NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
In a New Jewelry Book, a Cartier Delves into Her Family
Francesca Cartier Brickell takes a deep dive into the brand’s journey and the four generations that ran it in her soon-to-be-released work.
New York—Every jewelry lover wants to learn the history behind the industry’s storied houses like Van Cleef, Bulgari and Cartier.
When the tale comes straight from a member of the founding family, it becomes irresistible; such is the case with a new book coming out soon about Cartier.
Francesca Cartier Brickell is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Louis-François Cartier, who founded the brand in 1847 in Paris.
Cartier Brickell’s late grandfather, Jean-Jacques Cartier, was the fourth and last generation of the family to manage and own a branch of the company before it was sold in the 1970s.
Though she had already started writing down stories about his life and the family business, it was the accidental discovery of a trunk full of letters in his house in France in 2009 that put everything in motion.
The trunk contained hundreds of letters believed to have been lost forever, including missives about commissions for King Edward VII, Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia, Coco Chanel, the Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Queen Elizabeth.
It also included important family moments like birth announcements, telegrams after someone had died, love letters and airmail envelopes with pages outlining business struggles and successes, strategies and advice.
“The more I read, the more I realized that I couldn’t bear that the letters might simply be packed back into their resting place for another few decades,” Cartier Brickell writes in the book’s introduction.
In addition to having regular conversations with her grandfather after the discovery to hear the stories straight from him, Cartier Brickell also researched her family’s history extensively, traveling the world to track down people with connections to her ancestors and looking through long-lost family archives to uncover new stories and create the full narrative.
The result? A book full of never-before-told stories of drama, romance, the struggle of keeping a business alive during hard times and celebrating some of Cartier’s best moments.
“The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire” delves into the jewelry brand and the family behind it, tracing its history from revolutionary France to its sale in 1974.
The book centers on the story of the founding Cartier’s three grandsons, whose collective motto was “never copy, only create”—Louis, a visionary designer who created the first men’s wristwatch; Pierre, the savvy businessman who bought Cartier’s New York headquarters on
The three brothers are credited with turning Cartier into an internationally renowned brand in the early 1900s.
In addition to the family’s stories, the book also offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at some of Cartier’s most iconic jewels, like the cursed Hope Diamond, the Romanov emeralds and its classic panther pieces, as well as the numerous celebrities, fashion icons and royals who wore them.
It also offers archival photos for a visual peek at the brand’s history and a timeline to help history buffs map it out.
Published by Ballantine Books, “The Cartiers” is available for pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and many other booksellers (links can be found online).
It will be published Nov. 26.
The Latest
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
The limited-edition men’s rings can be customized with one of 12 team logos.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.