CARTIER “Panther” collection
A pioneer of modern jewelry, Cartier is an iconic house founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, then master jeweler for Adolphe Picard. The House that supplied the greatest royal courts in Europe also traveled around the world, drawing inspiration from the United States, Russia, and China. While at the beginning of its history the House became known for its jewelry sets, it would confirm its reputation for high quality and luxury by also making watches, in particular the Tank model, which is now iconic.
Over the decades, Cartier has of course produced collections that are now essential and which are emblems of the House. In particular, the Panther has left a lasting mark on the history of Cartier through highly symbolic jewelry available as watches, rings, bracelets and necklaces. A jeweler of life, Castafiore invites you to discover and rediscover unique pieces from the Panther collection . Our selection showcases jewelry from yesterday and today, ready to live a second life.
The panther: an emblematic motif of the Maison Cartier
A jewelry icon, the Cartier Panther embodies powerful volumes, pure lines and a sense of design that tends towards the essential. The wild animal is certainly an emblem at Cartier: it can be found as early as 1914 when Louis Cartier decided to commission George Barbier to create the work Dame à la Panthère to illustrate a jewelry exhibition. However, the Panther in its figurative form did not appear right away: Cartier jewelry was first adorned with the feline's characteristic fur, starting in 1914 with a women's watch in onyx and diamonds.
If the Panther is so emblematic of the Maison Cartier, it is of course for the preciousness of the jewels that we were able to discover there, but it is also for the symbolic aspect of the collection. When in 1933, Louis Cartier appointed Jeanne Toussaint artistic director, she was quickly nicknamed the Panther: also, it was she who would design the first Cartier Panther jewels , in the form of rings or bracelets in particular. If the Panther suits Cartier so well, it is because it is a wild animal that embodies elegance and freedom. Impossible to tame, the Panther is sensual, it embodies femininity and movement, it never lets itself be caught and surprises with its complexity, it inspires fascination and certainly exoticism. If the Panther symbolizes freedom, it is also because it is a marker of its time: during the 1920s, the modern woman stood out, because she was emancipated and daring, she was the famous flapper.
Throughout time, Cartier has continued to question this emblem of modernity and freedom. It is now the design of the Panther that embodies the idea of movement, the animal has always remained fully expressive and singular.
The Cartier Panther through history
The Cartier Panther began its history in 1914, and continues to express itself today through a collection that is enriched with new pieces every year. Several iconic pieces have made the Panther a success throughout the history of the House. First, it appeared figuratively for the first time in 1917: it was represented on an onyx and platinum cigarette case that Louis Cartier chose to offer to Jeanne Toussaint.
The typical pattern of spots reappears in 1930 on a coral ball bracelet with a clasp decorated with diamonds and onyx. The pattern also appears in three dimensions in 1935 on a yellow gold and black enamel ring, the shape of the brooch will then be ideal to finally represent the panther in its entirety at the end of the 1940s.
During the 1950s, the Cartier Panther was adorned with diamonds , sapphires and emeralds: it took the form of earrings, brooches and rings. On the ring side, the 1950s also marked the first design of opposing panther heads. This opposition would be found again in 1988 on a yellow gold and black enamel bracelet.
During the 2000s, the Panther began to take on a geometric look, the animal was then stylized and faceted. This phase also saw the introduction of more unique and rare materials, worked in particular by glyptic artisans. Certainly, the magnetism of the panther continues to inspire the designers who work for Cartier, the Panthère collection remains timeless with its unstoppable elegance and sensuality.
The most beautiful Cartier Panthers carefully selected by Castafiore
Because the Panthère de Cartier collection has spanned the decades since 1914, it was essential for Castafiore to offer you a fine selection. The most beautiful materials are thus in the spotlight: onyx and diamonds, yellow gold, ceramic, emerald, but also mother-of-pearl, enamel and tsavorite.
Our selection includes jewelry that takes up the motif of spots by combining diamonds with colored stones. You will also find the Panther fully represented, through brooches, rings, and necklaces. Of course, the two opposing heads of Panthers are present in our selection of vintage jewelry: they take the form of bracelets and rings. Cartier has distinguished itself by also imagining Panther watches : you will therefore find models in leather, steel or yellow gold at Castafiore.
Our selection is carefully made by our experts who authenticate each piece to guarantee you the best price. We also work in collaboration with Sancy to authenticate and appraise each of our jewels. Be assured of wearing an authentic Cartier jewel from the most emblematic collection of this prestigious House.