Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847 when he took over the workshop of his master, Adolphe Picard. In 1874, Louis-François' son Alfred Cartier took over the company, but it was Alfred's sons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques who established the brand name worldwide.

Louis ran the Paris branch, moving to the Rue de la Paix in 1899. He was responsible for some of the company's most celebrated designs, such as the mystery clocks (a type of clock with a transparent dial and so named because its mechanism is hidden), fashionable wristwatches and exotic orientalist Art Deco designs, including the colorful "Tutti Frutti" jewels.During that time, Louis Cartier also pioneered the use of platinum in jewelry, a breakthrough innovation that enabled more intricate and delicate settings. The strength of platinum allowed for nearly invisible settings, putting the spotlight on diamonds and gemstones, and giving Cartier's creations a distinct elegance that redefined modern jewelry design