Pierre C. Cartier
Pierre Camille Cartier | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 March 1878 Paris, France |
| Died | 27 October 1964 (aged 86) |
| Occupation | Jeweler |
| Known for | Member of the Cartier family; launching Cartier stores in London and New York; sale of the Hope Diamond |
Pierre Camille Cartier (born March 10, 1878 – died October 27, 1964) was a distinguished French jeweler and a pivotal member of the Cartier family business. He was one of the three sons of Alfred Cartier and sibling to Jacques and Louis Cartier. The Cartier legacy began with their grandfather, Louis-François Cartier, who established the celebrated Cartier brand in 1847.
Early life and education
Pierre entered the world in Paris, France as the second oldest child of Alfred Louis Francois Cartier (1841–1925) and Amélie Alice (née Grifeuille).
Career
In 1902, Pierre took charge of launching Cartier's store in London. Seven years later, in 1909, he inaugurated the New York branch, which he moved in 1917 to an elegant neo-Renaissance mansion at 653 Fifth Avenue, a property formerly owned by banker Morton Plant. Following the passing of his brothers in 1942, Pierre continued operations from Paris until he retired and relocated to Geneva in 1947.
A significant moment in his career was the acquisition of the Hope Diamond, which he sold on January 28, 1911, to Edward B. McLean for $180,000 USD (equivalent to approximately $5.9 million in 2023). The transaction included a unique provision permitting a return if any member of the McLean family died within six months, reflecting the diamond's infamous curse. Shortly after the sale, disagreements over payment emerged when McLean contended that the diamond was only loaned for inspection. Despite these disputes, reports from the New York Times in 1912 confirmed that the McLean family retained possession of the gem.
Personal life
On July 13, 1908, Pierre married Elma Rumsey, an American native, in Paris's 16th arrondissement. Elma was the daughter of Moses Rumsey, Jr., a prosperous pump manufacturing entrepreneur from Saint Louis, Missouri. At that time, the Rumsey family's wealth surpassed that of the Cartiers, rendering this marriage a strategic social alliance. Elma's acquaintances included influential families such as the Morgans, Roosevelts, and McLeans. Together, Pierre and Elma had six children, among them Marion Rumsey Cartier (1911–1994).