Whenever Jacques Cartier embarked on his many travels to India, his older brothers Louis and Pierre would entrust him with a number of tasks. Selling the latest Cartier jewellery to the country’s wealthy maharajahs was a top priority, as was acquiring new business for the future, and finally, sourcing top-quality gemstones, which were abundant throughout the subcontinent.
On his return from the first voyage in 1911, the youngest Cartier brother had fulfilled all three, not insubstantial, tasks. In addition, he also imparted a bonus gift that would have a lasting influence on the