Cover Scenography depicting a bamboo forest in the Twirl with the Wind section of the Nature Sauvage high jewellery showcase in Shanghai
Scenography depicting a bamboo forest in the Twirl with the Wind section of the Nature Sauvage high jewellery showcase in Shanghai
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Unveiled in Shanghai, the second chapter of Cartier’s Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection is a dazzling testament to the maison’s enduring fascination with the natural world—where majestic creatures are brought to life through precious sculptures
In Vienna, Austria, last May, Cartier unleashed slender panthers on the prowl, covert beetles, a frolicking flamingo and several more spectacular creatures from the menagerie that is the first chapter of its Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection. This set the stage for an extraordinary parade of more precious animals—masterful sculptures in which precise design intertwine with the maison’s savoir faire to bring the untamed wilderness to life in bejewelled form—in Shanghai in November, where Cartier further expanded its remarkable bestiary of meticulously crafted jewels with the second chapter of the Nature Sauvage collection. Tatler Singapore was part of a group of Southeast Asian media invited to the launch, which saw the brand continue to push the boundaries of creativity with its creations, blending the raw beauty of nature with the refined elegance that has become synonymous with the Cartier name.
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Above Vamana necklace in white gold set with emeralds and diamonds
Vamana necklace in white gold set with emeralds and diamonds
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The grounds of the Bund City Hall Plaza, in the Bund area of central Shanghai, were transformed into a lush paradise that served as the perfect backdrop for 36 new high jewellery pieces and two new high jewellery objects, each one continuing the narrative of animals playfully concealed within their environments. Showcasing the maison’s rich animal iconography, these fresh creations were presented within meticulously crafted natural landscapes staged in three themed areas: Twirl with the Wind, Treasures of Land and Shapes of Water—the first done up like a bamboo forest; the second evoking the Rainbow Mountains, renowned for its colourful rock formations; and the last calling to mind the icy beauty of glaciers.
While the panther remains an emblematic symbol of Cartier’s design language, the Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection reveals a diverse bestiary that goes beyond the house’s most famous icon, bringing multiple creatures to life through precious sculptures. A majestic elephant, for example, emerges through the Vamana necklace, reimagined in a more stylised way with geometric shapes and delicate openwork details highlighting the graphic lines. The animal has appeared in Cartier creations since the early 20th century, albeit in more naturalistic designs.
Above Wani necklace in white gold set with emeralds and diamonds
Wani necklace in white gold set with emeralds and diamonds
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Then there is the crocodile, which makes an amiable appearance with dazzling emerald and diamond scales in the exceptional Wani necklace (“wani” is Japanese for crocodile). Cartier’s master artisans devoted hundreds of hours to lapidary work, meticulously shaping and fitting each of the scales. Of note are the emerald ones, which were carved from a single medium‑green emerald of exceptional vibrancy and were precisely adjusted to create a seamless, lifelike texture. Suspended from the mouth and one of the front paws of the reptile, as if being protected by it, are three saturated and intense vivid green pear‑shaped cabochon‑cut emeralds from Zambia totalling 27.83 carats.
Yet another creature in the Nature Sauvage bestiary is the graceful bird of paradise. Seen on the Paradisier ring, it has been reimagined in white gold with a plumage of diamonds, appearing to perch gently on the wearer’s finger. Adding a touch of whimsy and realism is the pair of yellow diamond eyes lending the animal an alert and lively gaze. Between the bird’s wings rests a breathtaking 23.69‑carat cushion‑shaped rubellite, its deep reddish‑purple hue possessing exceptional colour distribution. This central stone is complemented by the two rubellites in a pair of matching earrings, which total an impressive 34.13 carats.
Above White Guagamal ring in white gold set with sapphires, onyx and diamonds
White Guagamal ring in white gold set with sapphires, onyx and diamonds
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But even with the diversity of Cartier’s flora and fauna universe, the maison’s iconic panther remains the undisputed star of the bestiary. In this second chapter of the Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection, the big cat features in the Panthère Chatoyante necklace, which is anchored by a panther’s head seemingly peeking out of lush vegetation, evoked by the vibrant rubellites and chrysoprases, respectively totalling more than 90 carats and 195 carats, lining the necklace. Especially captivating is its piercing emerald gaze.
Further demonstrating Cartier’s unparalleled mastery in capturing the essence of the feline form is the White Guagamal ring. This remarkable four‑finger ring showcases a sinuous tiger sculpture that gracefully extends across the hand. The jeweller’s design prowess is evident in the articulation of the piece, which not only allows for a natural, lifelike quality, but also facilitates ease of movement, with the creature’s supple body flexing and adapting to the wearer’s hand. Its tail wraps elegantly around a finger, while graphic streaks of onyx accentuate the tiger’s form, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow. Throw in its sapphire eyes and the White Guagamal ring is one of the most animated representations of the feline, embodying the maison’s signature blend of technical excellence and artistic vision.
Above Paradisier ring in white gold set with a 23.69-carat rubellite, yellow diamonds and diamonds
Paradisier ring in white gold set with a 23.69-carat rubellite, yellow diamonds and diamonds
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The Nature Sauvage collection reveals Cartier’s bestiary as a rich, dynamic world—where the panther might be its most famous resident, but is certainly not its only inhabitant. Through meticulous craftsmanship and imaginative design, the maison continues to breathe life into precious metals and stones, creating luxurious yet effortlessly wearable stories of the animal kingdom.
Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
