The famous French brand Cartier has long fallen in love with the whole world. The history of its formation began back in 1847, when Louis Cartier, a hardworking artist who studied jewelry craft from the famous master Adolphe Picard, bought a small jewelry workshop. He was soon recognized as the king of jewelers!
Louis Cartier's clients included almost all the monarchs and nobles of all five continents. His jewelry is rightfully considered the most beautiful in the world. Let's find out, together with the Svadbaholik.ru portal, why Cartier engagement rings have won the hearts of millions of people.
Foundation of the company
The famous company was founded by the Frenchman Louis-Francois Cartier. He was born in 1819. His father owned a factory that made powder flasks. Louis-François served as an apprentice to the jeweler Adolphe Picard.
In 1847, Cartier opened his own jewelry store. He knew many rich and influential people of that time, and therefore he very quickly managed to achieve recognition. Cartier jewelry quickly became popular.
In the Franco-Prussian War, France lost and the empire fell. However, the Cartier company retained its position thanks to Alfred, the grandson of Louis-Francois. Soon he became the manager of a jewelry store.
The rise of a fashion house
The store's assortment expanded rapidly. And now not only jewelry was on sale, but fans, figurines, porcelain, and watches.
Alfred Cartier managed to create a unique style in the tradition of the classics. High-quality workmanship, natural stones, elegant frames...
Son Louis joined Alfred and became his companion. Louis had a wonderful sense of style and excellent taste, his heart gravitated towards various ornaments. He could spend hours looking at and studying the patterns of oriental authors. It was Louis who became the “jeweler of kings.” Under him, the company reached its greatest prosperity.
Brand today
Nowadays, those with the surname Cartier have nothing to do with the fashion house. It is governed by a board of directors. Today Cartier is a company with a joint-stock form of management. The brand includes 14 companies, each of which produces its own products.
Of course, not everyone has the opportunity to buy Cartier jewelry. This brand symbolizes:
- luxury and wealth;
- respect and high level of quality;
- exquisite taste and unique style.
Jewelry is made from natural stones and expensive textures, becoming real works of art.
How to determine your ring size yourself
If you do not have the opportunity to measure the size with a finger, you may need a simple, but also quite accurate method.
- Wrap your finger with a piece of thread, paper, or lace.
- The measuring ring should not get stuck on the phalanges.
- Make a mark where the edges of the segment meet.
- Cut off the excess length with scissors.
- Measure the length of the resulting segment in millimeters.
- Determine the size by dividing the value by 3.14
How did it all start?
Cartier wedding rings began being produced in 1925. At first it was a piece of intertwined gold and platinum links. Yellow and pink gold was used, which gave the jewelry originality and elegance.
Unusual Cartier rings have gained popularity, so the company also released a bracelet to go with them. Uncomplicated and elegant jewelry made the company a leader among jewelers around the world.
Today, the famous Cartier triple engagement ring is called the “friendship ring.” Jean Cocteau explained the presence of three materials:
- pink symbolizes love;
- silver – friendship;
- golden – fidelity.
The company's so-called exceptional rings brought worldwide fame. They are released in pairs. Each pair includes women's and men's Cartier wedding rings. The popularity of these decorations is increasing every year.
Cartier's creativity combines classic motifs and the most advanced fashion ideas. It was this company that first began to use platinum in the manufacture of rings, and also began to combine different colors in one product. Today the company produces wedding rings, including wedding and engagement rings, as well as any jewelry for a wedding ceremony.
Setting stones
Cartier jewelers use various types of settings for stones. The most common ones are:
- Krapanovaya. This type of fastening makes the product light and openwork. The stone is well lit and clearly visible. There may be several posts around the entire circumference. Among the craftsmen who make Cartier wedding rings, pronged stones in a circle are quite common.
- Blind setting. The most reliable fastening is also done around the entire perimeter. However, the lack of backlight is a drawback.
- Fadenovaya. With this type of setting, trimming is done around the stone. Metal burrs are made near the stone itself.
- Rail. With this method, the stone is secured on both sides with sides, which are also called rails.
Of course, there are other types of settings for wedding rings, but we have looked at the main ones.
Types of products
The classic line is represented by elegant models without any decoration or complex design. Such rings are called “barrels”. They are usually gold or platinum. Sometimes they have diamonds or other stones added throughout the circle.
Flat rings are more massive than classic ones. They are called "Americans". They will suit stylish modern individuals living in big cities. These rings may also have stones or be engraved with the company name. Sometimes they are encrusted with diamonds.
Flat rings are included in the lines: Tank, Love, Logo Cartier, Lanieres.
How to choose a ring size in a store
So, the surest way not to make a mistake with the ring size is to take measurements in a jewelry store using a special tool - a ring gauge (or finger gauge).
- What is important to consider here:
- Remember that the active hand and the finger sizes on it are slightly larger.
- The size of the fingers varies depending on the time of day and weather.
- Rings with large stones should fit tightly.
- The finger gauge is designed for selecting narrow rings with a diameter of up to 3 mm.
- The right hand for right-handers and the left hand for left-handers are considered active. If you don't know which hand to wear the ring on, measure and write down all the dimensions.
- Swelling, heat and cold affect the size, although only slightly, by about 0.25 mm.
- If there is a large stone on the ring, when it is loosely seated, it will overweight and the ring will rotate around the finger.
- If you like wide rings, or have multiple pieces on your finger at once, add a quarter size to your usual size.
Products for weddings
Cartier wedding rings are presented in several lines:
- Trinity Ruban. The gemstone in the center is framed in gold with tiny diamonds. The circle in this case means the infinity of a love union.
- Cartier Ballerine. These pieces combine a complex pattern with a single stone in the middle.
- You're Mine. In this series, the diamond heart looks very original.
- Designer. These products have a unique design, and therefore their cost is even higher than that of other items.
Cartier wedding rings amaze with their sophisticated design. Often they have an original shape. Various shades and variety of decor give the jewelry a royal aristocracy. They can be round or flat, with diamonds or other precious stones. There are models completely strewn with small sparkling stones.
Let's talk in more detail about the most popular collections.
Trinity de Cartier
This is one of the most widespread collections of the famous house. It is also called "Trinity". Cartier wedding rings from this collection continue the tradition of the famous “friendship ring”. It was this product that Jean Cocteau sang about, wearing a similar copy on his little finger. Although he himself burned with passion only for men.
The fashion boutique produces Trinity Cartier engagement rings in various modifications. These can be very thin specimens or large ones with diamonds. The price of products varies - from 30,000 to 200,000 rubles.
You can choose a whole set of jewelry for any ring. There are always earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that complement it.
Today, six rings from this line are produced:
- smooth stripes of pink and yellow, and the white is complemented by diamonds;
- all three ribbons are decorated with large stones;
- each of the three ribbons is made of white gold;
- tricolor gold is complemented by two bands of stones;
- ribbons made of multi-colored gold are decorated with miniature diamonds;
- metal drops connect the diamonds.
The story of one decoration. Trinity ring
One of the iconic jewelry of the 20th century is a ring from Cartier.
Louis Joseph Cartier, the son of the company's founder, became his father's partner at the age of 23. He made the products chic, endowed them with magic and aura. Louis Cartier made jewelry in the style of the luxurious 18th century that captivated buyers. He revived the style of the times of Louis XVI - the “Guirlande” style, which allows you to hide the fastenings between the stones. Such jewelry was in great demand. Louis Joseph studied the art of enamel in absentia from Faberge himself, studying his works.
Louis Cartier was closely acquainted with Jean Cocteau, a French writer, poet, artist, screenwriter and film director. One of the largest figures of French culture of the 20th century. A multifaceted gifted personality.
Pictured is Jean Cocteau and the Trinity ring
Cocteau collaborated with Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, Diaghilev and others
Jean asked Louis to make him a special ring that would reflect the 3 stages of love: friendship, passion and fidelity.
This is how, with the dual union of Cocteau’s brilliant idea and Louis’s skill, one of the most famous and iconic jewelry appeared - the Trinity ring or Trinity ring.
Three interconnected rings. The first ring is made of yellow gold, which represents the stage of warm friendly relations, the second ring is made of rose gold, which shows passion, and the third, a sign of fidelity, is made of platinum. ⠀
Simple, but at the same time beautiful, original and symbolic!
Who was this ring intended for? Read on...
Jean Cocteau has been in love with the beautiful Nathalie (Natalia) Paley for many years.
Princess Natalya Pavlovna Paley is the granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II. She was a famous fashion model in Paris, and in 1927 she married Lucien Lelengue, chairman of the Parisian fashion syndicate.
Pictured is Natalie Paley
The Trinity Ring was created in 1924; in 1927, Jean Cocteau gave the ring to Natalie for her wedding.
And only many years later, in 1932, after separating from her husband, Nathalie Paley started an affair with Jean Cocteau.
But alas, it was not long.
Currently, there are many versions of the famous ring: with diamonds, platinum, small and large, with and without stones.
The House of Cartier still produces Trinity rings, adding bracelets, earrings and even glasses to their collection.
The triple ring has been the leader in the counterfeit jewelry market for many years.
The ring is unisex and can be worn by both women and men.
The story of one ring is intertwined in the destinies and loves of many people.
Sometimes, when we buy branded jewelry, we buy not only a product with a logo, but also its complex, fascinating history. ⠀
Love
The collection is popular among young people in love. The first ring of this line was presented in New York in the 70s of the 20th century. It quickly became a hit, winning the hearts of fans!
According to legend, the idea for the ring came from the outline of a chastity belt. These specimens are strong, massive, they inspire the idea of the inviolability of the union. They contain bolts and cogs that resemble that same belt.
Jewelry is made from various materials: platinum or gold of any color. Some models are encrusted with diamonds.
These are very original Cartier rings, the price of which ranges from 40,000 to 150,000 rubles. The cost of some products can reach several millions. You can also match any ring with earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
Watch
Cartier watches represent Swiss quality. They are not just a mechanism, but a whole jewelry art. The dial is made of precious metals, usually white or yellow gold. The strap is made of platinum or leather.
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Famous people like Grace Kelly, Princess Diana, Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Alain Delon, Angelina Jolie are owners of Cartier watches.
Must de Cartier
This was the first collection, it is designed in the spirit of the classics. In addition to Cartier rings, it includes:
- necklace;
- watch;
- belts;
- other accessories.
The collection is made in a restrained, laconic style, without any frills. And at the same time, the products are graceful and elegant, like all Cartier jewelry.
How to choose the right ring size in the international size chart
It is important to consider that different ring sizing systems are used around the world. In Russia, the ring size is the diameter of the circle, in Europe, for example, its length, and in the USA, measurements are made in inches. There is no single size system: along with Russian sizes, there are European, American, Japanese, and English sizes. So, Russian size 16 will correspond to English size L, American 5 ½, Japanese 11.
To choose the correct ring size,
- Measure your finger around the circumference using one of the methods described above
- Round the resulting value down if you want to wear thin rings, and up if you want to wear wide rings and need extra size.
- Find the resulting value in millimeters and compare it with the size of the selected country
Maillon Panthere
The symbol of the fashion house is the panther. And the Maillon Panthere collection is dedicated to her. The history of the appearance of this symbol, which adorns all the works of the Cartier masters, is interesting.
In the 20th century, a woman named Wallis Simpson became especially famous. It was she who the king of Britain married. Wallis had excellent taste and especially appreciated Cartier. She was the first to purchase a panther brooch. And after it there was a figurine of a wild cat on a sapphire and a brooch with a panther made of diamond and onyx.
This animal in Cartier jewelry symbolizes sexuality, courage and exoticism. Cartier craftsmen began to put the image of a panther on many products: watches, earrings, bags. In 2014, a fragrance called “Panther” was released.
Over the years, other symbols have appeared at the Cartier house: a snake, a parrot, a flamingo, a crocodile. But the graceful panther will never disappear from the horizon of fashion jewelers.
The rings from the Maillon Panthere collection consist of moving links. They are made of gold and diamonds.
Jeweler of kings and king of jewelers: the history of the legendary house of Cartier (5 photos)
Alfred , Louis's son, had extraordinary business acumen and was as focused on building a profitable business as he was on the creative side. During the French Revolution, taking advantage of the difficult situation for the aristocrats, Alfred bought exclusive jewelry of that time for next to nothing, creating one of the most significant and majestic jewelry collections in France. It was Alfred who first decided to develop the family business not only in Paris, but also in other cities. His three sons were very successful in this: Louis, Pierre and Jacques. Each of them contributed to the history of the development of the business.
Louis , who ran the business along with his father, as a partner and created new designs for watches and jewelry, distributed products in European countries, making many useful contacts and establishing trusting relationships with potential clients.
Pierre , having married an American socialite, decided to bring Cartier jewelry to New York. The Cartier house became widely known in New York after an incredible deal that soon filled the pages of all American newspapers: Pierre purchased a six-story mansion on Fifth Avenue in exchange for a pearl necklace and $100 on top.
Jacques , as the youngest of three brothers, was at first least interested in the family business, but during his separation from his fiancée he decided to immerse himself in work in order to take his mind off the love drama. While the brothers successfully conquered Europe and America, Jacques took over England and its colonies. He went on a trip to the East: Indian maharajas fascinated him with their passion for luxurious jewelry, which is why Jacques embodied notes of eastern influence and their unusual aesthetics in Cartier jewelry.
Thanks to competent business management and extraordinary talent, the Cartier family managed to create a world-famous jewelry empire from a modest family enterprise, which remains great after one and a half hundred years. And although the great-grandsons of Louis-François Cartier did not continue the business and sold the company, the Cartier house still remains a single entity, continuing to embody the traditional values of the brand. Even now, 150 years later, Cartier International President and CEO Cyrille Vigneron argues that Cartier does not need to chase fashion trends. Instead, they plan to explain the classics to younger generations in modern ways. Cartier is more than jewelry. Cartier is true art. The brand's timeless jewelry has survived the Great Depression, World War II and crises, remaining relevant to this day. Now you can buy a Cartier ring, bracelet and earrings on the Internet, even if these are exclusive sets of brand jewelry, the prices of which amount to millions of dollars.