The art of being unique

Transcribing the delicacy of a cicada and the transparency of its wings in the form of a diamond, rock crystal, ruby and onyx necklace: this is the challenge represented in the Cymbale necklace from the Beautés du Monde collection.

In the Indomptables de Cartier Collection, everything contributes to the realism of the animal. Onyx – for markings and stripes – in a work of great precision down to the smallest detail, to create the illusion of a silky coat in Cartier’s “fur” setting, a savoir-faire signature of the Maison that sees each onyx stone encircled with minuscule, elongated and curved metal grains, transforming them into fur threads that evoke the animal’s coat.

The challenge of this necklace from the Sixième sens par Cartier collection involves respecting the finesse of the design, while ensuring the necklace falls naturally. It’s also about creating a perfect balance between the different emeralds: selecting, classifying and arranging them in harmony according to precise criteria of colour, diameter and thickness. The art of threading is a delicate skill, which requires doing, undoing and redoing. Tying the threads several times and meticulously threading small stones.

The composition of this necklace lies in the harmony of its colours. The workshops aim to restore the naturalness of the branches and buds through an explosion of flower, fruit or palmette motifs, as well as smooth and fluted beads, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The challenge is to combine different engraved stones with floral engravings, using a technique developed by the Mughals in the 17th century. This piece is part of the great tradition of transformable jewellery which can be adapted at will into pendants, brooches or necklaces without leaving anything visible.

Cutting the coral, a highly delicate material, is a feat in itself. The material could break at any time. The challenge of the Panthère Tropicale bracelet is further compounded by the choice of a radiating groove motif, made on tiny plaques of coral. 

A Cartier diamond meets the most demanding selection criteria and is examined by Cartier’s expert “eye”. Unique talent and expertise that help identify that little something extra from the most exceptional of gemstones. The Cartier difference.

Cartier makes an art form of pushing the boundaries, constantly creating unlikely matches, fresh perspectives and new horizons... With straw and gold marquetry, Cartier reveals a dazzling watch and celebrates the vitality of the Métiers d’art.

The Tutti Frutti style is at the heart of Cartier’s repertoire. Its most recent expression is the Maharajah necklace, a High Jewelry creation which showcases an exceptional assembly of emeralds, sapphires and rubies, set in accordance with ancient Indian jewelry savoir-faire.   

For the panther, Cartier’s artisans use the technique of “fur” setting, a unique Cartier savoir-faire. One by one, the animal spots, in sapphire or onyx, are uniquely hand-carved. The jeweller surrounds them with grains of metal which he folds into tiny threads on the stone. The fur is amazingly lifelike, the material awakens and provokes emotion.  

Five years of constant exchanges in the workshops and two patent applications have presided over the birth of the Révélation watch. According to a technique inspired by the hourglass, the dial of the Révélation watch showcases a fleeting spectacle: depending on the movements of the wrist, 650 diamonds appear and reveal the jaw of a panther. Before disappearing again. A picture brought to life which combines advanced technology with traditional crafts.