Long history of famous Cartier jewelry house

The flamingo brooch commissioned by the Duke of Windsor for the Duchess in 1940 as a birthday gift. Cartier jewelry house
Cartier jewelry house
Born Louis-Francois Cartier in 1819 in France, his family was not wealthy. His father was engaged in the production of horns for gunpowder, and the boy’s mother was sure that he would follow in the footsteps of his father. However, even at an early age, Louis showed interest in art. Fortunately, parents decided to develop his talent, and Louis Francois went to Paris to study at Adolphe Picard’s workshop. Noteworthy, in 1847 Louis-François Cartier bought Picard’s workshop. Thus, the history of Cartier jewelry began.
Six years later Cartier opened a second workshop in Paris. Two weeks after the opening of the second Cartier salon, the best friend of Princess Matilda, the niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, entered the shop. Naturally, then Cartier did not even suspect this, and the countess, meanwhile, bought three brooches.
Having examined the brooches more closely, the Countess fell in love with the work of the master. Next, she showed her unsurpassed purchases to Princess Mathilde and Empress Eugenia, the wife of Napoleon the Third. Of course, all women who were true connoisseurs of jewelry art, appreciated the amazing decorations. For three years the royal people have purchased from Louis Cartier more than 150 ornaments. Undoubtedly, Cartier gained fame from all high-ranking individuals, and Princess Mathilde became patroness of Cartier. Of course, this patronage was incredibly useful for Cartier.
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