It is a panther paradise in Cartier's latest jewellery collection
Two heads are better than one in the latest Panthere de Cartier jewellery line.
By Charmian Leong /
Photo: Cartier
Even after a century, Cartier has yet to run out of new ways to present its favourite animal, the panther. This year alone has seen an infusion of new Panthere de Cartier watches (named for their supple bracelets inspired by the panther’s movements) along with sparkling appearances in the chimeric Indomptables de Cartier jewellery collection. Once more, the sleek cat rears its head — twice! — in a series of articulated necklaces, bangles and rings.
As with the Indomptables de Cartier pieces, these additions to the Panthere de Cartier jewellery line celebrate the tête-à-tête style, with two panther heads locking jewelled eyes as they wrap around the neck, wrist or finger.
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The jewellery unfolds without revealing a single hinge, thanks to an original invisible system developed by Cartier. For the panther's sinuous "body" to hug as closely as possible to the skin, two components are crossed with two gold blades linked to two springs hidden inside the heads.
To avoid disrupting the jewellery's flexibility, extra care was required when distributing the animal's spots. The yellow gold versions feature octagonal black lacquer spots with emeralds as the eyes, while the white gold models are paved with diamonds around onyx spots with tsavorites as the eyes.
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To secure the stones on the gem-set pieces, each diamond had to be set within small metal grains. Cartier then applied its proprietary “fur” setting to the onyx spots, where the metal is cut to resemble twisted threads to emulate a panther’s silky coat.
Sculptural, fluid and modern at the same time, the Panthere de Cartier proves that the maison’s emblematic creature will continue to be a ravishing representation of sensuality and grace for another hundred years — and more.
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