VIBE

As the story goes, shortly after Cartier opened their first shop in New York in 1909, they traded a double-stranded natural pearl necklace and USD 100 for the elegant neo-Renaissance Plant mansion on Fifth Avenue, and a flagship was born. The historic premises are still as impressive as you would expect from the “gold standard” of jewelers, with delicate European touches on the outside (curly iron railings, vintage glass dome lamps, and quaint red awnings arched over the windows) and grandiose gilding on the inside. Once you're in the door, Cartier’s signature diamond confections are unquestionably the focal point.

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

A wedding ring; a gift (we love the cufflinks); a splurgy treat for yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

Obviously this is the place to come if you’re looking for a watch or piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime, but even if you’re not, it’s worth coming just to browse and drink in the deliciously posh ambiance in the historic flagship.

GOOD TO KNOW

In 1904, Louis Cartier designed the first men’s wristwatch for his friend, aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, and a version of “the Santos” is still available from Cartier today. At the holidays, this Cartier store is entirely wrapped in a big, festive red bow–it’s a staple of the Fifth Avenue December décor.

OTHER LOCATIONS

JFK Airport (New York); Madison Avenue (New York); 200+ locations worldwide

CLOSEST COMPS

Tiffany & Co. (New York); Boutique Baccarat (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.