Cartier Playing Cards Box
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 4.34 in (11 cm)Length: 6.5 in (16.5 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU187222557742
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Paris, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Porcelain Pill or Medicine BoxLocated in Paris, FRPorcelain pill or medicine box featuring a triangle shape, a black metal frame decorated with multicolour flowers painted on top, a tarnish tie claps opening. In good vintage condit...Category
1970s French Miscellaneous
- Porcelain Pate D Iris Medecine BoxLocated in Paris, FRPorcelain Pâte d' Iris (soft extract) polychrome pill box featuring a metal frame, a flower claps, leaves painted inside and a polychrome floral decor and text. Hand Painted In good...Category
1960s French Miscellaneous
- Porcelain Mandolin Pill BoxLocated in Paris, FRPorcelain mandolin pill box featuring a metal frame a crown clasp and a polychrome floral decor. In excellent vintage condition. Made in France. Height 1.5in. (4cm) Length 5.5in. (1...Category
1960s French Miscellaneous
- Porcelain Réglisse or Licorice Round Medecine BoxLocated in Paris, FRPorcelain Reglisse: Licorice (soft extract) polychrome round pill box featuring a metal frame, a flower claps, leaves painted inside and a polychrome floral decor and text. Hand Pai...Category
1970s French Miscellaneous
- Porcelain Violin Pill or Jewel BoxLocated in Paris, FRLimoges Porcelain violin pill or jewel box featuring a metal frame, a bow claps, leaves painted inside and a top violin on the pink box. Hand Painted In good vintage condition. Widt...Category
1970s French Miscellaneous
- Porcelain Tabac A Priser Medecine BoxLocated in Paris, FRPorcelain "Tabac A Priser" (soft extract) polychrome pill box featuring a metal frame, a flower claps, leaves painted inside and a polychrome floral decor and text. Hand Painted In ...Category
1960s French Miscellaneous
- Novelty Loft Hat Box Candy Container, 1940'sLocated in Atlanta, GAOnce upon a time, this charming boater style hat had a sweet secret ... it was a novelty candy container box produced by Loft's Candies of New York. Loft's was founded in 1860 and by...Category
1940s American Boxes
- Address Book and Pencil Case Designed by Salvatore Ferragamo for V&ABy Salvatore Ferragamo, FerragamoLocated in London, GBSet of Address Book and Pencils designed by Salvatore Ferragamo for V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum Collection in South Kensington, London hardcov...Category
2010s Italian For The Desk
- Art Deco Cream Celluloid Box circa 1930sLocated in London, GBBeautiful Art Deco cream celluloid box. Measuring length 14.3 cm / 5.6 inches by width 9.6 cm / 3.77 inches, and depth 2.7 cm / 1 inch. The lid has a lov...Category
1930s Jewelry Boxes
- 1950s Harrods of London BoxBy HarrodsLocated in London, GBThis vintage Harrods cardboard box boasts the iconic 1950s logo in a deep burgundy hue. The original address label adds a touch of nostalgia and luxury to this elegant piece, perfect...Category
1950s British Boxes
- Hermes Vintage H BoxBy HermèsLocated in Nice, FRHERMES Paris vintage rare silver tone metal box featuring a large gold plated H design on top. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Silversmith RAVINET D'ENFER - RD - hallmark. Made in France. I...Category
20th Century French Boxes
- 19th Century Ribbed Silver Pill BoxLocated in New York, NYElegant 19th Century Ribbed Silver Pill Box handmade of coin silver. Simple reeded silver is used for simple oval handmade box. 1.25" x .75" x 1" high.Category
1850s American Boxes
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.