Flora
&
Fauna
Flora
&
Fauna
Flora and fauna are part of the foundations of Cartier style. These two great themes are the subject of an in-boutique experience that will invite you to discover how the Maison captures the beauty of nature and expresses it through the mastery of our craftsmen. At Cartier there is nothing sentimental or insipid about representations of the natural world. They are imbued with the same energy that animates the rest of our jewellery collections: a vision of femininity as strength with a free spirit. They symbolise a wild nature, reflecting their wearers and delivering a powerful message.
The Maison’s choice of flowers is distinct: half animal, half botanical, they are sharp and scandalous, from thistles and cacti to audacious orchids and palms. Its animals are wild and untamed predators: the panther, the crocodile, the snake, chimera creatures from distant and imaginary lands. Cartier's interpretation lies in the twist of the stem or petals, the tension of the animal’s silhouette – always moving between realism, stylisation and abstraction.
Flora & Fauna lovers: join the Maison’s free spirits. From the very beginning, flora and fauna have attracted generations of iconic characters who recognise themselves in these pieces. The most emblematic of all: Mexican actress María Félix, who commissioned her snake necklace in 1968. A fully articulated and highly realistic piece that shines with a powerful presence thanks to a succession of diamonds as well as red, green and black enamel scales mounted on platinum. Supple and mobile, it owes its incredible fluidity to a miniature version of a pin support system which Cartier borrowed from the aeronautics industry. The Panthère also counts some strong personalities amongst her devotees. She has complemented the singularity of the Duchess of Windsor, Daisy Fellowes and Juliette Greco… Today their legacy is joined to Maria Carla Boscono, Annabelle Wallis, Ella Balinska, Chang Chen, Yasmeen Sabri and Monica Bellucci.
Kingfisher brooch, Cartier London, 1967. Studio Gérard © Cartier Dragonfly brooch, 1953, Cartier Collection. Vincent Wulveryck, Collection Cartier © Cartier [Sur]naturel necklace, rose gold 750/1000, gray mother-of-pearl, coral, and diamonds totaling 23.37 carats. Audrey Dufer © Cartier Odyssée de Cartier: Chapter 1 - Jeanne Toussaint © The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby’s. © Photograph by Snowdon / Trunk Archive. © Richard Gummere/New York Post Archives/YP Holdings, Inc. / via Getty Images. Paul Tissandier © Archives Cartier Paris. © Boris Lipnitzki/Roger-Viollet. © The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby’s. Henry Clarke © Vogue/ Condé Nast archive / via Getty images