Good ol’ fabulous jewelry—and some cut-and-paste play.
Let’s call this entry-level High Jewelry, wearable High Jewelry. It’s not museum-piece stature, princely commission kind of gala, worthy to be bought back by Cartier to add to their 3000-piece strong collection of historic items held under security vault in some suburb of Paris. No, this is just good old fabulous jewelry, sold by Sotheby’s.
One necklace, three brooches, depends how you like it. An everyday way to wear a piece of Cartier design heritage: the Garland style. Lace-like flowers, flowing ribbons, bow-knots—wonderful for tiaras and bodice jewelry, too—Garland style is quintessential turn-of-the-century Cartier, inspired by 18th century French classicism. This necklace carried this style into the 1950s.
Lines are distinct, taut and without flourish. Curves are elegant and soft. Empty spaces set off filled ones, the gems can breathe.
Cartier’s Garland-style jewels are often articulated and transformable; ornamental parts can be detached and worn separately. Why not make it your first piece of High-J at a healthy 32 carats and also a 3-in-1 deal?
High is not a destination, you see, it’s a journey.
