Knowing The History Of Cartier In Paris

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I had the pleasure of making an exclusive visit to Maison Cartier in Paris. I’m already a fan of the jewelry store (I think like to the world, right?) And I loved knowing more about the history of the brand and seeing wonderful pieces, the ones you can not find in the store, right from the bottom up!

Cartier has been occupying his emblematic atelier in Paris since 1899, but the real magic is upstairs in the Cartier archives. The “secret” floor is a beautiful space, very well kept and full of sketches and jewels that document centuries of history. So it was a great privilege to visit the house, even more with the tour guided by Rafael Lupo Medina, Brazilian and gemologist who has lived in Paris for years and is still the official historian of the brand!

Com a querida amiga Silvia Ulson e o Rafael Lupo Medina, historiador top da Cartier

The Story

Rafael Lupo Medina leads us through the history of the traditional jewelery that began in 1847. This year Louis-François Cartier took over the small jewelry workshop of his master, Adolphe Picard, located at number 29 Rue Montorgueil, more expensive and chic street in Paris at the time, and decided to open his own brand. Only four years later, Napoleon III came to power, and through Countess Nieuwerkerke, the young Cartier became a supplier to the Royal Court. Cartier jewelry was known for a light touch, more “laid back”, in contrast to the formal and heavy ornaments of the period

A Cartier of London was opened in 1902 at number 4 of New Burlington Street, commanded by Pierre Cartier. At this time the label received a request of 27 tiaras for the coronation ceremony of Edward VII, the king of England, who declared “Cartier, jeweler of the kings, king of the jewelers”. Two years later, the King honored Cartier with the certificate of Court Provider and the brand became the most prestigious in the world.

Friend of many celebrities, Louis Cartier introduced the acclaimed writer Jean Cocteau with a beautiful sword, when he entered the Academy of Letters.

The sword contained a stunning emerald that was given by Coco Chanel (also a friend of the jeweler), the rubies and the diamond were given by Francine Weisweiller. Look at the gemologist Rafael telling details in the video:

 

Lilac, blue and pink diamonds, three of the rarest in the world, look …

Did you know?

• The Brazilian aviator Santos Dumont ordered the jeweler Cartierum wristwatch, at the time the watches were pocket, which made it difficult to control the hours while flying.
• The brand has a large and modern factory in Geneva, Switzerland, for the production of watches, while the ateliers responsible for creating its acclaimed jewelry are located in Paris.
• The brand is also synonymous with luxury in the UK! At Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton, Kate wore a luxurious Cartier diamond tiara dating back to 1936, owned by Queen Elizabeth, a gift from her mother when she turned 18. (I also accept one as a birthday gift)

More photos of this unforgettable day …

What a wonderful group! A special kiss for friends Silvia Ulson and Paula Saady, I loved that day!

Thank you Paulo Pereira, Rafael Lupo Medina and Paula Saady, for the wonderful afternoon and full of knowledge.

➪ The visit was a Fashion Day Tour event organized by Paula Saady from www.parismechama.com. And I learned that there will be another group for July this year to rampage at Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture. For more information send an e-mail to: paula@parismechama.com

Kisses, dear ones!

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