Cartier. Cartier is a French luxury goods conglomerate that designs, manufactures, distributes and sells jewelry, watches, leather goods, sunglasses and eyeglasses. Founded in 1847 by Louis-Fran??ois Cartier (1819???1904) in Paris, France, the company remained under family control until 1964. The company is headquartered in Paris and is currently a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group, a global luxury giant. Cartier operates more than 200 stores in 125 countries, with three Temples in Paris, London and New York City.