King Edward VII of England said of Cartier, “If they have become jeweller of kings, it is because they are the king of jewellers.” Louis-Francois Cartier opened his small jewelry salon in 1847, a year before King Edward’s effusive commendation. Today, Cartier is one of the most prestigious names in jewelry and its reputation is as celebrated as ever.
At the turn of the century, Cartier began to develop its own particular style, ignoring the growing “Art Nouveau” movement in favor of diamond designs and lines particular to the firm such as seen in the 1980 signed 18K gold panther link ear clips above from Josie at Place Inc. at the Manhattan Art & Antiques Center. The gallery can be contacted here.