to European royalty for more than a century. There are nearly 300 Cartier boutiques worldwide that showcase the brand's high-end jewelry and watches. The brand is extremely profitable for parent Richemont, and profits rebounded 16% last year after a 20% fall in 2017, due to the luxury industry slump. Cartier re-opened its flagship store in New York in 2017 after a two-and-a-half-year renovation. The four-story Cartier mansion on Fifth Avenue is part museum and part retailer.