It’s Open!

All the talk (and painstakingly planned construction) is done. Cartier‘s jewel of a jewelry store is open and catering to customers in the River Oaks District.

It’s a big day for the storied luxury brand, and for shopping in Houston in general. Cartier is the first store to open in the highly-anticipated, new upscale shopping center, beating all the other luxury giants to the finish line. The move also gives Cartier a fittingly sleek and stylish showcase for its jaw-dropping wares, ending the brand’s stay in a temporary Post Oak location.

The new store features limestone flooring and a glittering chandelier in its jewelry salon. At 6,000 square feet, it has the kind of roomy, relaxed (gold) vibe that luxury customers expect. There is nothing crammed in about this retail palace. Three separate private viewing areas reinforce that feel.

Of course, the new boutique has been designed by Cartier staple Bruno Moinard.

“Cartier has had a presence in Houston for 36 years and we’re excited to open our new boutique within the premier shopping destination, River Oaks District,” Mercedes Abramo, president & CEO of Cartier North America, says in a statement. “We believe in Houston as an important, dynamic and ever-evolving market and we are looking forward to welcoming familiar friends and new clients into our home.”

With Houston emerging as an international shopping mecca, this new Cartier boutique will have a wide client base. There’s a new luxury escape in town, Amex Black Cards encouraged.

Having Cartier already open gives the River Oaks District an early flagship store and draw. The anticipation is over. Let the shopping begin.