Cover Cymbale Necklace (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
Cymbale Necklace (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
1 / 1
Cartier's next chapter of the Beautés du Monde High Jewellery collection is an exploration of nature’s unparalleled splendour
Humans are always in search of beauty in both the mundane and peculiar aspects of daily life. The constant attempt to translate these day-to-day inspirations into something tangible is a relentless pursuit that fuels every creative’s journey. It is for this reason that the Cartier family once fervently travelled the world to stoke their imagination, interpreting the magnificence of nature with their artistic touch and celebrated savoir-faire.
See also: Cartier Flourishes Creativity at Watches & Wonders 2022
The Maison continues this virtuous tradition with the second chapter of the Beautés du Monde High Jewellery collection. Featuring two regal necklaces and four arresting brooches, the anthology takes on sculptural forms of fauna, from the mightiest to the smallest of creatures.
Above Reveal of the collection at Le Ritz Paris (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
Reveal of the collection at Le Ritz Paris (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
1 / 1
Fascinated by the cicada and its intricate anatomy, the French jeweller weaves a glorious marvel of gems in the Cymbale Necklace. By banking on the translucency of rock crystal, this finery evokes the insect’s flittering wings. Faceted crystal bars and diamond-paved designs with onyx tips then create a supple structure, while oval rubies bring chromatic softness and contrast to the composition.
The Ryu Necklace, on the other hand, pays homage to the alluring pattern of a reptile’s skin. Forming the scales are 80 yellow diamonds in a rare octahedral cut, which are embedded within diamond-encrusted hexagons of white gold. Through this precise design and interplay of lines, Cartier conveys a distinctive and fluid architecture that can boldly be worn as if it really were “second skin”.
Above Cymbale Necklace (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
Above Ryu Necklace (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
Cymbale Necklace (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
1 / 2
Conversely making a subtler statement than these audacious necklaces, the collection’s breastpins serve as ornate pops of glamour that can be added as a finishing touch to any ensemble.
With three carved rubellites, the Phenico Brooch depicts how a flamingo spreads its breathtaking feathers. Further embellished with onyx and brilliant-cut diamonds, the dainty piece is both feminine and fun. The Antisia Brooch then takes on the quetzal’s vivid hue. Attached to the bird’s diamond-sheathed body are carved feathers of Paraiba tourmaline, tsavorite garnets and sapphires which sway with the slightest movement.
Above Phenico Brooch (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
Above Antisia Brooch (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
Phenico Brooch (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
1 / 2
Shades of blue and green also make an appearance in the Cordulia Brooch, which portrays a captivating dragonfly with oval-shaped opal wings. A row of diamonds and rock crystal neatly wraps around this remarkable gem, while emeralds adorn the creature’s elaborately crafted face and tail.
Finally, there is the Éléphant Noir Brooch, which stands out with its smoky, earthen tone. In this work of glyptic art, a majestic elephant is engraved in petrified magnolia wood and is accented by a pink sapphire and a briolette diamond as the finishing touches.
Above Cordulia Brooch (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
Above Éléphant Noir Brooch (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
Cordulia Brooch (Photo: Courtesy of Cartier)
1 / 2
By combining the finest materials with craftsmanship that has been honed for generations, Cartier captures the wonders around us in a way that gives justice to their unwavering glory. The world is incredibly rich, diverse, and exuberant. Marvellously mirrored in the Beautés du Monde collection, these high jewellery pieces exist to enchant the senses and take us through a journey that reveals beauty at every turn.
NOW READ
Evolving an Icon: Panthère de Cartier
Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
