Panthère De Cartier: A Collection Marked by Luxury, Mystery & Power
With a comprehensive assortment of rings, brooches, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, Panthère de Cartier is currently one of the luxury jewelry brand's most well-liked lines.
Ferocious and uncontrollable, the panther captivates us. Her paradoxical nature—both predatory and protective, guarding a hidden area where the world's beauty and life coexist—enhances her allure.
La Panthère
The large feline, a hallmark of Cartier since 1914, was first depicted in an artwork commissioned by Louis Cartier.
Despite being featured in Cartier ads since 1914, the panther didn't make its jewelry debut until 1935.
Because of her untamed attitude, jewelry designer Jeanne Toussaint was nicknamed "La Panthère."
During that period, abstract designs were the rage in jewelry, and the most prosperous manufacturers refrained from drawing inspiration from the animal realm.
With the introduction of the first Panthère de Cartier rings, Toussaint changed that. The shapes of these striking, eye-catching rings were modeled after panther heads.
Authentic Design
The scale of the clean, precise design creates an artistic tension that extends from the ears to the jaw, eyes, and nose. The authentic design of the panther head highlights the richness of each magnetic feature, giving it a distinctive appearance.
The eyes and spots on the panther made it the perfect subject for precious stone ornamentation, a practice that remains popular today. Panthère de Cartier has garnered renowned admirers worldwide. The Panthère de Cartier rings' artistic qualities, whether abstract or figurative, evoke the animal's inherent allure.
Wallis Simpson
The most well-known admirer of the series was Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, for whom Edward VIII famously abdicated his throne. The 1949 Cartier Panthère Sapphire Brooch was one of her favorite items. It features a gorgeous, perfectly rounded sapphire with a panther perched atop it. The cat's spots are made of smaller sapphires, and it is encrusted with diamonds.
Given how long the panther has been a brand signature, vintage pieces are particularly appealing. Brooches, in particular, are iconic pieces from the mid-20th century and are a great choice for jewelry enthusiasts due to their evocative Panthère de Cartier designs.
While it's unlikely you'll find a piece as valuable as Mrs. Simpson's, vintage Panthère de Cartier pieces remain highly sought after.
Another item in Wallis Simpson's collection was the most well-known Panthère de Cartier bracelet. It was the most expensive bracelet ever sold, fetching $7 million at auction in 2010. The bracelet was adorned with a combination of onyx and diamonds.
Even though it was missing several of the smaller gemstones, its high demand led to an impressive sale price.
Rings, Earrings, and Necklaces
Over the years, there have been numerous redesigns of the panther head rings. Crafted exclusively from Cartier's finest metals—24-carat gold and platinum—they are adorned with an array of embellishments, often using one type of gemstone for the panther’s eyes and another for its spots.
It is worth noting that some Panthère de Cartier bracelets resemble large cuffs that wrap around the wrist, featuring a fierce panther head at one end, coated in pavé diamonds.
Similarly, the creative force of Maison's iconic cat is the inspiration behind the magnetic Panthère de Cartier earrings.
Sometimes, necklaces in the Panthère collection are made from a single, solid piece of metal that gracefully encircles the neck.
This Cartier collection is complemented by other jewelry, such as a simple chain with a panther pendant, allowing the iconic animal’s head to take center stage.
Once again, these pieces are crafted from 24-carat gold or platinum, with popular choices including rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold, embellished with a variety of jewels.
We invite you to visit our online store, where you can explore the exquisite jewelry from the Panthère de Cartier collection.
