Panthère de Cartier

Panthère de Cartier

Panthère de Cartier is an emblem. An inspiration that has been reinvented over time through graphic, sculptural, naturalist and abstract creations.

The abstract panther:
transfiguration through motifs

The emblematic panther has embodied Cartier’s creation ever since its first appearance on a watch with panther spots in 1914. Original, daring and elegant, the jewellery motif has since become a signature. Through its fur coat, Cartier hints at the panther's wild nature. It all lies in the balance between black and white, the alternating diamonds and onyx.

The naturalist panther:
a sculptural approach

The daring and visionary Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s creative director from 1933 to 1970, brought the panther to life in 1949 on a three-dimensional brooch. The Panthère has prowled the annals of the Maison ever since.

Cartier observes the feline in different stages, lying in wait, as a ferocious predator or resting, by focusing on real life its wild and dominant nature is eleveated.

The graphic panther:
an architectural vision

Geometry is an integral part of Cartier's stylistic vocabulary. Applied to the panther, it reveals all of its graphic tension. Like an architect, the aim is to bring out the structure of the panther through contemporary vision and sleek volumes. Here too, the function, ergonomics and comfort are carefully considered.

Panther savoir-faire, a creative and technical union

Design, gem mounting, paving, setting: all of these steps contribute to one objective, to reproduce the spirit of the animal.
The idea is not only to imitate nature but to also pay homage to it by breathing life into the animal’s personality.
The feeling of the panther’s vitality is the result of a close collaboration between the creative studios and workshops. Their constant exchanges extend throughout the production process: together, they defy the concepts of movement, beauty, inversion, place, ergonomics, volume, design, realism and elegance.

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The Panthère
through time

From 1914 to today, follow the journey of the Maison’s emblematic animal.

Discover the Timeline
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The Panthère alphabet

From Avant-garde to Zoo de Vincennes, Cartier presents the whole universe of its emblematic animal.

Discover the A-Z glossary
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L’Odyssée de Cartier:
Jeanne Toussaint,
La Panthère

Explore Chapter 1 of the L’Odyssée de Cartier saga

Discover more