Is Cartier Cheaper In Europe? All You Need To Know Before Your Next Trip
Cartier jewelry is gorgeous but can be quite pricey, so we are going to answer the question, is Cartier cheaper in Europe, to help you find the best price!
There are so many incredible pieces from the luxury jewelry brand, Cartier, that you really need in your jewelry box – the Cartier Love Bracelet and the Juste Un Clou collection are just two examples.
Cartier pieces are also a fantastic investment; there are so many Cartier products that are in demand, and there is also a great resale market for this brand so it is always worth adding something from Cartier to your collection.
If you do have your eye on a few Cartier pieces, you may be wondering how to add these pieces to your collection for the best price – that is why we are here to answer the question, is Cartier cheaper in Europe? We are going to give you all the details you need to know about the pricing of Cartier in Europe, the taxes in European countries, and the best times to shop so you get the best deal.
We have also listed a few of the top luxury items from Cartier that we think you will love to inspire future purchases! Keep reading to find out how to add your favorite Cartier products to your jewelry box at the best price!
Is Cartier cheaper in Europe?
In short, yes Cartier is cheaper in Europe! But there are a few things you need to know before you go booking a ticket to a European city! There are several reasons why Cartier pieces are cheaper and a few things you need to check out before you fly off on a luxury shopping trip.
1. Cartier Is a French Brand
Firstly, Cartier is cheaper in Europe because the jewelry house is a French luxury brand. The majority of Cartier pieces are made in Europe, namely Switzerland, which, while not part of the EU, is part of the single market and the European Free-Trade Association (EFTA).
Since Cartier watches and jewelry are made within the borders of the European single market, you’ll often find that some of the brand’s prices in the eurozone can be slightly lower than elsewhere in the world, even though luxury brands typically aim to keep their prices relatively similar across the globe.
2. VAT refund
The main reason why Cartier jewelry is cheaper in Europe for customers from the US, UK and Asia is the VAT refund you receive if you live outside of the European Union. This means you will be refunded the value-added tax on products over a certain amount, making the item significantly cheaper in the long run.
Each European country has a different percentage VAT refund, so it is worth checking out what the refund is in the country you are visiting so you can get a better idea of how much money you will receive back.
For example, if you are going to France the refund will be 12% of the price, whereas, if you are in Italy, you can receive 11.6% to 15.5% back as a refund, depending on how much money you have spent.
For Spain, it’s between 10.4% and 15.7%, while in Germany, the VAT refund ranges between 6.1% and 14.5%. This means the best places to buy Cartier bracelets are likely to be Italy, France and Spain, depending on how much money you will be spending.
How to get The VAT tax refund
Here are a few more details you need to know about the tax refund: EU countries have a system in which, when spending over a certain amount of money, foreign shoppers can receive a VAT refund, but there are certain rules to this system.
First of all, to qualify for this refund, you need to:
- Older than 16 years old
- A non-EU citizen
- Bring your passport to the store when shopping
- You cannot be in one EU country for longer than six months
- You cannot use the products before you leave the EU – leave them untouched and unopened.
- You need to spend more than a certain amount in one store, in one day – this minimum amount changes depending on the country you are in, but usually, the minimum purchase amount ranges between €100 and €150.
The refund system is perfect if you are on holiday in Europe and looking to pick up a stunning piece of Cartier jewelry!
Most of the time, sales assistants will automatically fill in the paperwork for this refund, but make sure to double-check so you don’t miss out and make sure you have your passport with you as the sales assistants will need this to fill in the paperwork!
You can receive the VAT sales tax back immediately in cash, but this will mean you will receive a slightly lower percentage. Or you can wait a little bit longer and receive the refund via your credit card, this may take up to three months, but you will get the full percentage of your purchase back. For example, in France, if you chose to receive the refund in cash, you would get 10,8% back, whereas for a credit card, it would be 12%.
It’s very important you remember to drop your tax refund paperwork off at the airport. There are tax refund desks located at each international airport, so all you have to do is scan the document and pop it into a mailbox in order to receive your tax refund back!
US Dollar to Euros price comparison
Here is a price difference comparison so you can get a better idea of how much money you would receive back.
If you buy the yellow gold Just Un Clou bracelet in Italy, it will cost you €3,700 You will then receive 14% of this back in a VAT refund, which equals €518 – so in total, this bracelet would cost you €3,182 ($3,395).
If you buy the same bracelet in New York, with the added sales tax, it would cost you $3,400 + $302 = $3,702, so you would make a significant saving of around $307.
Other facts to keep in mind
Before you leave for your European trip, it is always worth taking a look at the exchange rate between Euros and United States Dollars – this will give you a better idea of how much everything will cost while you are away.
Also, be wary of price increases – just like many other luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent, Cartier has been implementing price increases over the last few years. The most recent Cartier price increase was in June 2022, and there are bound to be more increases in 2023.
This means try not to hold out on picking up a Cartier piece because chances are the prices will increase again before too long, and you may see a Cartier product you had your eye on going up in price.
Best-selling Cartier products
Here are some of the best-selling Cartier luxury goods that you really need in your life – these pieces will never go out of style and will add a touch of luxurious glamour to any outfit. Also, any of the jewelry listed below would make a fantastic gift for someone special in your life for a birthday or around the holiday season!
We have also included links to Cartier jewelry on resale sites, where you can find beautiful Cartier jewelry in excellent condition, at a discounted price if you are not able to make it over to Europe.
1. Bracelets
The Juste Un Clou bracelet was designed by Aldo Cipullo in 1971 and quickly became a cult classic piece in the Cartier collection. There is now a whole Juste Un Clou collection, all with the same nail motif running throughout the jewelry.
The Juste Un Clou bracelet is a must-have in your jewelry collection because of its iconic, timeless design. This bracelet is available in several different metals, but we love the warm tones of the 18-karat rose gold, adding a feminine touch to your look! Wear this bracelet on its own for a minimalist look, or pair it with other rose gold jewelry for more of a glamorous finish.
The Cartier Love bracelet is another piece designed by Aldo Cipullo in the 1970s that has become a best seller for the Cartier brand. The bracelet is signified by the screw motif that decorates the entire bracelet and, with the little matching screwdriver, you are meant to screw this bracelet to your wrist to signify eternal love – just gorgeous!
There are now so many different variations of the Love bracelet, with different sizes, different metals, and even some embellished with diamonds! We love the original, timeless classic 18-karat yellow gold bangle that is the perfect accessory for any look.
2. necklaces
The Amulette de Cartier Necklace is a stunning piece of jewelry that will become a staple, everyday piece in your collection. This edition of the Amulette de Cartier is crafted from rose gold, and finished with an amulette pendant, featuring rich green malachite and a diamond in the center.
The simplicity and sophistication of this necklace make it totally irresistible and a great addition to your jewelry box. Get your hands on this chic necklace for just $1,975.
If you are looking for something a little more sparkly, with that classic Cartier look, then this Logo Pendant Necklace is just perfect for you.
This necklace has a delicate 18-karat rose gold chain, and finishes with an oval-shaped pendant, in the center of which sits a C Cartier logo. The oval pendant is studded with sparkling diamonds to add a little more glam to your look. This beautiful necklace is dainty enough to wear every day, with any smart or casual outfit.
3. Rings
We love the layered look of this stunning Cartier Trinity ring. This ring has a parried-back design, but the three different metals make it an eye-catching piece we just can’t resist. The ringing is made up of three interlocking bands, crafted from 18-karat white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold for a luxe look.
The rose gold band has been engraved with the Cartier brand name of that quintessentially Cartier finish. Add this ring to your jewelry box for just $975.
One of the iconic motifs of the Cartier brand is the Panther, which has featured throughout many incredible Cartier collections since the brand’s founding in 1847.
This Cartier Tsavorite Onyx Panthere De Cartier Ring is just one iteration of the panther design, crafted from sleek 18-karat yellow gold and finishing with a panther head at the top of the ring. The eyes of the panther are tsavorite onyx for that perfect, high-quality finish. This ring is a timeless piece that is a great investment that you can pass down through the generations.
4. earrings
Everyone needs a great pair of diamond earrings in their collection, just like these Cartier Diamond Etincelle De Cartier Earrings. The teardrop-shaped earrings are made from 18-karat white gold and set with round, brilliant-cut diamonds for a sparkling look.
The smaller size of the earrings makes them the ideal earrings to wear every day to add an extra special touch to your outfit. These stylish and elegant earrings are available for just $5,450.
The Clash de Cartier collection may be a recent addition to the Cartier brand but it has quickly become a best-selling range that is a fan-favorite with customers. These incredible Clash de Cartier diamond hoop earrings perfectly show off the edgy design of the collection, with the spiky studs that sit on each side of the earrings.
The earrings are crafted from gleaming 18-karat rose gold and then the center is embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds to add a glittering finishing touch.
We hope you found this article answering the question, is Cartier cheaper in Europe, helpful! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.
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