The Cartier watch brand is one of the most recognized luxury trademarks in the world. The name is synonymous with sophistication and luxury design. To truly admire the greatness of their legacy, one should read the history of the grand watch and jewelry Maison. The luxury brand's overbearing presence in the jewelry, fragrance, accessory and watch industry are undeniable evidence of its massive international success.
The Cartier Company is a subsidiary of Compagnie Financière Richemont SA. Before 1964, the company was owned and controlled by the Cartier family of French jewelers. The Cartier family was renowned as artists of elaborate jewelry, commissioned by royalty from all corners of the earth. The brilliance of their technique and exotic choice of jewel ensembles created such grand pieces as the "Bestiary" (illustrated by the Panthère brooch in 1940, created for Wallis Simpson,) the diamond necklace that Yadavindra Singh Maharaja of Patiala wore in 1904, and of course the famous Santos wrist watch, made for the Brazillian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont.
The company's origins lie in Paris 1847, when young Louis-François Cartier took over his master's workshop. Soon after, the apprentice became one of the most skilled jewelry-artisan of his time. In 1874 son Alfred Cartier took over the company. Although the company basked in success, it was not until Alfred's sons Louis, Pierre and Jacques took the reins of the company, that the Cartier brand would enjoy such international notoriety.
In 1899 the company decided to expand internationally. Louis Cartier remained in Paris to control the local branch. He has been credited for some of the most famous Cartier designs such as the "Mystery Clock" and the employment of "Tutti Fruti jewels." In 1907 Cartier rose to the challenge of making the world's first men's wristwatch. The watch was made for the great aviator Santos Dumont, who complained of the impracticality and unreliability of wrist watches. The watch was named after him, and is still in production today.
Inspired by the powerful and newly-born war machines of the western front, Louis designed one of the most famous Cartier watch designs of all time. The Tank series debuted in 1917 and has been in production for more than 90 years.
In 1920 The Cartier Company formed a joint venture with Edward Jaeger. Jaeger would provide movements for the Cartier time pieces on a contract of exclusivity. This venture and the mass production of Cartier watches with trustworthy, precise movements mark the beginning of Cartier's unstoppable rise to the top of the international watch industry.
By Patrick C Bedford
Feb 9, 2009
The Great History of Cartier Watches
Rolex Masterpiece Automatic Full Gold Diamond Marking Replica Watch
There is a huge market out there for the Rolex replicas and more and more people are going in for them. If you have been one member of the Rolex replicas group, then you must have experienced the excitement they've given you, and I believe you will want to go on and explore more interesting things in the replica watches world.
Most of Rolex watches highly appreciated by watch collectors and connoisseurs who value traditional craftsmanship. Rolex watches are synonymous with style and class.
It is said that the Rolex masterpiece is the most popular Rolex Replica model in the Replica market. And it is the truth. The real Rolex masterpiece asks for between $18,000 and $30,000. Not every one can afford such high price. And our Rolex Masterpiece replica will cost you only between $108 and $380, depending on the used movement. Today's review will unveil the beauty of one of our Rolex Masterpiece replicas.
The mineral crystal glass, which is scratch durable, embody the dial the fantasy of blue sea, fresh, clear and amazing. The beauty of the dial is enhanced by eight diamond markers with gold rims and two strip makers at 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. This replica shows the curve day window at 12 o'clock and has genuine Rolex-style date font with magnifier bubble and golden background.
The replica features a diamond bezel, 18K gold plated stainless steel case (36mm) and bracelet, which makes it step into highly luxurious line. In the heart of the case, there beats an Asia automatic movement.
By Benae Moore
Jan 24, 2009
Money Saving Tips on Jewelry and Diamonds
Wearing jewelry is a trend. Jewelry has been used to denote status. Jewelry has been made to adorn nearly every body part. High-quality is made with gemstones and precious metals.There is a growing demand for gold and diamond jewelry. There are so many items like earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets etc that are being worn to brighten up our looks.
A diamond is a unique gemstone and is considered to be the king of them due to its uniqueness. It is hard and rarely found. Mostly women have a passion for diamond jewelry. When purchasing diamonds either for your engagement ring, diamond stud earrings, bracelets or other jewelry, make sure the diamonds you select best suit that type of jewelry application.
Gemstone jewelry is loved and adored by many.The gemstones sparkle and dazzle the eyes and brighten our outlook on life.You can find the most beautiful designs of bridal jewelry. It would be exciting and fun to wear it on wedding ceremonies.
The combination of diamonds with gold, ruby and pearls gives that additional touch of elegance to all jewelry, from bracelets to pendants, from bangles to earrings, from necklaces to rings. When you shop for great-looking diamonds, know about size, color, clarity and cut. A well-cut diamond reflects light and adds to its brilliance.
Buying your jewelry online is a wonderful way to find the perfect piece at a great price. One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited selection. You can find quality jewelry,gemstones and diamonds easily. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. Buying diamond jewelry is a costly affair.You need to consider the price and see if you can get discounts.I came across one online site where it post coupons for jewelry items. Searching for coupons is easy and also saves time.Coupons are the best way to get discounts and this would greatly increase your savings. Online jewelry stores offer you coupons and coupon codes where you will be eligible to get discounts on them. There are special offers on sale which offer you fantastic discounts that you have never seen before. So whenever you are shopping online check for coupons and it is the best deal for you to make great savings.You need not worry about delivery as there are free shipping offers in addition to the discount sale. Online stores provides lowest and best offer prices.
By M S Nath
Invest in Tomorrow's Collectible Jewelry Today
Wouldn't it be great to have a time machine that would allow you to go back and buy today's collectible jewelry at yesterday's prices? You can do the next best thing by buying jewelry today that will become sought after in the future. Here are eight tips to help you in your search for tomorrow's collectible jewelry.
1. Quality and craftsmanship
Quality pieces command quality prices. Cheap jewelry is a dime a dozen at flea markets and resale shops. But quality pieces with crystal stones that still shimmer and faux pearls that have retained their luster paired with metal that hasn't had its finish rubbed or flaked off, will always hold appeal for collectors.
2. Pieces hallmarked with the designer's name
A designer's name or mark on a piece adds instant value. It gives an item the cachet of the entire breadth of the designer's work. Look for a hallmark on the back of pins or brooches, near the clasp of necklaces and bracelets, or on a separate hanging tag in the same finish as the metal.
3. Name recognition
Not every designer becomes well-known. Every collector of vintage jewelry probably has at least one piece in their collection with an obscure hallmark they can't identify, and that's fine if they like the piece. But when they come across a piece with an instantly recognizable name, they don't hesitate to scoop it up. They know they've found something special -- and they know they'll be able to sell it in the future to someone who will appreciate the name as well as the style.
4. Small production per piece
The fewer pieces of an item there are in existence, the higher the demand and price. Opt for the offbeat or unusual -- as long as you like it -- over a generic piece with mass appeal. While both will have resale value if they're made well, the unique piece should prove harder to find, thus driving up its resale price. If a more expensive item captures your heart, remember that fewer people buy a higher priced item which can create increased demand in the future.
5. Limited Edition pieces
A Limited Edition eliminates the guesswork of how many pieces were made. Limited Edition pieces should be stamped with both the total number in the Edition and the number of each particular piece. For example, piece number 12 in an addition of 250 will most likely be stamped on back "Ltd. Ed. 12/250". If you buy a piece that isn't stamped with the actual edition, but instead has a Certificate of Authenticity with that information, be sure to keep the Certificate with the item to ensure you get the optimum resale price in the future.
6. Thematic pieces
Look for pieces that will have crossover appeal to at least two groups of collectors. For example, Christmas jewelry is sought after by both jewelry collectors and Christmas collectors. If it's an angel, you'll add angel collectors to your list of potential buyers as well. The more people you have vying for an item, the higher your selling price will be.
7. Assurance of authenticity
Buy from a reputable retailer. Designers in all fields are plagued by knock-offs. An Authorized Reseller protects your investment by ensuring that you're getting the genuine articles you're paying for.
8. Buy what you like
This is the Cardinal Rule for collectors. You'll never go wrong buying what you like. Today's joy won't be diminished if you aren't able to sell something at a profit tomorrow. And if you truly love something -- you probably won't want to part with it anyway!
By Sue A. Richardson
Beautiful, Stylish and Useful
The resurgence in personalized jewelry has lead to some new and creative ways to make name necklaces truly personalized. In your choice of 14-karat or 10-karat gold plated or sterling silver, necklaces come in choices of chain style and length.
Always a popular choice, single initials in a variety of scripts may come with diamond or birthstone accents. Initial necklaces can be more than one letter too, or "his" and "her" initials with a heart in between. How about a Valentine's Day gift?
You can also get entire names that are centered in the chain, available in a great variety of font styles, designs, and embellishments such as engraving and stones. These are lovely necklaces that look good when worn at the bare throat or over a high-neck sweater.
Your name or initial encircled in a hoop looks great as a pair of earrings. Ankle bracelets are also very popular, especially if it has a name suspended in the chain.
Engraved dog tags or military-style plates or discs are beautiful when personalized in a choice of fonts. Many are available with an added diamond or birth stone, which can be embedded in the tag. Tags or discs may be held onto the chain with a single hole and hung vertically like a military I.D. tag, or with two holes and held horizontally. Again, 14-karat or 10-karat gold or sterling silver look stylish.
I.D. tag necklaces and bracelets are not only fashionable, but are also important when it is necessary to carry a medical alert. Medical alerts do not have to be ugly, but can be part of a person's fashion sense when created to be stylish as well as functional. Some bracelets can have the information cleverly hidden beneath a flip-up name plate, and are made with an expansion band like a watch. A woman whose husband has Alzheimer's disease had her contact information engraved on an I.D. bracelet for him. I.D. bracelets can mean added safety for children, also.
Personalized jewelry does not always have to bear a person's name. Other interests or slogans may be engraved on discs, tags, or pendants, which can be worn as necklaces or as charms on bracelets. Various horses, dog breeds, airplanes or sports could be utilized as blank shapes that are engraved with a name or date or other significant notation. Use your imagination, but remember that you are creating a keepsake.
How about personalized pet jewelry? Bowser's name and contact information may be engraved on a disc or plate, and either suspended or riveted to a collar. Many horse lovers have engraved discs or plates attached to their horses' tack, preventing it from getting mixed up with another horse's equipment.
Personalized jewelry can be beautiful, stylish, and practical. With so many items to choose from, name jewelry can go from ears to toes, can be a fashion accessory, or even a medical necessity. For many reasons, name jewelry is a perfect gift to give someone, or to give even yourself.
By Alan King
