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The Cartiers

The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire

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About this listen

 “A dynamic group biography studded with design history and high-society dash . . . [This] elegantly wrought narrative bears the Cartier hallmark.”—The Economist

The “astounding” (André Leon Talley) story of the family behind the Cartier empire and the three brothers who turned their grandfather’s humble Parisian jewelry store into a global luxury icon—as told by a great-granddaughter with exclusive access to long-lost family archives

“Ms. Cartier Brickell has done her grandfather proud.”—The Wall Street Journal

The Cartiers is the revealing tale of a jewelry dynasty—four generations, from revolutionary France to the 1970s. At its heart are the three Cartier brothers whose motto was “Never copy, only create” and who made their family firm internationally famous in the early days of the twentieth century, thanks to their unique and complementary talents: Louis, the visionary designer who created the first men’s wristwatch to help an aviator friend tell the time without taking his hands off the controls of his flying machine; Pierre, the master dealmaker who bought the New York headquarters on Fifth Avenue for a double-stranded natural pearl necklace; and Jacques, the globe-trotting gemstone expert whose travels to India gave Cartier access to the world’s best rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, inspiring the celebrated Tutti Frutti jewelry.

Francesca Cartier Brickell, whose great-grandfather was the youngest of the brothers, has traveled the world researching her family’s history, tracking down those connected with her ancestors and discovering long-lost pieces of the puzzle along the way. Now she reveals never-before-told dramas, romances, intrigues, betrayals, and more.

The Cartiers also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the firm’s most iconic jewelry—the notoriously cursed Hope Diamond, the Romanov emeralds, the classic panther pieces—and the long line of stars from the worlds of fashion, film, and royalty who wore them, from Indian maharajas and Russian grand duchesses to Wallis Simpson, Coco Chanel, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Published in the two-hundredth anniversary year of the birth of the dynasty’s founder, Louis-François Cartier, this book is a magnificent, definitive, epic social history shown through the deeply personal lens of one legendary family. Entertainment & Celebrities Europe France Celebrity Biography Latin American New York War Russia
All stars
Most relevant
The story is beautifully read and a very interesting story. I would highly recommend to anyone that loves jewellery

I loved it!

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This is by far the best audible book I have ever listened to. So much so you didn’t want to put it on as you didn’t want it to end. Going through each generation at a time instead of jumping back and forth. (Other books take notice). From the start to finish BRILLIANT. And brilliant narration aswell.

The Cartiers

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I really enjoyed this book and the narration was spot on. Lovely voice. The story is a wonderful saga of this family and the incredible changing times they lived through. Amazing tales of fabulous wealth of their customers and dedication to beauty and excellence of the Cartier brothers.
It’s a perfect audiobook. I’m finding long books ideal to listen to rather to read!

Very good read

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(As a millennial) I found great delightful to learn of how much has happened before my parents where born and what has taken place prior to my own birth. As an artist this helps both salute those who have dedicated themselves through different walks of life to be the best within their craft & sharpen my own vision of the future I will create, Thank you.
A worth while listen.

Phenomenal

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I absolutely loved listening The Cartiers. It is a fascinating and beautifully written book that blends history, personal stories and the legacy of an extraordinary family. I enjoyed the way the author connects major historical events with the evolution of the Cartier dynasty, showing not only the rise of an iconic brand but the people, passions and challenges behind it. The balance of heritage, craftsmanship and family narrative kept me fully engaged from start to finish. It is one of the most captivating family and brand histories I have read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys real stories told with depth, heart and elegance.

A Wonderful Cartier Family Journey

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