Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design
- Yaseen Dockrat
In the world of haute jewellery, Cartier reigns as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and a profound appreciation for global cultures. With its latest high jewellery collection, the luxury brand has once again captivated the world with several masterpieces that embody Cartier’s boundless beauty and cultural resonance.
Photo provided by Cartier
Cartier weaves wonders of tradition, history, and creativity into every collection, continuously seeking inspiration from its surroundings. Iconic creations are at the centre of Cartier’s ethos, where each piece stands as a testament to the true craftsmanship and savoir-faire that make the Maison’s collections so unique. Emblematic of the Maison, the Panthère de Cartier collection reflects the true power of the feline in all its forms; she is magnetic, fearless, and daring.
Photo provided by Cartier
Cartier embarks on the Quest through passionate curiosity and exploration — a journey of discovery through new cultures and extraordinary beauty. Discovering the power of nature throughout Cartier’s design history, this expedition is succeeded by travel and creative exploration. These travels to India and Asia influentially introduced a world of colour to Cartier’s creations, where delectable pieces feature stone carvings of flowers, leaves, or fruit, motifs that run throughout eastern designs.
The finale of Cartier’s journey takes us to New Horizons—a captivating exploration of the Middle East’s beauty and culture. Intrigued by Islamic Arts, Louis Cartier became a collector of precious objects from the region. Jacques Cartier continued this fascination by exploring the Gulf, a moment that marked the beginning of a cultural bridge of inspiration from the Middle East that still inspires Cartier today. Architecture influences jewellery pieces and is presented in geometric shapes fused with strong colour contrasts
Photo provided by Cartier
Jacqueline Karachi, Director of High Jewellery Creation at Cartier, eloquently captures the essence of Cartier’s creative process, stating, “Working with lines, volumes, colour palettes, inspiration from nature and world cultures… we explore so many territories to push the boundaries of creation and discover new horizons.”
Cartier is currently hosting an exhibition called “Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design” at the Louvre Abu Dhabi until March 24. The exhibition is co-curated by Evelyn Posseme and Judith Henon-Raynaud. The theme of the exhibition is Middle Eastern Influences at Cartier, and it showcases 400 works that demonstrate the influence of Islamic art on the famous jewellery Maison. These works include jewellery, precious objects, masterpieces of Islamic art, drawings, textiles, and photographs that highlight the impact of the Islamic world on Cartier from the 20th century until today.
Among the most striking pieces in the collection is the Yfalos Necklace, which highlights Cartier’s fascination with the mysteries underneath the sea. The necklace features turquoise cabochons, ribbed coral beads, emeralds, and diamonds, embodying a dialogue between rare and precious material, evoking the ocean’s depths.
Cartier reinvents its iconic panther motif in the Panthère Confiante Necklace with bursts of vibrant colours and meticulous craftsmanship. Ribbed coral beads, peridots, diamonds, and onyx surround a 26.52-carat cabochon peridot. The piece showcases the brand’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary flair.
“Avoiding the pitfalls of a romantic representation of nature, Cartier opted for a creative tension that ranges from hyper-realism to stylisation and even abstraction,” the brand said.
The Pileo Ring is proof of Cartier’s mastery of abstract design and precision. Inspired by its 5.12-carat hexagonal diamond, the ring resembles a sea urchin, bristling with rose-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds. The ring is a dazzling tribute to the ocean, suffused with light and vibrancy.
Geometry is at the heart of the Spina Necklace, where broken lines, diamonds and sapphires intertwine to create a mesmerising composition. The necklace can transform into a tiara, showcasing the House’s versatility and ingenuity in jewellery design. “Geometry and contrast are two elements that make up the Cartier style. On the one hand, they are based on form and pattern, developed around symmetry or asymmetry, and on the other, on the strength of chromatic contrasts.”
Cartier’s commitment to excellence extends beyond creativity and craftsmanship. A responsible jeweller, Cartier is dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices. Cartier’s Le Voyage Recommence High Jewellery Collection is more than just a showcase of exquisite craftsmanship; it celebrates beauty and culture. Each piece tells its own story of exploration and innovation, inviting clients to embark on a journey of discovery.