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A Brief History of Cartier

Cartier pieces

Cartier is celebrated throughout the world for amazing jewelry and wristwatch designs. You’ve probably wanted a Cartier piece at some point in your life, that is if you don’t already own one. Still, how much do you know about Cartier? Most people only know and remember the current presence of the brand. However, Cartier deserves a bit more of us. Founded in 1847, which is 176 years ago, the company has a rich history.

Founding

After inheriting the company from his teach and master jeweler in 1847 Paris, Louis Francois Cartier renamed the company after himself. When changing the name, Louis Francois founded the now famous Cartier brand. His son Alfred took over the company in 1874. However, it was Alfred’s three sons that really expanded the name and the influence of the brand worldwide. The three brothers opened and managed offices in various parts of the world, including London, New York and St. Petersburg.

Innovation

Cartier is perhaps best known among men for starting the wristwatch trend. In the early 20th century, a friend of Louis Cartier (one of the sons of Alfred) complained how ineffective pocket watches were for aviators. Louis designed a wristwatch for his friend, and named the series after him, Cartier Santos. They continued creating new watch series, some of which are still active today, including Baignoire and Tank series. They started producing women’s watches shortly after the men’s, with many of the same designs and series being adapted for female customers.

Change of Ownership

For over 100 years Cartier remained in the family name. It was only after the death of the third generation of Cartier’s who owned the business that their children decided to sell. The company is presently fully owned by a group of investors under the name of Richemont. It is a conglomerate of luxury goods based in Switzerland.

Cartier Ring

Cartier Jewelry

Even though they are famous for their watches, Cartier started and has maintained a prominent position in the high-end jewelry market. This aspect of the company’s market is heavily geared towards women. A Cartier, for a woman, is synonymous with brilliant design and a variety of different collections for any occasion. With 14 active jewelry collections, it would be a challenge for anyone to not find a piece they love.

Royal Legacy

However, Cartier’s legacy and reputation don’t come only from the collections of jewelry. Half a century after the founding of the company, King Edward VII described the House of Cartier as the “Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewellers.” A stunning number of royalty and nobility of Europe have been or still are patrons of Cartier, including royals of Spain, Belgium, Egypt, Portugal and many more; most recently the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. This impressive roster of customers came after the King Edward VII ordered 27 tiaras for his coronation in 1902. He was so pleased with the work of Cartier that he issued a royal warrant to Cartier in 1904.

Cartier Jewelry & Watches in San Diego

If you are on a lookout for a piece of vintage Cartier jewelry or pre-owned Cartier watch, visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. Our showroom and jewelry store on San Diego Avenue is the largest source of new and vintage high-end jewelry in San Diego. Our experienced and polite staff will ensure that you find a Cartier piece to suit your style.

2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Valentines Engagement Ring

Valentine’s Day is a day to share your love with each other and show your special man or woman just how much you adore and admire them. Even if you try to demonstrate your love every day, Valentine’s Day is the day to make an extra effort. What better way to do that than with a thoughtfully chosen piece of jewelry or a watch that shows how much you pay attention to what he or she likes?

Since everyone’s personal taste is extremely important for their style, be sure to keep your loved one’s personal style, lifestyle, and the frequency in which they wear jewelry and accessories in mind.

Our team is eager to help you find the perfect gift for your Valentine! Leo Hamel’s has a wide variety including intricate rings and bold necklaces, new and pre-owned watches, designer jewelry, accessories, and handbags. Here’s a peek into our Valentine’s Day collection.

For Her

Valentine’s Day is a day to pay extra attention to the special woman in your life, and these gifts are great options that will show her how much you care.

For Him

While Valentine’s Day leans heavily towards gifts for women, it’s the perfect opportunity to show the man in your life how meaningful he is to you.

These are a handful of pieces that would make this Valentine’s Day very special, and to see more of our collection please visit us at our showroom located at 1851 San Diego Ave, Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92110. Our knowledgeable sales team is here to answer all your questions Tuesday-Friday from 11am-6pm and Saturdays from 11am-5pm. We are OPEN Tuesday February 14th from 11am-6pm!

2022 Christmas Gift Guide from Leo Hamel’s

Are you still looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Christmas shopping later in the season can be extremely stressful, and we’re to help! We have gifts for everyone that are sure to leave a lasting impression this Christmas.

Here’s a peek into our jewelry, watch, and handbag collection. All of the items are available to view at our San Diego showroom at 1851 San Diego Ave., Suite #130.

Christmas Gifts For Her

Need a shiny gift for her this Christmas? We have a huge collection of jewelry, new & pre-owned watches, and handbags for all your gifting needs.

Lab-Grown Diamond Gifts

Looking for an ethical, earth-friendly Christmas gift? Our collection of lab-grown jewelry is sure to wow. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and visually the same, the only difference is the price!

Christmas Gifts For Him

Want to dazzle him with the perfect Christmas gift? You’re sure to find an amazing gift for any man in your life in our large selection of new & pre-owned watched, including Rolex, IWC, Tissot, Hamilton, Omega, and more!

Engagement Rings

Planning a proposal this holiday season? We have a wide variety of engagement rings to make your moment perfect. Our team is happy to assist you in finding the perfect piece for that special woman!

Extraordinary Christmas Gifts

If you’re looking to go big this Christmas season, we have the perfect selection for you! These extravagant pieces are just a peek into our collection.

The Leo Hamel team is here to help you find the perfect gifts this holiday season. We have an extensive collection, if you would like to see any of the above pieces, please visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue or contact us here. Our knowledgeable team is excited to help you make this Christmas the one that special someone in your life will remember.

Top 6 Trending Jewelry Topics for 2019

Trending Jewelry

Engagement Rings

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means engagement season is upon us! Believe it or not, more than 40% of couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day each year. Perhaps it’s the cooler weather that ignites feelings of warmth and devotion, or maybe it’s the comfort of home and being together with family. 

Regardless of reason, if you’re planning to propose to your sweetheart this holiday season, it’s a good time to do some homework. With so many engagement ring styles to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your options. Doing your own research before you shop can save you time and most importantly—money! Visit our engagement ring page to find out how you can save money on your next big purchase today.

https://www.jewelrystoresd.com/engagement/rings/san-diego/

Watch Repair

Time is a force that dictates much of our day to day lives. Hence, it is important that your favorite watch is working properly, so that you never miss a beat! Most fine watches are designed with durability in mind, meaning that with regular care and maintenance, your watch will last a lifetime and then some. But even the most luxurious timepiece will wear down with everyday use. Finding a trusted jeweler to repair your watch doesn’t have to be a hassle. Visit our watch repair page to learn more about how we can have your watch working like new in no time!

https://www.jewelrystoresd.com/repair/watches/

Jewelry Repair

Fine jewelry is as delicate as it is beautiful, a combination of precious gemstones and intricate metalwork melded together to make truly exquisite works of art. Such treasures are meant to endure for centuries, and many of them have. Did you know that several of the French Crown Jewels still exist today? Of course, this isn’t simply by chance. Fine jewelry will only maintain its grandeur when it is well cared for. 

Just like a luxury car, or an expensive item of clothing, jewelry can sometimes require a little TLC. Which is why it’s necessary to find someone you trust to handle cleaning and repairing your fine jewelry. After all, you didn’t spend all that money just for your jewelry to sit in a drawer. Visit our jewelry repair page today to see how we can assist you with all of your jewelry repair needs, and more!

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