Cartier’s Étourdissant collection ends on a high

Amid the glitz and glamour of Art Basel Miami, Cartier revealed the final installment of its Étourdissant high jewelry collection. The Maison unveiled a further 21 one-of-a-kind pieces at one of the world’s leading art fairs, in a follow up to its presentation of Cartier jewelry in July in the south of France, and in November in Singapore. 

Read more about the launch of the Cartier Etourdissant high jewellery collection

The Étourdissant collection is inspired by the French Riviera – famous for its saturated colors, and play of light and shadow – and the new jewels continued that theme. With the Maison’s extraordinary artistry and gemstones, the collection includes pieces that riff on many of its iconic motifs and styles, including Art Deco and the panther, but realizes them in a wholly modern way.

Cartier Étourdissant collection necklace, featuring a 174.52 carat amethyst alongside amethyst beads, fire opals, onyx, emeralds and diamonds, set in platinum. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

Standout pieces from the latest installment include a long Cartier necklace of amethyst and fire opal beads, which elegantly cradles a 175 carat amethyst cabochon with a Cartier panther languidly lazing on the top as though basking in the sunshine. The panther in the Étourdissant Art Deco-style brooch is more predatory. The emerald-eyed creature prowls atop a beautifully faceted, three-dimensional rock crystal, complete with baguette diamonds and a cornflower-blue sapphire cabochon.

A 189 carat opal with mesmerizing swirls of purple, pink, green and blue recalls the glittering depths of the ocean. The irregular setting suggests the gem is being consumed by its wide cuff, which consists of a complex mosaic of purple sapphires, emeralds, and pavé diamond triangles.

Read more about opals: the captivating chameleons of the high jewellery world

Cartier Étourdissant bracelet, featuring a 55.91 carat peridot, onyx and diamonds, set in yellow gold and platinum. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

Elevating an everyday object, the humble button has inspired a boldly realized Cartier bracelet. The usually flat circles are slightly curved and divided into two parts, joined together by a bridge of gold “thread” that passes through the holes. The piece, which contrasts the hot lime green of an impressive peridot with onyx and diamonds, took 530 hours to complete. 

Cartier has enjoyed a long relationship with Art Basel Miami. The annual event attracts a heady mix of many of the world’s leading artists and luxury brands. Together with Cartier, Harry Winston, Tiffany and Panerai joined the likes of fashion’s Valentino and Louis Vuitton to hold events during this year’s fair.

Read more on our list of best coloured gemstone jewellery 

  • Cartier Étourdissant amethyst and opal earrings

    Étourdissant Cartier collection earrings, featuring amethyst beads, fire opals and diamonds, set in platinum. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

  • Cartier Étourdissant garnet ring

    Cartier Étourdissant ring, featuring a 40.69 carat sugarloaf orange spessartite garnet, black lacquer, orange diamonds, yellow diamonds and white diamonds, set in rose gold. Photo: Vincent De La Faille, copyright Cartier

  • Cartier Étourdissant emerald, sapphire and diamond ring

    Étourdissant collection ring, featuring a 22.53 carat emerald, further emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, set in platinum. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

  • Cartier Étourdissant sapphire, emerald, diamond and onyx brooch

    Étourdissant collection brooch, featuring a 7.40 carat sapphire, rock crystal, further sapphires, emeralds, onyx and diamonds, set in platinum. Photo: Vincent De La Faille, copyright Cartier

  • Cartier Étourdissant yellow gold, platinum, peridot, onyx and diamond bracelet

    Cartier Étourdissant bracelet, featuring a 55.91 carat peridot, onyx and diamonds, set in yellow gold and platinum. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

  • Cartier Étourdissant emerald, sapphire and diamond earrings

    Étourdissant collection earrings, featuring emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, set in platinum. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

  • Cartier Étourdissant purple sapphire, emerald and diamond earrings

    Étourdissant collection earrings, featuring purple sapphires, emeralds and diamonds, set in white gold. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

  • Cartier Étourdissant amethyst opal, emerald and diamond necklace

    Cartier Étourdissant collection necklace, featuring a 174.52 carat amethyst alongside amethyst beads, fire opals, onyx, emeralds and diamonds, set in platinum. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

  • Cartier Étourdissant emerald, sapphire and diamond necklace

    Étourdissant collection necklace, featuring a 23.79 carat emerald alongside further emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, set in platinum and white gold. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

  • Cartier Étourdissant white gold, opal, sapphire and diamond bracelet

    Cartier Étourdissant collection bracelet featuring a 189.34 carat opal alongside purple sapphires, emeralds and diamonds, set in white gold. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier

SOURCE:http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/article/cartier-etourdissant-high-jewelry-part-3-art-basel-miami/