About Cartier Brand
Since 1847, Cartier has been synonymous with timeless excellence. The brand's journey began when Louis-François Cartier took over his master Adolphe Picard's workshop in Paris. Initially focusing on high-quality jewelry and watches, Cartier's commitment to excellence and great attention to detail quickly garnered a prestigious reputation among Paris's elite.
In 1902, King Edward VII of England set even higher standards for Cartier by commissioning 27 tiaras for his coronation and officially appointing Cartier as the crown's jeweler. This led to Cartier being celebrated as the “king of jewelers and jeweler of kings,” a legacy that the brand upholds to this day.
The Cartier family's legacy endured through the generations, with each member contributing to its global success. However, in 1964, the family sold the business. Despite changing ownership multiple times, the company has consistently maintained its commitment to quality and innovation. Today, Cartier is part of the Richemont Group, a leading luxury goods conglomerate.
Unlike other renowned luxury jewelry brands, such as like Van Cleef & Arpels or Tiffany & Co., which often work with various precious stones, Cartier focuses primarily on diamonds and pieces crafted from different hues of gold.
Over time, Cartier has created numerous iconic pieces, from the classic Love bracelet and the famous Panther collection to the elegant Trinity line and a wide variety of exquisite watches. Among these, vintage Cartier jewelry holds a special place in our hearts, celebrated for its uniqueness and craftsmanship. Each estate piece possesses a timeless character and tells a fascinating story.
The unparalleled quality of Cartier pieces remains unquestionable. The Maison continues to uphold its tradition of creativity, innovative spirit, and loyalty to its heritage at the highest level. Whether purchasing a Cartier diamond ring or any other piece of jewelry, you are acquiring a symbol of timeless excellence.
About French Jewelry
Vintage French jewelry is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic excellence. French jewelers have a long history of mastering intricate techniques, such as filigree, enameling, and stone setting, resulting in pieces of top-notch quality and beauty.
Timeless jewelry designs created in France transcend fashion trends. The use of classic motifs and harmonious proportions ensures that vintage French jewelry remains relevant across generations. What made France a powerhouse in the world of jewelry? It all comes down to the apprenticeship system. Back in the 1950s, French teens as young as 14 could start learning the trade. This early start gave French jewelers a unique edge, allowing them to amass a wealth of experience from a young age. As a result, even the non-designer pieces were crafted by highly skilled artisans.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, French jewelry was heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau movement. Between 1920s and 1930s, the Art Deco movement took over, influencing French jewelry with its geometric shapes, bold colors, and symmetrical designs.
France is home to several prestigious jewelry houses that have made significant contributions to the world of vintage jewelry. Notable names include Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron, each with its unique style and heritage.
Coco Chanel made a significant impact on the world of jewelry with her costume jewelry designs. Her use of faux pearls, glass, and other non-traditional materials revolutionized fashion jewelry.
Whether you’re interested in the elegance of Art Deco or the organic forms of Art Nouveau, there's a wide range of vintage French jewelry styles to explore and appreciate.
Today, the jewelry industry has moved away from this hands-on tradition, with mass-market production taking over. The focus is on efficiency, and jewelry designs are often engineered to minimize the need for manual labor. That's why today vintage French jewelry is in such high demand. Here, at Nadine Krakov Collection, we offer the most desirable vintage jewelry online made by French experts.
