From the iconic panther to the crocodile and elephant, nature has always been an essential element of Cartier’s design language. The maison’s Nature Sauvage collection — the third chapter of which was unveiled in Singapore last month — takes that inspiration to another level.
Debuting last June, the first chapter of Nature Sauvage was shown in Vienna; this was followed in November by a second chapter in Shanghai. The third chapter revealed here was also the last, and was held in the historic Former Command House at Kheam Hock Road; for two weeks, the national monument was transformed into a six-part exhibition aimed at highlighting Nature Sauvage and the broader world of Cartier.
Nature Sauvage is a “new perspective on the Cartier animals to surprise, amaze and bring modernity by way of unexpected encounters”, says Jacqueline Karachi, director of high jewellery creation at Cartier.
“Expressive jewellery which showcases the attitudes and personality of an animal, its vitality. Like an actor, it plays with graphics, with volume and optical illusions, blending into an imaginary landscape. This is the spirit of Nature Sauvage.”
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Among the highlights in this latest chapter is the Echina necklace, a kaleidoscopic array of white gold, coral-studded emeralds, sapphires and diamonds that takes after the organic forms of the sea. The ribbed beading motif, a signature of Cartier’s since the 1920s, adds a dimensionality that highlights the variety of stones on the piece.
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Bringing forth another signature of Cartier high jewellery, the transformable Panthères Versatiles can take the form of either a necklace or a piece of shoulder jewellery, with the addition of a second strand that can also be worn as a bracelet.
Either way, the highlight here is a 10.1-carat Zambian emerald, framed by white gold, onyx, diamonds and yet more emeralds. The Panthères Versatiles, which actress Zoe Saldaña wore at the 2025 Academy Awards, took some 4,827 hours to craft.
Continuing that thread of multifunctionality is the Singapore-exclusive Panther in the Jungle satin clutch, with a bejewelled panther that detaches to become a brooch.
Another panther-themed design, the Panthère Canopée necklace, has the feline — rendered in white gold, diamonds and onyx — resting gingerly over a 26.53-carat blue sapphire. This stunning centrepiece is surrounded by ornate foliage; the striking juxtaposition of natural forms and sleek lines with high contrast creates a sense of architectural geometry.
Despite their intricate constructions, many of the pieces in Nature Sauvage feature articulated and movable parts. In the Panthère Canopée, for example, the links of the leaves are mobile, so the necklace sits comfortably along the neck and collarbones.
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There’s also the Tigre necklace, a yellow-gold creation featuring its namesake big cat with an articulated paw. The coat of the tiger — as is the rest of the Tigre set, which includes a brooch, ring, bracelet, and a pair of earrings — has been crafted from yellow, orange, brown and white diamonds, then striped with lines of onyx. Bright emerald eyes give the creature an almost lifelike appearance.
For the past hundred years, Cartier has incorporated sculpted and engraved sapphires, rubies and emeralds in its pieces; cut into cabochons, smooth or fluted beads, these have come to be known as Tutti Frutti pieces, named after the colourful fruity confection.
Keeping with tradition for its high jewellery collections, a new Tutti Frutti design has been created for Nature Sauvage: the platinum-set Tutti Karonda necklace, which features two Ceylon sapphires at its centre, totalling just over 30 carats. Another transformable piece, the Tutti Karonda can be worn in multiple configurations.
