The Story of the Cartier Panthere
February 22, 2017

The Story of the Cartier Panthere

The Panther - a symbol of grace and power has been idolised and depicted by artists for millennia. From the early cave painting of Chauvet-Pont d'Arc, through ancient Egypt and French artist Henri Rousseau, the panther has been admired and feared in equal measure. 

During the early part of the twentieth century the house of Cartier began to take a special interest in the panther. Colonialists, bringing skins and adventure back to the old world were probably inadvertently responsible for the rise of Cartier Panthere.

It took Jeanne Toussaint, muse, creative director and sometime lover of Louis Cartier to really popularise the Panthere by producing highly desirable 3D Panthere jewellery. The first recognisable 3D panther jewellery item was a ring produced in 1935 with a two headed panther holding a star ruby. The iconic animal was truly put centre stage when the Duchess of Windsor (Wallis Simpson) ordered an incredible three dimensional Panthere brooch. She remained a devoted Panthere and Cartier fan all her life.

Throughout the 50s & 60s Cartier developed many of the pieces which would still be recognisable today, bangles, rings, necklaces. Clients for these pieces included The Aga Khan and Opera star Maria Callas. In addition, the Maison developed a unique technique called "serti pelage" which gives the impression of real fur. 

The Cartier Panthere collection tells the story of decades of innovation, refinement and craftsmanship. At Bloomsbury Manor we like to honour the most exceptional jewels. As such we have spent time building up a carefully curated collection of Cartier Panthere jewels so that we too can be known for the ultimate in refinement. 

We hope that you enjoy our beautiful range of Panthere by Cartier jewels.