The Cartier Panther: Symbol of Luxury and Femininity

An emblematic animal of the Maison Cartier, the panther has always reigned supreme in its collections. Under the visionary guidance of Jeanne Toussaint , muse of the founder Louis Cartier, the panther quickly became a symbol of character and femininity.

In 1914, the panther made its first appearance in the House. Louis Cartier commissioned George Barbier to create the "Lady with the Panther" to illustrate an invitation card. Inspired, the jeweler created the same year a watch decorated with a pattern of white diamonds sprinkled with black onyx.

In the early 1930s, Jeanne Toussaint joined the Maison and became the first female artistic director of a jewelry house . In 1948, she decided to bring her favorite animal to life by creating a precious piece of jewelry representing the panther in three dimensions.

Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor , was the first customer of the panther, the result of a lavish commission. This gold and black enamel feline is mounted on a brooch around a 116.74 carat emerald, from the Duke of Windsor's personal collection.

The first panther jewelry set was created in 1958, commissioned by the French-Swiss Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan . This pair of earrings and bracelet feature panther heads with emerald eyes, with a coat paved with sapphires and diamonds.

Creatively bold, the panther quickly became an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the House. It gave rise to a multitude of jewels such as rings, necklaces, brooches and bracelets , interpreted in a realistic or more abstract way.

In 2005, the panther made its first appearance in a stylized and faceted form, marking the beginning of the 21st century . Over the years, the House's collections have been enriched with new sculptural creations, demonstrating its expertise and capacity for innovation.