When it comes to jewellery, there are a couple names that instantly spring to mind when we think of luxury brands: Cartier and Tiffany. As two of the most iconic brands out there, they both have the depth of legacy and craftsmanship, but which one really comes out on top?
History of Cartier
Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, attracting a clientele far from ordinary right from the start. Louis-François established the foundation of the Maison Cartier after taking over the workshop of his master, Adolphe Picard, at 29 rue Montorgueil. The jewellery house was launched into the arms of Parisian high society after being endorsed by Princess Mathilde, cousin of Emperor Napoleon III. Louis-François’ grandson, also called Louis, joined the maison and relocated it to a boutique on the Rue de la Paix, an area known today for its many jewellers.
From here Cartier began crafted jewellery in abstract shapes and unique colour combinations never seen before, later becoming synonymous with the Art Deco movement. Cartier continued to hold royal endorsement, receiving its first royal warrant granted by the court of King Edward VII just 2 years after opening its London branch.
Cartier continued to expand overseas and became known for not only their striking jewellery but highly crafted luxury silverware and homewares. With over 175years of legacy, Cartier has remained at the forefront of luxury jewellery and watchmaking.
Cartier’s legendary designs like the Love bracelet and the Panthère collection have cemented its status as a master of both classic and statement jewellery. Equally iconic is the tricolour gold Trinity ring, first introduced in 1924—a blend of yellow, white, and rose gold that remains a symbol of timeless elegance and effortless French style.
History of Tiffany & Co
Just 10 years before the doors of Cartier opened, Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young opened their own business, Tiffany & Young. They initially focused on selling stationery and luxury home goods but introduced silverware into the mix in 1845, which marked the beginning of something much bigger. Not long after, Tiffany bought out Young and renamed the business Tiffany & Co. – a name that would go on to define American luxury.
Tiffany made its mark by importing exquisite goods, including diamonds, from Europe and Asia, which quickly set it apart as a go-to for America’s elite seeking luxury without going abroad.
Notably, Tiffany set the national benchmark for silver quality, becoming the first American company to adopt the .925 sterling silver standard – a move so influential it was later adopted across the United States.
Tiffany continued to grow it’s brand and jewellery line, but the real showstopper came in 1877, when Charles Tiffany purchased a 287.42-carat fancy yellow diamond. After being cut and polished to 128.54 carats, it became the iconic Tiffany Diamond, one of the world’s largest and finest yellow diamonds that would later famously be worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Lady Gaga at the 2019 Oscars.
Tiffany & Co. is closely linked to the American Arts and Crafts movement, largely thanks to Charles Tiffany’s son, Louis Comfort Tiffany, who was a pioneer in decorative arts and stained glass. This movement celebrated handcrafted, nature-inspired designs, which influenced Tiffany’s jewellery with delicate motifs like flowers and leaves a beautiful contrast to the more geometric styles seen elsewhere.
Since opening its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in 1940, Tiffany & Co. has become more than just a jeweller—it’s a cultural icon. From silver baby spoons to diamond engagement rings, everything comes wrapped in that unmistakable blue box. The colour itself—officially named Tiffany Blue (Pantone 1837, after the year the company was founded)—was trademarked in 2001 and has since become a symbol of timeless American glamour. Whether it’s for a milestone moment or a meaningful gift, Tiffany’s is the kind of luxury that stays with you.
Is Cartier or Tiffany More Expensive?
When it comes to price, Cartier and Tiffany both sit firmly in the luxury lane, but Cartier generally carries a higher price tag. This is partly because Cartier often focuses on intricate craftsmanship, exclusive designs, and precious gemstones that push their pieces into a more elite price bracket. Tiffany, while still unquestionably luxurious, tends to offer a slightly broader range of pieces at more accessible price points, making it easier for a wider audience to own a piece of their iconic blue-box magic. Ultimately, both brands represent investment-worthy jewellery, but if you’re looking at the very top end of luxury and exclusivity, Cartier usually comes out as the pricier option.
Cartier vs Tiffany Engagement Rings
Both Cartier and Tiffany offer stunning, high-end engagement rings, but it is Tiffany’s little blue box that has long captured the imaginations of many a bride-to-be!
While Cartier engagement rings are beautifully crafted, featuring intricate designs and exceptional gemstones, Tiffany’s engagement rings are instantly recognisable and carry that extra layer of cultural and romantic symbolism, thanks in part to Hollywood films and decades of proposals in that little blue box.
Charlies Tiffany introduced the trademarked Tiffany® Setting in 1886 – the renowned 6 claw setting that allows a solitaire diamond to float effortlessly on a band, catching the light perfectly. This innovation set a new standard for elegance and remains as one of the most popular engagement ring styles more than a century later.
In contrast Cartier engagement rings balance timelessness with bold, artistic flair and exceptional gemstones. Lately cool-girl brides have been moving away from simple solitaires in favour of chunkier, vintage-inspired styles—and Cartier’s archival designs are leading the way with the likes of their gemstone cocktail rings or famed tricolour gold solitaires!
Celebrities Favourite
Both brands have star power but in slightly different ways. Cartier is well-known for bold, statement pieces and luxurious watches that can be spotted on the likes of Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet as they sit courtside at a New York Knicks game. Tiffany & Co. on the other hand has always leaned into the Hollywood glamour side of things, becoming a red carpet go-to since Audrey Hepburn, donning the necks of icons like Anya Taylor-Joy, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.
Which is Better Between Cartier and Tiffany?
So which is better? As you might have expected, it’s impossible to say that one is definitively better than the other. Both have comparable histories and legacy, being just a decade apart in terms of establishment!
Those who seek prestige and a sense of rich, regal beauty from their jewellery and silverware might prefer Cartier. Although it is the younger of the two, it has a long history with royal families across Europe. Cartier has also managed to stay current through its incredibly romantic line of jewellery like the love bracelet.
Equally, Tiffany & Co has done its fair share of revolutionising the industry. Creating the Tiffany setting for engagement rings in 1886, the company has epitomised romantic jewellery in America for more than a century. Those who want widespread appeal and brand recognition may prefer to shop with Tiffany. Both brands are known around the world, but Tiffany’s arguably has the wider-reaching net of the two.
Both of these prestigious brands make and define trends in the jewellery world and have done for more than 100 years. Choosing between them is not an easy task, as you’re destined to find quality, beauty, and luxury in equal measure no matter where you look.
