A true wonder to behold, luxury jeweller Cartier has unveiled its High Jewellery travelling collection for 2022, a curated throng of more than 180 decadent and covetable pieces that hark back to iconic periods in the jeweller's long history.
Having arrived on Australian shores on February 8, the High Jewellery collection will be exclusively hosted at the Cartier Sydney Flagship for ten days until February 18 and is available to preview by private appointment only. RUSSH received an exclusive look at the collection courtesy of two galas held by Cartier at Phoenix where Cartier ambassador and Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company, Rafael Bonachela, choreographed a moving performance especially for the evening.
What makes this year's High Jewellery collection so unique, is not simply the fact that it was the largest collection of its kind to be welcomed into Australia and be available to purchase, but rather the breadth and rarity of the pieces included, some of which have never been seen before in the country.
Take the much desired Tutti Frutti Bracelet for example, a statement piece plucked from the Art Deco period between 1918 – 1939 and restored to its former glory. Crafted in 1929 at Cartier New York, the piece was inspired by the richness and vibrancy of India, with rubies, sapphires and emeralds carved to resemble vines encircling a floral centrepiece. Joined by a handful of other Art Deco designs, this is the first time a Tutti Frutti piece has entered Australia.
Equally, if not more breathtaking, is the oldest piece of the High Jewellery collection, the Eglantine necklace which hails from the Belle Epoque, when it was made to order for a prominent American family in 1906. A masterpiece of the distinctive and floral 'garland' style, the Eglantine necklace derives its name from the sweetbriar rose. Starting from the lustrous centre, the flower head consists of a cushion cut diamond, claw set and surrounded by five pavé set diamond petals. Pavé set diamond leaves are interlaced throughout, while a twig-like motif connects the verdant pattern to emerald collet berries and pavé set diamond buds.
As a brief but nonetheless dazzling glimpse into the Cartier travelling High Jewellery collection, where statement rings, earrings and necklaces from the Felin, Tradition, Nivalis and Panthère de Cartier collections to name a few, are also included, it is clear that this is a lineup of jewellery that must be seen to be believed.
