By Taima Al-Habal, Year 12
For many years, Cartier has been a trademark and beacon of luxury jewellery. It was established in Paris, in 1847 and the first boutique opened in 1859. All over the world, Cartier is known and worn for its unique pieces of jewellery and magnificent collections ranging from its Nail collection “Juste un Clou” to the “Clash”, then their iconic “Panther” collection. Cartier’s jewellery is timeless and worn all over the world. Its large variety of pieces including jewellery, accessories, and watches only contribute even more to its luxury. Cartier is especially renowned for its creation of the first men’s wristwatch. This was the first developed men’s wristwatch, changing the course of jewellery as well as introducing a new symbol societal status.
The manner in which this particular watch reflects societal status is the luxury in which it is held, as well as the exclusivity of the brand itself. Through the branding, design, care, and prestige that comes with watches, this is what elevates the actual piece. The watch was named after Alberto Santos Dumont, made in 1904. He was a Brazilian aeronaut, sportsman, and inventor. The fact that someone who has little direct involvement with jewellery or high end luxury brands is able to be named after something that today is so iconic, only raises the question:
Can someone with no direct involvement influence high end jewellery? The answer to this is: yes, and always. Jewellery is for everyone all around the world, no matter your status or preferences. In fact, jewellery has been a symbol of prestige in all cultures around the world, and has been for thousands of years.
Moving on to a specific example of a high end luxury piece of jewellery… One that some may not know of, but certainly will after reading this.
The picture above is the iconic Panther bracelet, given to Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor and American Socialite. She was married to the King of England, Edward VII, in the early to mid-twentieth century, and the bracelet was a gift from Edward to his wife.
It was created in 1952, and the body of the panther is “pavé-set with brilliant and single-cut diamonds and calibré-cut onyx” with the eyes of the panther being set with “marquise-shaped emeralds”. This bracelet was sold for over 7 million dollars…
A price like that for a bracelet this unique and beautiful must certainly be worth it – what do you think? Cartier was even considered one of the main court jewellers for the Royal Family. The fact that this bracelet had been given in the spirit of love only reinforces the beauty carried along with it. Additionally, it clearly reflects the societal status of Wallis Simpson; not only considering its actual value, but the sentimental value that it holds. Given by a member of the royal family, especially from a King to a Duchess, only highlights the elevated and prestigious nature of this magnificent and unique bracelet.
If only we could all receive jewellery as precious, unique, and beautiful as this! Moving forward from this, here is a question for you: if you could have one piece of jewellery, watch, or high-end accessory, what would it be and why?
