When it comes to beautiful jewellery, our go-to writer is Ong Chin Huat. For more than a decade, Chin has written about some of the most extraordinary pieces ever created for Luxurious Magazine. In this article, he’s looking into one of the traditional powerhouses of fine jewellery, Cartier and, in particular, its new Panthére de Cartier bracelet.
Sensuous, exotic and precious, the new Panthére de Cartier bracelet is the centrepiece of the La Panthére collection. Eye-catching with a panther’s head embellished in diamonds and rose or yellow gold, this versatile bracelet encircles the wrist in comfort, attracting admiring glances.
Simple yet elegant, the Panthére de Cartier bracelet is made from curved gold and sculpted with the iconic panther’s head and emerald or tsavorite garnet eyes. Wear one or several stacked up for maximum effect with a choice of several models – diamond-paved on the head or both on the head and tail, or one without diamonds in 18K rose or yellow gold.
The Panther has, of course, been the iconic symbol for Cartier since this sleek and sensual animal first appeared on a rendering of Cartier watch back in 1914. Later she leapt into life when Louis Cartier gifted Jean Toussaint a vanity case in 1917, which depicted a panther between two cypress trees. This was the first time a motif of a panther had been used to embellish a Cartier object.
As a trendsetter and leading social luminary in Paris, Toussaint later ordered another vanity case from Cartier in gold and black enamel, again with a panther emblem on it, making it her very own personal signature.
With her exquisite taste and eye for luxury, Toussaint was invited by Louis Cartier to come and work for the French Maison. Starting with designing handbags, Toussaint soon moved on to designing vanity cases, cigarette cases and other accessories. She then specialised in jewellery design and soon became the Creative Director for Cartier’s High Jewellery at the Rue de la Paix studio, where she oversaw an all-male staff of artisans, designers, gem-setters and jewellers.
A true visionary, Toussaint was a trailblazer and style icon who is credited with establishing the panther as a Cartier icon. During her time with the Maison, she designed one-of-kind high jewellery pieces for celebrities and style icons, including the Duchess of Windsor, Mexican actress Maria Félix, socialite Daisy Fellowes, French actress Jacqueline Delubac and heiress Barbara Hutton.
The new rendition of the Panthére de Cartier bracelet fits perfectly on any wrist, with the supple bracelet owing its fit to the exquisite craftsmanship and gold alloys.
Personalisation is possible in a variety of ways. An engraved name, message or date can be done on the inside of the bracelet. Further, there is an option to have the Panthére’s red box embossed with your initials or a date on the front of the case in a gold-tone.
Cartier’s jewellery-making expertise and skilful techniques employed with no internal springs has resulted in a piece of jewellery to be worn, admired and cherished forever.
For further information on the new Panthére de Cartier Bracelet, please visit www.cartier.com.
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