Boundless Quest For Beauty

Deepika Padukone wearing the Sama High Jewellery necklace from the Le Voyage Recommence collection. — Photos: Johan Sandberg/Cartier

Cartier’s High Jewellery collection, Le Voyage Recommence, is being launched with more than 80 never-before-seen pieces, a reinvention of the palette of chromatic harmonies, celebrating life and the world’s horizons, from a new, unexpected angle.

A productive exploration of the Maison’s savoir-faire and creative practices experienced through the light of a new prism are pieces like the Sama necklace, a composition boasting a strong visual impact that unfolds around a 19.27-carat Ceylon sapphire and produces a striking sensation of motion.

Inspired by the dresses of the whirling dervishes, this necklace forms a swirling series of curves and counter-curves, a voluminous design punctuated by arabesques on which the light dances.

Cartier’s Le Voyage Recommence collection celebrates life and the world’s horizons.

On the Ondule ring, a 0.92-carat grey-violet diamond forms its centrepiece. An exceptional gem due to the rarity of its violet colour and its weight, it is complemented by half-moon diamonds which release their radiance around the central stone, transforming its shape and brilliance through a mysterious halo.

The Claustra necklace showcases a set of shield diamonds, including a remarkable 4.02-carat specimen, at the centre of a complex structure made up of broken lines.

Onyx alternates with openwork and diamonds in a constantly reinvented contrast that is emblematic of the Maison, and in an ambitious technical challenge, this transformable necklace can be separated in two.

A process that involved creating an illusion of unity while at the same time making it possible to split the set into two, jewellers worked to ensure that the lines between both parts hold and fit together when worn.

Combined, they are seamlessly assembled in a layered structure with recessed and raised motifs to offer a coherent, formidable aesthetic.

The Girih necklace offers a unique interpretation of one of the founding themes of Cartier’s style: Islamic art and the splendour of its architecture.

Ondule ring in white gold and diamonds, with a fancy grey-violet diamond from the Le Voyage Recommence collection.

Everything is presented in its most refined and graphic form: the interplay of lines, motifs and symmetry, exuding an intensity that is matched by the power of chromatic harmony between emeralds from Zambia and turquoises cut to measure by the lapidary.

In keeping with Cartier’s tradition of transformable pieces, the central pendant can be detached and worn as a brooch.

A journey enhanced

The second chapter of Le Voyage Recommence involved working with lines, volumes, colour palettes and inspiration from nature and world cultures, according to Cartier’s director of High Jewellery Creation, Jacqueline Karachi.

“We explore so many territories to push the boundaries of creation and discover new horizons. Like a journey that is repeated over and over again, continually drawing on the inexhaustible sources of Cartier inspiration,” said Karachi.

Passionate about the beauty of its myths, which the jewellers have translated into a sovereign piece, the Bailong brooch.

From the crest to the scales and slender limbs, the dragon, a faithful creature of the Cartier bestiary, is filled with an intense energy that is reinforced by the realism of the design.

Featuring a 30.11-carat octagonal tourmaline, the piece holds a yellow diamond in its clutches, its eye sparkling with the fire of a yellow pear-cut diamond.

With the Eximis ring, Cartier has made a 4.15 carat yellow-brown Fancy diamond, with an original diamond cut, the centrepiece of this ring with a dazzling game of volume.

The architecture of the shapes and the choice of this singular solar diamond make this an intensely Cartier creation.

An exclusive exhibition

Glittering diamonds, vividly-coloured stones and exceptional timepieces are all hallmarks of Cartier’s design aesthetic, meticulously crafted by experienced artisans for 176 years.

Cartier commemorates its captivating journey with an exclusive exhibition of its high jewellery creations at their Malaysian flagship boutique in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a premium shopping destination.

A skilled artisan demonstrating the precise savoir-faire.

Exquisite creations from the emblematic Panthere de Cartier collection to stunning one-of-a-kind masterpieces sit in pristine displays surrounded by a backdrop of polished marble and intricate design elements that celebrate Malaysia.

The exhibition is an engaging passage into the heart of Cartier’s design philosophy and is a true celebration of the four core themes that have shaped the Maison’s identity since its inception in 1847, the “Markers of Style”.

This special occasion, which features over 150 pieces, marks Cartier’s inaugural high jewellery exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, its dazzling array of creations perfectly showcasing the Maison’s rich tapestry of design inspirations and unique craftsmanship.

To elevate the experience, an artisan with over two decades of expertise in the Maison’s high jewellery workshops in Paris was specially flown in to demonstrate the precise savoir-faire required in creating these pieces.

Claustra necklace in platinum, onyx and diamonds from the Le Voyage Recommence collection.

Cartier also hosted a private celebration at Sentul Pavilion to commemorate this milestone, which included performances by Malaysian music legend, Datuk Sheila Majid and award-winning dance group, Zeppo Youngsterz.

Guests were also treated to stunning jewellery presentations and an unforgettable meal specially curated by chef Su Kim Hock of Michelin star restaurant, Au Jardin, in Penang.

An illustrious history

Cartier’s “Markers of Style” are made up of four distinct themes, each representing a cornerstone of Cartier’s illustrious history: Architecture & Purity, Geometry & Contrasts, Flora & Fauna, and Cultural Dialogues.

These themes are a testament to the Maison’s enduring commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and artistic exploration in jewellery design.

Through its Architecture & Purity theme, the Maison’s appreciation of the pure beauty of its jewels shines through, its minimalist designs maximising the beauty of each piece, showcasing the gemstone’s pure structure.

Precision, described as “moderate elegance”, is a key component in these designs.

This theme emphasises clean lines, harmonious shapes, precise volumes, and an acute sense of proportion and balance.

Geometry & Contrasts are at the centre of Cartier’s iconic style, reflected in the unique patterns and design of its jewellery, its ever-evolving colour palette drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, infusing vibrant shades into its creations.

Rich and exotic colours, such as the blues and greens inspired by the Russian Ballet and the corals with greens and blacks influenced by Chinese decorative arts and traditional Indian imagery, modernise Cartier’s work more than ever.

The Maison’s Flora & Fauna jewellery exudes confident and free-spirited femininity, with a selection of distinctive flowers and unique animal motifs showcasing the essence of nature in its creations.

From exotic blooms to untamed creatures like panthers, crocodiles, snakes, and more, Cartier captures the wild and the beautiful in a timeless manner.

The Cultural Dialogues collection demonstrates Cartier’s passion for the diversity of the world and its rich cultures, featuring pieces influenced by China, Russia, India, the Middle East, Africa, and more.

For over a century, Cartier has celebrated a wide array of cultural influences, embodying the legacy of a long lineage that remains contemporary.

A responsible jeweller

Through the Coloured Gemstones Working Group and the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), whose Code of Practices has been extended to rubies, sapphires and emeralds, the Maison encourages the development of best practices throughout the industry.

In addition to applying rigorously controlled internal standards of excellence and quality, the Maison requires its suppliers to adhere to the same responsible practices and encourages and supports their RJC certification. Driven by the common belief that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the dream of being a responsible industry can only be reached through collaborative initiatives, Cartier – supported by Richemont and Kering – have teamed up to expand and consolidate their efforts by launching the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, which aims to develop a sustainable, climate resilient industry that conserves resources and promotes inclusion.