Big brands may not be everyone’s idea of luxury, but no one can deny the quality of their products. Thus, when one such, like Cartier, announces a new collection, it is nearly impossible to look away.
Which is why we have our gaze on the new Cartier Libre Polymorph collection. The creativity, savoir-faire, brilliant execution and surprising elements that run through every piece in this truly dazzling drop will not only delight but inspire even the most ardent non-Cartier fan.
Case in point, the Carabiner. Why would anyone want to turn the humble, hardworking shackle into a haute joaillerie piece? To which Cartier’s answer is, why not? And in this spirit, the Polymorph Carabiner is not just another shiny stoned piece in this collection: adorned in diamonds, lapis lazuli, black spinel, onyx, turquoise and chrysoprase beads with a sapphire cabochon, ruby-bordered, diamond-paved lock, the Carabiner doubles as a timepiece which no one who owns it is going to use unless in the most severe situation. And seeing as accessories are beginning to adorn other body parts not considered in their original design – only recently, Rihanna chose to convert the Jacob & Co. Brilliant Flying Tourbillon to a neck piece – who says that this jewellery piece will be confined to a belt loop?
Then there’s the Celestial Encounter ring which ensures that even if you never get to experience a solar eclipse because you cannot be bothered to get the necessary observation tools out when one is taking place, you can at least have a perpetual visual representation of this yearly occurrence. This white gold, onyx and diamond piece mimics the natural phenomenon with its movable discs that can be spread out across the fingers or folded inwards to resemble a cocktail ring.
And if you are forever in awe of the rising of the sun or its setting, then Cartier’s From Sunrise to Sunset bracelet may be the best gift for you. Like the Celestial Encounter Ring, the design of this bracelet is reminiscent of the colours and shape of the sun as it moves from sunrise to sunset. There’s pink chalcedony, orange moonstone, palmeira citrine, Madeira orange citrine, intense fire opal, spessartite garnet, pink and yellow sapphires, diamonds, and an orange rutilated quartz at the tip all sitting on gold just like rays beaming from the sun.
Of course, it would not be a nature-inspired collection without a special appearance from the panther, Cartier’s beloved ‘spirit animal.’ This time, it finds expression in a Claws Out brooch that doubles as a timepiece, you know, just in case you need to surreptitiously check the time.
Other notable pieces in the Cartier Libre Polymorph collection include yet another timepiece brooch — the French brand is either fascinated with the concept of time, or takes the passage of time very seriously; a bracelet inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi (first picture), and sunglasses featuring coral, onyx, diamonds, and emeralds that drop down to look like earrings behind its wearer’s ears.
In the world of high jewellery, Cartier stands out as a big-time player, but not so big that it cannot play, recreate, re-imagine and surprise, as it has done with its Libre Polymorph collection. As the saying goes, All work and no play…