The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire Kindle Edition

Here’s the deal:This is a fascinating story- an intimate look behind one of the most successful jewelry designers hustling his way through the early days to build a global empire. The behind the scenes look into the aristocratic circles of the time is incredibly interesting (to me especially).Yes, the author is related to Cartier, which actually makes the story extremely personal and that much more engaging. Because of her, we have authentic insight. Reviews that comment on not supporting wealthy authors is very odd and would quite frankly leave far fewer good books to read!

This book is really brilliant. It isn’t a picture book like a coffee-table book First of all, if you’re a reader, 600+ pages is not really a long book for what it covers; which is why it took 10 years to write. It’s filled with comprehensive, authenticated information from access that a writer/biographer wouldn’t normally have access It really is a story about the process to create a successful. Hard work and perseverance through bad times such as the first- and second-world war. Diplomatic relationships between owner and consumer. Creating a product that kept its relevancy over 150 years. I loved the inclusion of family thoughts as it gave the book personality. These relationships affect everything in any family business. I think the three brothers did an excellent job in identifying strengths (both staff and themselves), creating teams of experts. To see an earring design out of the curve of a vase or to see a color combination from a historic object without copying is astonishing. Buy this book not just for the allure of the beautiful objects, but because it covers a lot of business principles and clever deal-making which was the key behind their enduring legacy in history.

This is a wonderful personal history of the Cartiers written by a family member - I couldn't put it down! So many incredible stories and intriguing details, and beautiful pics too. Great present for my jewelry-crazed friends!

What a fantastic book! I couldn’t put it down. It’s a serious work of biography that traces 4 generations of the famed jewelry family through wars and wealth. It’s a story of creativity and vision, of determination, and in some ways - although they are French — when they cross the Atlantic to Fifth Avenue, it also has threads of pursuing the American dream. My only wish was that there were some more photos of the fantastic pieces described in the story. I found myself googling certain jewels to see them. If you like biographies, history or good family tales, buy this book, you will not be disappointed!!

Francesca Cartier Brickell gives the attentive, patient reader a thorough overview of the foundation, expansion, and loss of the family control of the Cartier empire from 1847 to the 1970s. The Cartier’s corporate tagline “never copy, only create” comes out clearly in the firm’s relentless drive for beauty, timeliness, and high craftmanship. The premium of the Cartier’s creations appeals to their buyer's psyche. The book under review contains a good selection of pictures of these glamorous offerings in color. Furthermore, Ms. Brickell offers useful insights into the motivations of the purchasers and sellers of Cartier’s product offerings over time. In summary, the author succeeds in bringing to life her illustrious ancestors, their achievements, and occasional misdeeds that make them human.

One of the best stories, fact or fiction I have read in decades. BRAVO!!!

Excellent book. Very interesting to see the history of the Maison Cartier in the historical context, and what it took to survive through major events such as the Russian Revolution, WWI, and WWII.

Excellent chronicle of the unique house of Cartier. From late 1800's to 1970, Cartier was family owned. This family worked hard and their innovations in high end jewelry making are still in use. I have always loved the artistry of their creations and this book does justice to that element, but this book is so much more. The book is honest about the family members, good and bad. The book also gives a window of awareness to the massive wealth of those who did business with Cartier and was an education in itself. This book is sad in a way too because all things come to an end and the only constant is change.

The Cartiers - Book Review.I STUDIED this book vs reading it. Page by page, 600 pages. For me, it was a PhD in Business, Creativity & Philosophy.What I learned:- The AMAZING ability of the Cartier family to find inspiration from what they saw around them. Paris Balcony designs became Cartier's "Garland" style jewels. When Tanks rolled into Paris during WW1, that became the "Tank" watch. Visits to India were the inspiration for "tutti frutti" jewellery (Indian gems had lots of colour) & the lions & panthers gave way to the animal jewellery so famously Cartier.- The HARD HARD HARD work that went into building Cartier. From scratch to becoming a global brand, it took long sea voyages, visits to dangerous countries, appeasing temperamental clients & surviving 2 world wars to become an institution.- The amazing rule "Never Copy. Only Create".- The fact that Cartier brothers would GO to clients to do sales vs clients coming to them. This was a shocker to me but a humble reminder of how sales works!- The shock of the Cartier business being sold by its inheritors to different buyers- Lots of amazing quotes.

Very disjointed book. Perhaps not best suited to Kindle. Might have been easier in hard copy. I also felt it glossed over the Hollywood years.

Great book for anyone wanting to learn about the incredible Cartier family and company of artisans. The Cartier firm is renowned for the quality of its work and this publication by Francesca Cartier Brickell is not only insightful and enjoyable to read but a fitting tribute.

Its a simply fabulous book and a must read for anyone interested in jewellery or luxury industry. Very well written and illustrated. One of the best books I have read so far.

The history of the Cartier’s is filled with intrigue and tales of fabulous wealth, power and majesty, wrapped up in style and detailed craftsmanship. Combine all this with personal anecdotes and factual history and you get a well written story of great interest, a pleasure to read.