Cartier [Sur]naturel high-jewellery collection is a force of nature

With nature as a muse, imagination knows no bounds. Blurring the lines between wilderness and fantasy is Cartier’s awe-inspiring [Sur]naturel high jewellery collection, which makes its debut print appearance in Southeast Asia via our exclusive spread shot in Paris.

A powerful contrast of colours and materials, the Panthère Tropicale wristwatch is a hybrid piece that is equal parts animal and organic. Set in yellow gold, the bold, graphic piece is adorned with two octagonal aquamarines and two octagonal blue tourmalines weighing 12.71 carats and 20.58 carats respectively. One side of the quartz timepiece flaunts ultra-delicate gadrooned coral, while the other is speckled with brilliant-cut diamonds and flecks of onyx that mimic the panther’s spots.

Named after a sacred river in southern India, the platinum-set Kaveri necklace showcases a riot of colours recalling the maison’s iconic Tutti Frutti jewellery style of the ’20s and ’30s. The spectacular creation is adorned with two fancy-shaped carved sapphires from Ceylon totalling 123.44 carats, a 7.61-carat melon-cut Zambian emerald, carved oval sapphires, melon- cut emeralds, carved sapphires, rubies and emeralds, as well as square and brilliant-cut diamonds. The necklace is a transformable piece that can also be worn as a brooch or a pair of bracelets. Pictured here too are the Kaveri bracelet and ring set in platinum, bedecked with sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds.

Set in platinum, the Vatna necklace is graced by a central 21.11-carat emerald- cut diamond pendant and is accented by 32 emerald-cut diamonds weighing a total of 36.14 carats, and square and brilliant-cut diamonds. Showcasing Cartier’s flair for creating technically complex jewellery, the necklace is transformable. The central motif on the matching platinum diamond ring is interchangeable with the central stone on the necklace. The flanking diamonds can also be removed and attached to the complementary pair of platinum-set diamond earrings as drop pendants. Lastly, the bottom tier of the necklace can be detached, leaving it as a shorter, single strand around the neck.

As Cartier’s savoir faire encompasses emphasising the play of light on gemstones, the maison’s elite artisans endeavour to create pieces that reveal each gemstone’s true radiance. Precious metal settings seem to disappear, allowing the stones to take centrestage to show off transparency and depth. This mastery is shown here with the Liliale suite, which includes a white-gold set necklace with a 20.40-carat pear-shaped aquamarine, cabochon-cut sapphires and brilliant- cut diamonds, along with matching drop earrings and a ring, both set in white gold with aquamarines, sapphires and diamonds.

The majestic crocodile emerges with dazzling effect on the platinum-set Gharial necklace. Tapered, square and brilliant-cut diamonds seem to be set randomly, but a closer look reveals them to be masterfully incorporated into different shapes, depths and volumes to recreate the reptile’s skin. The asymmetric piece features a double pendant comprising two kite-shaped diamonds weighing 6.90 carats, along with an ensemble of five octagonal Zambian emeralds totalling 11.31 carats, and 15 more octagonal Zambian emeralds with a total weight of 4.13 carats – all adding up into a necklace with magnetic animal appeal.

Also included in the Tutti Frutti- style Kaveri set is this delicate long necklace and matching earrings set in platinum embellished with sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds. The intricately carved sapphires on these transformable earrings can also be worn on their own as studs by detaching the pendants.

Cartier puts a fun, colourful spin on panther fur in the platinum-set Hemis necklace. Irregularly shaped opals, in a range of hues, intersperse with pink and white diamonds in a shagreen setting that lends the piece an organic and random appeal. The polished opal pebbles form a backdrop for a spectacular cushion-shaped 71.80-carat kunzite imbued with an intense pink hue and a hint of purple. The model also wears matching Hemis earrings set in platinum with kunzite, opals, pink and white diamonds.

Main and featured image: Dress, Saint Laurent; [Sur]Naturel Sinopé High Jewellery white gold earrings and necklace with sapphires, lapis lazuli and diamonds, all Cartier

Fashion direction & styling: Johnny Khoo | Photography: Chuck Reyes | Hair: Heitai Cheung | Make-up: Jay Kwan | Styling assistance: Alexandra Lefevre | Model: Clara Jaffrezic/Supreme Paris