Louis-François Cartier
Cartier around 1880
Born
Louis-François Cartier

(1819-11-02)November 2, 1819
Paris, France
DiedMay 15, 1904(1904-05-15) (aged 84)
Paris, France
Occupations
  • Businessman
  • jeweler
  • watchmaker
Years active1847–1904
Known forFounding and leading Cartier
Spouse
Antoinette Guermonprez
​
​
(m. 1840)​
Children2, including Alfred

Louis-François Cartier (November 2, 1819 – May 15, 1904) was a French businessman, jeweler and watchmaker. He founded the world renowned jewelry house Cartier in 1847. He was the grandfather of Pierre Cartier,[1] who opened the Cartier Building in New York, and internationalized the brand. He was the patriarch of the Cartier family.

Early life and education

Cartier was born within modest means in Paris, France to Pierre and Elisabeth (née Girardin). His father, Pierre (1787-1859), was a metal worker and his mother Elisabeth worked as a laundry woman. He completed a watchmaker apprenticeship under Adolph Picard.[2] his parents died when Cartier was only 10

Career

In 1847, Cartier took over his employers store on Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondissement, and began to develop a new strategy for the business, which mainly included to make it more attractive for clients. He began to introduce 'imaginative jewelry' as well as 'fashion and novelty items' alongside the core watchmaking business. At the time most of the timepieces were bought from other manufacturers and just sold under his name.[3][4][5]

In 1853, Cartier moved his store to Place du Palais-Royale, in the 1st arrondissement, which was more upscale and known for luxury goods. Cartier further expands his business, next in 1859, under the regime of Napoleon III Second French Empire, as he opened a new boutique at Boulevard des Italiens. He was noted by Princess Mathilde and Empress Eugénie, which gave him the recognition, through protection provided by the Imperial family, which marked the beginnings of his international success.

In 1874, his son Alfred, entered the family business. He enriched the product collection with Cartier watches and soon took over management from his father. Together they were able to attract clients from all the great aristocratic and cosmopolitan fortunes in the world. This was further strengthened when his son Alfred, married Andrée-Caroline Worth, a daughter of Charles Frederick Worth, who owned a renowned Parisian fashion house.[6]

Personal life

On February 15, 1840, Cartier married Antoinette Guermonprez, in Paris.[7][8] They had five children;

  • Alfred Francois Cartier (February 17, 1841 - October 15, 1925), married to Andrée-Caroline Worth, daughter of Charles Frederick Worth
  • Camille Léonie (1846-?), married to Louis Prosper LeComte

References

  1. ↑ "Fondation Pierre Cartier". fondationpierrecartier.org. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
  2. ↑ "Louis-Francois Cartier". The Cartiers by Francesca Cartier Brickell. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
  3. ↑ Khordipour, Benjamin (2017-04-05). "Historical Spotlight on Louis-François Cartier". Estate Diamond Jewelry. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
  4. ↑ Journal, The Gentleman's. "A brief history of Cartier | The Gentleman's Journal | The latest in style and grooming, food and drink, business, lifestyle, culture, sports, restaurants, nightlife, travel and power". The Gentleman's Journal. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
  5. ↑ Green, Martin (2021-02-02). "A history of Cartier in 10 objects - Glion Website Luxury Jewelry". Glion Website. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
  6. ↑ Sansom, Ian (2011-07-08). "Great dynasties of the world: The Cartiers". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
  7. ↑ French Civil Records
  8. ↑ "Family tree of Louis François CARTIER". Geneanet. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
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