Splendour of Cartier

The tradition set by the Cartier brothers, who travelled the world and drew inspiration from it, continues to result in jewellery that add resplendent beauty in our lives.

It’s hard to rival the manner in which the Cartier Maison sees the beauty of the world, preserving it, and above all, enriching it! It is a passion that has always influenced their philosophy. The perfect arrangement of a bird’s feathers ,the abstraction of a traditional Japanese motif … Cartier never ceases to marvel at all the beauty in the world and convey it through its splendid and spirited High Jewellery creations.

THE OBI NECKLACE

FOR CARTIER, THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD IS ALSO THE BEAUTY OF TRADITIONS.

The inspiration came from Japanese fabrics decorated with the rising sun motif. The Obi
necklace pays tribute to the culture of Japan, an inspiring land cherished by the Maison for
more than a century. The starting point is a rare ensemble composed of eight cabochon-cut emeralds, including a 12.53-carat specimen from Zambia. The gemstones are the heart of the radiant motifs, linked together. The roundness of the cabochons contrasts with the motif’s
geometry, which is punctuated by small calibrated rubies. Indeed, this is a work of true artistry. Due to the very delicate custom-cut onyx inserts, the angles are marked, volumes accentuated, and the entire necklace gains depth.
Green, red, and black: a signature chromatic harmony for Cartier. Since the beginning of the 20th century the Maison has dared to create unprecedented combinations. Black represents a new modern entry into the Cartier universe, and is now emblematic of its style. It’s practical and thoughtful that in keeping with Cartier’s tradition of transformable pieces, the pendant motif detaches to be worn as a brooch. This gives the owner a choice of how she wants to wear this masterpiece of creation.

THE SPLENDENS NECKLACE

FAITHFULLY REPLICATING THE UNDULATING FINS OF A FIGHTING FISH

It was the desire to abstractly represent the delicate nature of the floating fins of fighting fish while creating a High Jewellery necklace that saw the birth of this sparkling beauty.
It is a creative stroke of handiwork made with a cascade of spinel beads selected for their harmony of colours and increasing size. Every bead is held within a type of invisible cap by a tiny nail whose surface plays with the light like water would over the scales of a fish. Truly supple, this bib necklace is lined with nine oval and pear spinels totalling 27.79 carats. Extraordinary for
its chromatic uniformity, the ensemble is studded with square- and lozenge-shaped diamonds that electrify this fluid necklace, allowing it to flow along the body’s curves.

THE OCELLE NECKLACE

OF ALL BIRDS, THE PEACOCK IS POSSIBLY THE MOST FASCINATING

His passion for the Islamic arts caused Louis Cartier to perceive the power of blue and green. The discovery of this chromatic combination was so powerful that it became part of the Maison’s palette under the name of “peacock motif.” This combination soon became a Cartier signature.
The Ocelle necklace from the Beautés du Monde collection pays tribute to the bird with two opals weighing 16.59 and 6.19 carats respectively, and a 21.18-carat Zambian emerald. In addition to the colours, this triumphant masterpiece incorporates the form of the eyespots that characterise the peacock’s plumage.
These are miniaturised, multiplied and highlighted by an onyx trim. Partly overlapping each other and mobile, these small feathers result in great suppleness. The fluidity attests to the excellence of the Cartier workshops. So do the custom cuts of the opals and emerald mounted on their culasse to create an invisible setting. The upper opal can be detached and worn as a brooch.

THE CAMAIL NECKLACE

CARTIER CAN SEE BOTH LIFE AND MOVEMENT IN NATURE’S PERFECTION.

A bird’s plumage becomes the abstract motif of a choker in this magnificent piece. Inspiration came to the artisans as they gazed in wonder upon the 42.44-carat ensemble of five Zambian emeralds, splendid in their pear-shaped beauty. Each gem is highlighted by a curve of square diamonds trimmed with custom-cut onyx.
The design creates a strong sensation of movement and behind this rhythmic composition one can see two feats of jewellery-making prowess: first, the necklace’s suppleness and second, the prongless settings of the emeralds which seem to rest on top of the diamonds. Actually, each stone is precisely fitted onto a crescent moon paved with diamonds, integrated into the border.
This dazzling beauty renews and explores the chromatic harmony between white, green, and black that appeared around 1910 and has since become an emblematic combination of the Maison. The black of onyx, lacquer and enamel provides contrast, suggests volume and depth, and highlights geometric motifs. This combination heralded the Art Deco movement, of which Cartier was a pioneer.

Who will we see adorned with these necklaces? It will surely be discerning women with an eye for masterpieces of perfection and beauty. I can’t help but hope to spot these resplendent masterpieces around the necks of our Malaysian ladies, one of these days, at the luxury events around town. – Compiled by Sunita Chhabra