This awards season has been a showcase of both iconic and archival jewelry. At the 97th Academy Awards, actress Zoe Saldana, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Perez, made a striking statement with a one-of-a-kind Cartier panther necklace. The piece, crafted by the renowned Parisian atelier, is a legendary design from the brand’s High Jewelry collection.
Cartier’s panther motif is one of its most recognizable symbols, deeply rooted in the brand’s history. The panther first appeared in Cartier’s designs in 1914, initially featured on a watch. The motif gained prominence thanks to Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s influential jewelry director, who was known for her fierce personality. She reportedly drew inspiration from a panther she saw while hunting with Louis Cartier. In 1948, Cartier created the first three-dimensional panther piece for the Duchess of Windsor, featuring a 116.74-carat emerald from her husband’s collection. That design, crafted in gold and onyx, set the standard for Cartier’s future feline-inspired pieces.
Saldana’s Cartier necklace, named Panthère Versatile, follows this legacy. The centerpiece is a striking 10.10-carat Zambian emerald, suspended from an intricate chain of onyx and diamonds. Each gemstone was meticulously hand-selected and polished, with artisans carefully setting onyx pieces to form the panther’s signature spots. This masterpiece took 34 months—or a total of 4,827 hours—to complete in Cartier’s Parisian workshop.
The necklace was chosen during a private fitting with Saldana, her stylist Petra Flannery, and Alexa Abitbol, director of Cartier’s High Jewelry atelier. Speaking about the piece, Saldana shared her excitement:
“I am honored to be the first person to wear this transformable piece of high jewelry. Its bold creativity and magnetic energy felt perfectly suited to Oscars night. The transformation brings an element of fun and surprise that increases the joy of wearing it.”
With this statement necklace, Saldana not only made a dazzling red carpet appearance but also continued Cartier’s long tradition of blending history, craftsmanship, and luxury.
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