Brilliance of Brilliants...

Light, bright and impossibly lovely, Cartier Jewels are bold statement making pieces that have literally made history time and time again! Here, the publication of the year in our book (pun intended) showcases the worlds most dazzling adornments and the rich history of Cartier!

High Jewelry by Cartier
Contemporary Creations
Written by Sophie Marin
Flammarion

As the name implies, this exuberant tome is a heartfelt opus to a jewelry house without equal and the geniuses behind the brand. Written by Marin, this dazzling homage combines on of th most fascinating cornucopia of archival images, rich history and evolution of the jewels that define luxury.

NECKLACE – platinum, yellow gold, 118 rubies totaling 210 carats, baguette-cut diamonds, brilliants. Cartier London 1937, for Maharajah Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar.

Cartier Archives © Cartier, from High Jewelry by Cartier: Contemporary Creations, Paris: Flammarion, 2009. © Flammarion S.A., Paris, 2009, © Cartier International, 2009.

Known for having sensuous forms, dramatic imagery and vivid symbolism selection of unusual works–including crowns, necklaces and a plethora of accessories–that highlight both the technical and aesthetic aspects of these luxury masterminds - Cartier exemplifies true craftsmanship. In the book Marin leaves no stone (there goes the puns) unturned detailing the house's inception and constant reinvention of what jewelry truly is...

RING- yellow gold, white gold, brilliants, yellow diamonds, onyx nose and stripes, emerald eyes.

Marin examines how the masterminds at Cartier used innovation inspired by nature, art, their clients' wildest desires when brought to fruition brought fourth intricate pieces of art that still remain relevant today as it was then.

BANGLE – white gold, brilliants, onyx nose, emerald eyes.

Photo by Nils Hermann, from High Jewelry by Cartier: Contemporary Creations, Paris: Flammarion, 2009. © Flammarion S.A., Paris, 2009, © Cartier International, 2009.

Our favorite part of the book of course is the well written look at the PANTHÈRE de Cartier collection. As Marin notes - Cartier first pounced on the haute, feline-theme jewelry in 1917, with an animal print watch dial - inspired by the house's former fine jewelry director and true style icon Jeanne "Panther" Toussaint and first imaged by legendary jewelry designer Peter Lemarchand. Since then the PANTHÈRE has evolved but still remains instinctively Cartier.

NECKLACE - platinum, eight cabochon-cut Ceylon sapphires totaling 79.27 carats, briolette-cut diamonds, brilliants, sapphire spots, onyx nose, emerald eyes.

This genius collaboration : the PANTHÈRE de Cartier pieces is by far truly astounding and in the tome you will be engulfed in the cat's 'magic' as Toussaint described it in great detail through the visual feats - the images alone will leave you breathless.

BRACELET – platinum, carved emeralds, rubies and sapphires, brilliants.

Photo by Nils Hermann, from High Jewelry by Cartier: Contemporary Creations, Paris: Flammarion, 2009. © Flammarion S.A., Paris, 2009, © Cartier International, 2009.

From María Félix (whom I do wish the book showcased more) to the Maharajah's of India - Cartier’s devotees have included global luminaries, as well as sirens of stage and screen. You will be memorized by the pieces worn by royalty, society elite and the like.

NECKLACE – white gold, brilliants.

Photo by Nils Hermann, from High Jewelry by Cartier: Contemporary Creations, Paris: Flammarion, 2009. © Flammarion S.A., Paris, 2009, © Cartier International, 2009.

Epitomizing luxury for over a century, originally a jeweler of kings, Cartier is often dubbed “the king of jewelers.” Renowned for its craftsmanship and exquisite materials, the marque is a byword for opulent innovation.

BROOCH – platinum, one carved aquamarine weighing 347.61 carats, one oval-shaped amethyst, purple sapphires, brilliants.

Photo by Nils Hermann, from High Jewelry by Cartier: Contemporary Creations, Paris: Flammarion, 2009. © Flammarion S.A., Paris, 2009, © Cartier International, 2009.

Cartier's Orchids: filled with metaphoric symbolism and sexual innuendo are truly floral sculptures of jewelry perfection are showcased with such brilliance in the tome you will be left speechless. Marin details how these gems are brought to life thanks to the ingenuity and genius of Cartier.

BRACELET – platinum, white gold, ribbed coral beads, enamel, brilliants, emerald eyes. Cartier Paris 1932 and modern.

Photo by Nils Hermann, from High Jewelry by Cartier: Contemporary Creations, Paris: Flammarion, 2009. © Flammarion S.A., Paris, 2009, © Cartier International, 2009.

High Jewelry (Flammarion) is not just another showcase of Cartier, this monograph includes beautifully detailed photographs and an in-depth look at the decadent work of the jewel luminary and contextualize the brand's work within the creative art and it's evolution through history. With stunning images and authoritative essays, this monograph illuminates the full range of the ingenious brand.

NECKLACE - white gold, diamonds, six emeralds drops, onyx hoop, onyx nose and spots, emerald eyes.

The distinctively silver embossed , red cover tome is designed to look like a Cartier jewelry box— and for some of us it's the closest we will get to ever owning a piece from the amazing brand and trust us it's a well worth investment!

High Jewelry by Cartier available at rizzoliusa.com, Rizzoli Bookstore, Barnes&Noble & Amazon.com