It’s no exaggeration to say that Cartier makes exceptional jewels for strong women. Think of the Duchess of Windsor’s sultry Panther brooch or María Félix’s menacing snake and ferocious crocodile necklaces. And looking at Cartier’s new Résonances collection, it is clear that the Parisian maison carries on the tradition with a new collection of powerful yet abstract one-of-a-kind jewellery statements.
The frames of the Résonances jewels are designed to resonate the beauty of the stones they hold. Inspired by the waves of light or ripples of colour that a brilliant gemstone emits when it catches the light, or the sharp-edged flashes of fire a diamond throws out, each design is an echo of the beautiful stone it has captured. Strong graphic lines, bold repetition and a brave starkness mark these very contemporary-looking jewels. The names alone conjure up a futuristic planet where Twisting Light, Carbonado and Hyperbole shine out their eternal light.
Movement flashes through these precious metal and gemstone creations. Tiaras transform into necklaces, necklaces deconstruct to become brooches and pearls, and yellow and white diamonds fall on the skin with the lightness of foam. With a flick of the wrist, the Eurythmie bracelet changes its colours from royal lapis lazuli to shimmering diamonds thanks to dozens of hinged double-sided discs that flip back and forth with every move.
With the arrival of Résonances, Cartier reminds us that jewels can be intriguing, impressive and elusive.
