Sandra‘s Closet

The Lion Astroclock is an exceptional creation inspired by Gabrielle Chanel‘s star sign, Leo. The glass globe encloses a movement with sophisticated finishes, a comet in 18K white gold and a constellation-shaped hand set with diamonds. The plinth contains a black faceted lion, symbol of power and strength. A remarkable clock encompassing the symbols of the House of CHANEL, in a limited edition of 5.

DESCRIPTION
Black polished rotating sphere with hour indices.
Comet-shaped hour hand in 18K white gold set with 11 diamonds (~0.70 carat)
Leo constellation-shaped minute hand set with 9 diamonds (~1.60 carat)
Rock crystal briolette
Black-coated brass sculpted lion and structure.
Manual winding mechanical movement designed by the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, developed and manufactured by l’Epée
Glass sphere
Functions: hours, minutes
Dimensions: 34.2 x 20.6 x 17.6 cm
Diamonds: 20 brilliant-cut diamonds (~2.30 carats)
Numbered and limited to 5 pieces

An exceptional creation, inspired by the world of science fiction, space and time travel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Sometimes, a fabulous pair of heels deserve its own post. This kind of footwear has the power to elevate a simple outfit into something conversation-worthy. Inspired by Parisian cabaret dancers, Alaïa’s sandals are crafted from patent-leather in a barely-there design. The drama is revealed when you’re sitting cross-legged or walking up stairs – all eyes will be on the cheeky gold figurines that form the heel. I am completely obsessed.

TO SHOP THE ALAÏA CABARET SANDALS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Alaïa / Sandra Bauknecht
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Ladies, are you ready for a high-watchmaking novelty. Meet the other side of sweetness as Louis Vuitton demonstrates its advanced mastery in horological automata with a new feminine timepiece.
Introducing the first in-house self-winding automaton movement, the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata is a distillation of high-watchmaking savoir-faire, enacted by Louis Vuitton’s specialist movement workshop La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Geneva. Under the candy-bright hues and alluring textures of an engraved grand feu enamel dial, the Louis Vuitton Tambour Fiery Heart Automata bears a movement of formidable ingenuity and pin-sharp precision. The aesthetic of Louis Vuitton’s latest creation hides a piercing intellect, reminding us that nulla rosa sine spini; there is no rose without its thorn.

A Mechanism In Full Bloom
High watchmaking at Louis Vuitton flowered at the beginning of the 21st century, leading up to the creation of a small handful of bespoke automaton timepieces
for special clients. In 2021, the Maison communicated about this side of the brand’s in-house watchmaking expertise for the first time. Louis Vuitton’s next stride in the realm of automaton timepieces continues to explore the theme of blended passion and savoir-faire.

The motif of a rose and its entwined thorny vines has been taken further than the Maison initially broached in the enamel-dial Escale Spin Time Only Watch (2019). Motion and dynamism define the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata, but even more provocative is the revelation that lies beneath the lush petals and glossy heart of its dial, the first in-house enamel dial from Louis Vuitton. At the push of a button at the 8 o’clock position, the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata blooms under the touch of its wearer, in a lush profusion of dial animations.

Beware Of Thorns
Time can be dangerous, according to the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata, where the hours and minutes are told by thorn-armoured hands on a subdial encircled by inward-facing briars. Those who take time for granted, or let their attention wander, the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata seems to say, may soon find themselves in a prickly situation. The flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock provides the rhythmic pulse of the watch, marking out the seconds over the course of its one- minute rotation.
At 9 o’clock, a flaming heart, symbol of piety, is emblazoned with the word «SWEET» and crowned with a golden circlet of Louis Vuitton Monogram flowers. A hidden power throbs within the heart, revealed when the pusher at 8 o’clock, set with adamantine gems, is actuated.

Around the hours-and-minutes subdial, an external halo of thorns emerges and extends radially outwards. The enamel roses (one at 12 o’clock and another
at 4 o’clock) are not the demure botanicals they first appeared to be; they have found new vitality, with spinning Monogram flowers at their centers, diamond pistils firing rays of refracted light. The blazing heart roars to life, its flames dancing as if fanned by an invisible gale. The heart cracks open, a jagged fissure revealing that the soothing legend engraved on the heart now comes with a bold caveat: «SWEET BUT FIERCE».

A World Of Mechanical Expression
If knowledge is power, then knowledge (or know-how) that only you have becomes the most powerful thing of all. The unique savoir-faire of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in innovative horological automata is expressed in one of the most mechanically impressive creations of the Maison to date: the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata. Five separate dial elements form the automaton array of the watch, leaping simultaneously into action when the pusher at 8 o’clock is actuated. The radially extruding thorns surrounding the outer circumference of the hours-and- minutes subdial. The two Monogram flowers at the center of the enamel roses at 4 and 12 o’clock rotate simultaneously. One starts its course clockwise while the other moves in the opposite direction. After a short pause, the two flowers perform the opposite dance. The articulated heart that cracks open to reveal the full message «SWEET BUT FIERCE». Lastly, the gold tongues of fire at the top of the heart that undulate in simulation of real flames.

This unprecedented display of horological virtuosity is the result of three years of research and development within Louis Vuitton’s high-watchmaking atelier. Subtle signs in the movement design and finish indicate that the calibre LFT 325 has been constructed expressly for the Louis Vuitton Tambour Fiery Heart Automata — a dedicated movement being a time-honoured indication of horological prestige. The micro-blasted movement bridges are decorated with thorny rose stems in pink-gold, sinuously embracing the exposed wheels visible through openworked sections. The 18K pink-gold rotor is also engraved and openworked with Monogram Flowers, as is the automaton regulator bridge at 12 o’clock. The history of the dial continues, sculpting the shapes of the movement. The dance
of colors and the seductive play of textures continue, requiring long hours of research and development to achieve the softness of the gray contrasting with the brilliance of the pink gold. The search for colors, the work on materials and the attention to detail testify to the precision and extreme meticulousness necessary to achieve such a level of finish.

The flying tourbillon frequently makes an appearance in the fine-watchmaking segment of Louis Vuitton timepieces, but the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata
is the first time this mechanism has been combined with a self-winding movement with dial-side automata. As the automaton is driven by its own dedicated mainspring, the flying tourbillon is able to maintain high levels of chronometric performance throughout the 65 hours of movement power reserve. The challenge of synchronising the dial animations of the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata has been answered by the cumulative expertise and experience of the movement development team at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, led by master watchmakers Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas. While the dial springs into action as if by magic, a glimpse behind the curtain is afforded by the open caseback.

In the upper right quadrant of the movement, an openworked bridge allows a tantalising view of the automaton mainspring, driving wheels and regulator. This complex assembly feeds energy to the seven dial automata, coordinates their running times and also controls the speed at which they operate. On the dial, each graceful motion of the automata, from the opening of the heart and revelation of the secret message, to the spinning Monogram Flowers, the dancing flames and the emerging thorns, is precisely calibrated to produce a 13-second symphony of mechanical excellence, seen nowhere else in the world except on the Louis Vuitton Tambour Fiery Heart Automata.

Art, Glass, Fire
The grand feu enamel dial of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Fiery Heart Automata represents an important step for the Maison in terms of in-house savoir-faire — the integration of a millennia-old artisanal craft. The alchemy of grand feu enamel starts with the powdered silica, finely ground by hand and combined with various metal oxides that impart colour to the final result. After the enamel powder is applied to a prepared surface, it is fired in a kiln at temperatures between 700°C and 1,200°C, vitrifying the enamel. This brings out the intense and durable colours that have made grand feu enamel the decorative technique of choice for timepieces over the centuries.

On the dial of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Fiery Heart Automata, a combination of champlevé and cloisonné enamel is used to illustrate the various aesthetic elements. The former involves removing material from the dial surface, creating a space where enamel powder can be deposited. The latter requires the use of thin gold wires, meticulously shaped by hand and fixed onto the dial surface, creating closed cells which can then be filled with enamel. The art of grand feu enamel requires a delicate touch, years of experience and a highly disciplined — and, indeed, technical — approach. After working with some of the most revered enamel artists today, such as the legendary Anita Porchet, who created the dial of the Louis Vuitton Escale Spin Time Only Watch, the Maison now counts this rare craft as part of its in- house savoir-faire, under the expert hand of its master enameller.

Beauty emerges, refined and transcendent, from the crucible of horological knowledge and combined expertise at Louis Vuitton. The Tambour Fiery Heart Automata is the multi-layered result of the Maison’s approach to fine watchmaking, now elevated to unprecedented levels in all 169 years of Louis Vuitton history.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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In unveiling the Tambour Opera Automata, Louis Vuitton continues its journey through the exclusive world of high watchmaking timepieces with automata. Paying tribute to the Sichuan Opera’s Bian Lian, the virtuoso decoration of this specific watch presents a traditional mask that comes to life and changes expression on demand.

An artistic performance driven by a virtuoso movement entirely conceived, developed, and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
After the Tambour Carpe Diem, which won the Audacity Prize at the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève in 2021, Louis Vuitton has left Europe and its expressive Vanitas and embarked on a new journey in China, the land of Bian Lian. This «art of changing masks» characteristic of the Sichuan Opera is a major source of inspiration for the Tambour Opera Automata watch.

In the same vein as the Carpe Diem figure that changed expression on demand, the Tambour Opera Automata highlights a remarkable discipline requiring unwavering dexterity. During the opera, the performers can put on up to twenty different masks in a fraction of a second, revealing their wide range of expressions. Each has their own technique for making these painted silk figures appear and disappear with a quick hand gesture or a graceful fanning motion. In the 21st century, very few actors still master the ancient art of Bian Lian.

To transpose this mysterious interplay of faces to a watch case, Louis Vuitton enlisted the help of the greatest contemporary craftsmen. Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, Master Watchmakers at La Fabrique du Temps, created this exceptional watch movement, while Anita Porchet, Master Enameller, and Dick Steenman, Master Engraver, decorated the timepiece with virtuoso design.

«We wanted the Tambour Opera Automata to reflect the striking aesthetics and expressive movements of Bian Lian», explains Michel Navas.«This extremely challenging art remains a secret, just as automaton mechanisms require a perfect knowledge of traditional watchmaking skills.»

Originally, jacquemarts were automata designed to strike the hour on church bells. When watchmakers miniaturised them on watches, they became essentially decorative, animating dials with theatrical scenes, while the time was still traditionally marked by classic hands.

Unprecedented expression
With the Tambour Opera Automata, Louis Vuitton continues – in Asia – the daring journey it initiated in Europe in 2021 by creating of the Tambour Carpe Diem Automata dedicated to the Vanitas. By choosing to celebrate the Sichuan Opera today, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton is taking its mastery of contemporary fine watchmaking to the next level. Indeed, this timepiece, which is the subject of several patents, took over two years to develop. As with the Tambour Carpe Diem, the time is only displayed on the dial – by means of a jumping hour and a retrograde minute mechanism – by activating the automaton. This calibre LV 525, totalling 426 components, has a power reserve of 100 hours.

As for the automaton mechanism, its five animations create a unique and unforgettable 16-second watchmaking spectacle, driven by this exceptional calibre with jumping hours and retrograde minutes. When the latch is pushed, the engraved pink gold dragon’s head rises to reveal the jumping hours inscribed on the forehead of the cloisonné enamel Bian Lian, while its tail indicates the retrograde minutes.

The mask’s expression changes dramatically – its eyebrows frown, its eyelid closes over its left eye, and the pupil of its right eye retracts to reveal a pointed Monogram flower. Going from joy to sadness through the movement of its chin, the Bian Lian mask expresses a wide range of emotions. The beauty of the dial and the lively rhythm of this miniature theatre leave the viewer spellbound.

The excellence of craftsmanship
To root this Tambour Opera Automata in the 21st century, Louis Vuitton has combined traditional Chinese symbols with the brand’s emblematic design elements, such as the canvas pattern and the Monogram flowers enamelled on the dial. Reigning supreme, the imperial dragon, a mythical creature associated with ancient Chinese emperors, represents strength, power and nobility.

The fan by its side is a sign of wisdom and authority. As for the clouds, they symbolise good luck, and the gourd in the shape of a calabash is believed to protect people from evil spirits. As an ultimate refinement, the Asian unlucky number 4 in the time display is replaced by a four-petalled Monogram flower.

Crafted in white, red and black cloisonné enamel separated with white gold threads, the mask owes its flawless workmanship to the master enameller Anita Porchet. The fan is given remarkable depth through the champlevé enamel technique, which involves removing some material from the surface in order to deposit colour pigments. The enamelling of the dial and crown took over seven days to complete.

Crafted over a period of nearly two weeks by the famous Swiss engraver Dick Steenman, the details engraved in the precious metal give the Tambour Opera Automata an unparalleled level of relief. The pink-gold dragon displays its expressive character in the smallest of details (piercing ruby eyes, engraved and sandblasted scales, etc.). So much so that it appears to literally leap out of the Bian Lian’s mask to reveal, open-mouthed, the time display.

The push button of the automaton depicting a dragon’s head, as well as the winding crown and adorned with a champlevé enamel fan, are entirely hand-made. Finally, pushing sophistication and technicality to the extreme, Louis Vuitton has reproduced the shape of the Chinese mask on the back of the movement, contrasting a shot blasted finish with a perfect mirror polish, without the slightest flaw.

With the Tambour Opera Automata, Louis Vuitton has amplified the technical complexity of the automaton watch with a bold, powerful and contemporary aesthetic. Personally speaking, diving into the craftsmanship behind this beautiful watch, I feel so much appreciation for the work that went into every little detail. A choice for the dedicated watch connoisseur.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Every season, CHANEL releases what I like to call a unicorn bag, a very beautiful and special bag, which is hard to get and very desired. With the increase in pricing and the lessened supply, there is even a higher demand for CHANEL bags.

For the 23C (Cruise 2023) collection, it is in my opinion this stunning CHANEL Rainbow Classic Flap bag. As the name suggests, the classic flap comes in the colors of the rainbow, in yellow, orange to red, pink, purple and green. In one bag, you have many different colors, which means it is a very versatile model to carry. If you love vibrant colors, then this is a must-have for you.
The bag retails at CHF 11240.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL and © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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The House of Rolls-Royce reveals «Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion», comprised of two prêt-à-porter collections– the bold Re‑Belle and striking Fu-Shion. These exquisite «objects of desire» by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective take inspiration from vibrant hues and textures seen in the world of high fashion, reflecting the eclectic tastes and lifestyle of the luxury clientele, like works of art in their own right.

«Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion» brings out the multifarious character of the luxury SUV and its Black Badge alter ego.  To offer a glimpse into infinite Bespoke possibilities, the designers created eight distinctive personalities. Each collection includes two interior colourways defined by iconic accent colours: Lime Green or Peony Pink for Re-Belle and Mandarin or Forge Yellow for Fu‑Shion. Each interior style can be paired with one of two carefully selected exterior looks – either eye-catching or more discrete and understated.

«Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion» Re-Belle is the ultimate statement piece, reflecting contemporary colour blocking trends with its vivid hues and playful combination of textures. A splash of colour in the interior with Peony Pink or Lime Green accents provides an irresistible contrast to the Arctic White or Cashmere Grey leather trim. The fascia is finished with extraordinarily detailed handwoven stainless-steel fabric, evocative of metallic apparel seen on this year’s catwalks. Delicate thread with a diameter as fine as 0.45 mm creates an intricate texture, which catches the light beautifully as the vehicle is in motion. «Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion» Re-Belle is offered in Lime Green, Gunmetal, Wildberry or Arctic White exterior colours, available depending on the selected interior.

Unleashing the daring Black Badge personality, «Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion» Fu-Shion reinterprets high fashion with a utilitarian edge. Reminiscent of the S/S 2023 prêt‑à-porter collections, embellished with functional elements evocative of street wear, Fu‑Shion showcases Cullinan’s personality – the pinnacle of luxury, effortless everywhere. For Fu-Shion, designers created two interior styles: an eye-catching combination of Military Green, Navy Blue and Mandarin or a blend of Arctic White and Cashmere Grey leather with Forge Yellow accents. Depending on the interior palette, «Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion» Fu-Shion can be commissioned in one of four exterior colours: Military Green, Burnout Grey, Forge Yellow or Tempest Grey.

For «Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion», designers created the all-new Starlight Tailgate – a stunning feature which extends the magical, celestial ambience of the Starlight Headliner beyond the interior of the motor car. This Bespoke feature, which takes over 22 hours to manufacture, includes 192 softly illuminated stars incorporated into the perforated leather. The Starlight Tailgate is complemented by the Viewing Suite, creating a perfect setting to enjoy the enchanting beauty of a starry night, anywhere and everywhere.

A further innovation is to be found on the lower part of the fascia, which introduces a coloured Piano veneer for the first time: Cashmere Grey for Re‑Belle and Navy Blue for Fu-Shion. This glossy finish acts as a unifying element, bringing yet more depth to the interior.

For travel in ultimate style, «Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion» is available with matching luggage sets, designed to complement each of the four interior themes. The collection comprises of the 24hr Weekender, 48hr Weekender, Holdall, Tote Bag and Organiser Pouch, offered individually or as a five-piece set.

I am so in love …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rolls-Royce
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Hortus Deliciarum — meaning «Garden of Delights» in Latin — blends Gucci’s rich heritage in Italian craftsmanship and its ever-distinctive creativity in one-of-a-kind masterpieces distinguished by unique artistry, exceptional quality, and acute attention to detail. The current chapter, the third since the collection’s launch in 2019, draws inspiration from the world of travel and the memorable moments that every journey can bring.

The new additions to the Hortus Deliciarum collection include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and multi-finger rings, divided into different themes. The designs explore tantalizing facets of the natural and animal kingdom, placing jewelry artistry center stage. These pieces evoke distant, exotic, and magical worlds, exciting the imagination of Gucci’s signature painterly approach to high jewelry craftsmanship. A selection of pieces features fresh interpretations of Gucci’s distinctive Lion Head and Tiger Head motifs, symbolizing strength, courage, and passion. Flawless, fancy cut vivid gemstones, from aquamarines to yellow sapphires, add vibrant touches to these dynamic designs.

The collection includes several new creations showcasing a captivating combination of multicolored stones that are inspired by the concept of prismatic beauty and specifically designed to catch the light. These include a brilliant multi-finger ring – the result of 100 hours of meticulous production – crafted in yellow gold with a beautiful 38.8 carat green tourmaline centerpiece surrounded by diamonds. An equally stunning yellow gold cuff earring offers an elegant explosion of garnets, yellow beryl, rubellite, and diamonds. Here, Gucci blends the modernity of a cuff style with the exquisite beauty of warm-toned gems and dainty, flowing lines.

Other stunning pieces are distinguished by cascades of dancing diamonds, inspired by the beauty of shooting stars and the sparkling torrents of a waterfall. A highlight of this selection is a parure comprising a dazzling white gold necklace and matching drop earrings. Involving 300 hours of production, the necklace features diamond-embellished starbursts trimmed with lady-like diamond bows, while the earrings reveal diamond- encrusted bows and chandelier-like crystal droplets around two teardrop cut diamonds with a total of 16.7 carats.

A yellow gold bracelet, meanwhile, showcases a diamond-embellished chevron pattern and an oval-shaped 16 carat rubellite tourmaline, offering a striking geometric interplay of straight lines and smooth curves. This exceptional creation takes 200 hours to produce.

Intricately crafted and full of surprising details, an ornate diamond parure pays homage to the majestic beauty of natural landscapes. A diamond-encrusted geometric chain necklace is teamed with a stunning round-cut mandarin garnet pendant embellished with dainty emerald leaves. This can be teamed with a matching pair of jacket earrings, also in fresh and surprising shades of green and mandarin, offering a dazzling 40.5 carats of jewels for the necklace and 15.3 carats for the earrings.

To complete the collection, new diamond-embellished solitaire rings shine in an array of hues that resemble the changing colors of the sky. A sculpted, white gold design mesmerizes with a hexagonal 14.7 carat tanzanite centerpiece, while three other white gold rings each present a heart-shaped gemstone in a vivid color: a 9 carat blue tourmaline, a 12.6 carat peach tourmaline, or an 11.5 carat pink tourmaline.

The Hortus Deliciarum High Jewelry collection, launched in Paris in 2019, was followed by a second chapter presented on Italy’s Lake Maggiore in 2021 while the third and current collection was initially unveiled in Rome in 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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A timeless icon perpetually reinvented, the Lady Dior has enjoyed an extraordinary destiny. With its architectural lines exalting the cannage pattern, it encapsulates the very essence of Dior style, its audacious elegance.

Season after season, this emblem’s aura shines on, at the crossroads of modernity and excellence. It has become, more than ever, an object of art and desire, revisited by artists from around the world. Through the most fascinating detour, the Lady Dior is thus transformed into a unique oeuvre, merging heritage and creative visions.

For the seventh edition of the Dior Lady Art project, Ghada Amer, Brian Calvin, Sara Cwynar, Alex Gardner, Shara Hughes, Dorothy Iannone, Minjung Kim, Zhenya Machneva, Bouthayna Al Muftah, Françoise Pétrovitch and Wang Yuyang – from Egypt to the United States, from Qatar to China – have each risen to the challenge of reinterpreting and transforming the iconic bag.

A meeting between Dior and the cultures of the world, this new inspiring carte blanche showcases virtuoso techniques and craftsmanship, driven by a spirit of innovation and limitless inventiveness. Each detail, thought out with infinite meticulousness by the eleven artists, is a tribute to singularity and savoir-faire, opening the doors of the imagination. As a final touch, each of the exceptional reinventions extends the artistic expression to the inside of the bag, revealing several poetic surprises. A celebration of joy and freedom.

All bags are highly limited and in stores in January 2023.

LoL, Sandra

MINJUNG KIM

BRIAN CALVIN

FRANÇOISE PETROVITCH

ZHENYA MACHNEVA

ALEX GARDNER

DOROTHY IANNONE

BOUTHAYNA AL MUFTAH

SARA CWYNAR

GHADA AMER

WANG YUYANG

SHARA HUGHES

Photos: © Dior
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Leave it to Jonathan Anderson to make walking on eggshells aspirational. At first glance, I could hardly believe my eyes. Birthday candles, nail polish bottles, roses, cracked eggs and even a bar of soap were shaped into heels for LOEWE’s S/S 2022 collection.

I find it a stroke of genius and so instagrammable. Personally speaking, a must for Sandra’s Closet. It’s hard not to want to collect them all as objects of desire. Just even on display…

LoL, Sandra

Nail-polish heel leather sandals by Loewe

Candle-heel leather sandals by Loewe

Rose-heel leather sandals by Loewe

Broken egg sandals by LoeweSoap sandals by Loewe

Photos: © Loewe
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The new Sixième Sens par Cartier collection showcases that extra touch of soul unique to High Jewellery, an expression of art that inspires like no other.

Trompe-l’oeil or graphic games, optical effects or evocative power, the compositions play with Earth’s gravity. Disrupting our perceptions, this collection draws us into a world where our senses are stimulated and awakened. Even our sixth sense, that exhilarating rush of emotion that touches the heart.

With the Imperio necklace, Cartier continues its reflection on movement: how do you give rhythm to a composition and create a sense of speed? To answer these questions, Cartier borrows from the codes of kinetic art. Lines of tension, brisk strokes, geometric shapes and mirrored construction.

Graphic patterns are further accentuated by colour contrasts such as the black of the onyx and the green of the emeralds.  A chromatic combination that has been part of the Maison’s stylistic repertoire since 1910 and which accentuates the effect of perspective. It all combines to confuse the gaze that converges on the central stone: an exceptional 23.55-carat Colombian emerald with no inclusions. This octagonal stone has a perfectly homogeneous green colour with bluish undertones that harmonise with the other emeralds. Since my visit to an emerald mine in Muzo, Colombia in 2015, I have so much appreciation and love for those amazing, powerful green stones.

Like every piece of Cartier High Jewellery, the choice of stones pays tribute to their beauty. All must meet the highest standards of excellence and quality set by the Maison’s experts. A duty and a responsibility, both social and environmental that Cartier has pioneered, by being committed from the very beginning in terms of sourcing coloured stones. Therefore the Maison is a founding member of the Responsible Jewellery council (RJC), an organisation created in 2005 that sets standards in the areas of social and environmental responsibility for the jewellery and watchmaking industry.

With almost thirty different ways to wear it, this was the challenge the Cartier design studio and workshops had to face. This approach to jewellery has been part of the Maison’s history since the appearance of the first headbands that could be transformed into necklaces and, around the 1920s, bracelets that could be dismantled into brooches. Each new High Jewellery collection is an opportunity for Cartier to push the boundaries of innovation and ingenuity.

This necklace allows itself to transform. It can be worn short, long, split in two to be worn either together or separately. Opt for the diamond or emerald alone as a pendant, multiple combinations further increased by the possibility of unfastening the triangular motif that can be worn as a brooch… When worn, the jewellery piece reinvents itself, divides its charms and multiplies its appearances.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier