Cartier

13 Rue de la Paix, view of one of the Jewellery Salons, at the turn of the 20th century.Watercolour by Desouches, circa 1910. 

 13 Rue de la Paix, view of the Salons giving onto the street, at the turn of the 20th century.Watercolour by Desouches, circa 1910.

Reproductions of various royal warrants accumulated over the years hang throughout the store    

One of them, however, is dedicated to Cartier Tradition items, vintage Cartier objects that have been restored and certified by Cartier. All the ground level salons have long windows that run from the ceiling to the floor. Display cases take up most of the windows to above eye level, so light is allowed into the salons while maintaining an atmosphere of privacy.

At the end of the corridor, past the Cartier Tradition salon, sits Louis Cartier’s office. It is now used as an office as well as a sales salon for clients. Cartier has ensured the room is almost identical to that when Louis Cartier was sitting in it, keeping all the original furniture and even Louis Cartier’s clock sitting on the mantelpiece.

Louis Cartier's office (above) and clock (below)

A period photograph in the office showing the three Cartier brothers with their father Alfred Cartier

Retreating back down the corridor, one will reach the main showroom illuminated by a skylight. Dominated by a grand black and gold staircase, this contains most of Cartier’s entry to mid-level goods across all product categories, from watches to leather goods. Even in this main area there are individual desks and chairs for customers, regardless what is being purchased.

A portrait of Louis Cartier that hangs on the second level