Cartier
The jeweller of kings, in eyewear. Available by request.
A small panther head on the hinge or temple.
Paris, 1847.
Louis-François Cartier founded the house in Paris in 1847 when he took over the workshop of his master, Adolphe Picard. In 1904 his grandson Louis Cartier made a flat wristwatch with a square bezel for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who found a pocket watch impractical while flying. That watch became the Santos.
The panther first appeared on a 1914 Cartier wristwatch, set with black onyx and diamonds. It is closely linked with Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s director of fine jewellery from 1933, nicknamed “La Panthère”. Cartier began making eyewear in the 1980s, and Kering Eyewear has made it since 2017.
From the house to the frame.
- 01Panthère de CartierA small panther head on the hinge or temple.
- 02Santos screwsThe visible screws from the 1904 Santos watch, used on the frame.
- 03C DécorThe double C motif on the temples, in gold or platinum finishes.
Cartier eyewear
You treat every day like an occasion.
Someone who wants their glasses to feel like fine jewellery, made to keep for life. Not sure it’s you? That’s what your styling session is for. We’ll tell you honestly, and show you what is.
The frames
A few pieces from the collection. In the practice there is far more: optical frames, sunglasses and new arrivals every season. Tap any frame and we’ll set it aside for you to try.
Ask us what is on the shelf this week. Tell us the shape or model you love and we will have it ready for your styling session.
Designer frames from £150 · With your prescription, measured and fitted by hand
Try Cartier on, with someone who knows.
A free styling session with a dispensing optician, at any of our five practices. No obligation to buy.
Also on our shelves.
