Cartier and America: Exhibit at the Legion of Honor Museum SFBayStyle (blog)
Cartier Tutti Frutti Necklace
Photo: Legion of Honor Museum
To see more photos from the Cartier exhibit visit:
http://www.examiner.com/examinerslideshow.html?entryid=1014233
The Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco certainly knows what thrills the ladies – jewelry. The museum’s latest exhibit, Cartier and America is a retrospective of the famous French jeweler from the 1899 to the 1970s and runs now through April 18, 2010. Curated by Martin Chapman this exhibit is an exclusive treat to San Francisco.
The House of Cartier illustrious background -
The House of Cartier was established in Paris in 1847 by jeweler and watch maker Louis-Francois Cartier. Many years later his grandsons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques took over the business and developed it into a notable brand by creating extravagant pieces for European royalty and wealthy Americans such as the Vanderbilts and the Astors. In addition to jewelry, the Cartier brothers are known for designing the first wristwatch in 1904 and later the tank style watch in 1917. In the early 20th century Cartier opened shops across Europe and New York in 1909. The current NYC location on Fifth Avenue is the former mansion owned by railroad tycoon Henry Plant. The story goes that Cartier purchased the mansion in 1917 for $100 and a double strand necklace of natural pearls. In 1964 the family sold the business to a group of investors. Cartier still carries on today as a luxury brand.
