Jacques Cartier (jeweler)
Jacques-Théodule Cartier (1885–1942) was one of three sons of Alfred Cartier and the brother of Pierre Cartier and Louis Cartier. Pierre's grandfather, Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) had taken over the jewellery workshop of his teacher, Adolphe Picard, in 1847, thereby founding the famous Cartier jewellery company.
Jacques worked with his two older brothers to create the world famous name and business, ‘Cartier’, in jewellery and watches. While Jaqcues Cartier opened and managed the store in London, Pierre Cartier managed the store in New York City. Jacques took charge of the London operation of Cartier in 1909 and eventually moved to the current location at 175 New Bond Street. Meanwhile, Louis Cartier was the designer who created the Cartier style we know today.[1]
The brothers divided and conquered. Cartier was very lucky in getting the recommendation of Princess Mathilde, the young cousin of Napoleon III, and this contributed to the boosting business. In the early 1900s, "Cartier became jewellers to the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, the Fords, the Morgans, King Edward VII, King Zog of Albania, and King Chulalongkorn of Siam, who, in 1907 alone, according to Cartier biographer Hans Nadelhoffer, bought Cartier bracelets to the value of $450,000."[2]
Through their continued successes, Louis and Pierre got married, while Jacques kept himself busy by fulfilling royal needs and desires and trips abroad in search of unique and exceptional beauty in gems. Jacques went to the Persian Gulf to find the perfect pearl. Jacques then proceeded to India, carrying magnificent jewellery of local maharajahs back to the London studio to redesign and modify for their own use. Together, Pierre and Jacques purchased a large number of pearls and precious stones from an Indian prince. The uniqueness of the pearls and stones created a sense of each piece of jewellery being special, which helped with the success of their business.[3]
Jacques ran the London store until his death in 1942. His brother Louis also died in the same year. The Cartier family of jewellers relinquished control of the family business in 1964 due to the passing of Pierre.
References
- ↑ Price, J. "Masterpieces of French Jewelry". Running Press.
- ↑ Sansom, Ian (9 July 2011). "Great Dynasties of the World: The Cartiers". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
- ↑ Misiorowski, Elise B. (Spring 1986). "Book review: Cartier Jewelers Extraordinary by Hans Nadelhoffer". Gems and Geology: 64. Retrieved 27 February 2012.