The Cartier panther: what does it mean and why is it so iconic?

When it comes to fine jewelry, Cartier is one of the most preponderant and recognized firms worldwide. Thanks to the quality of its pieces and designs, the Maison received the title of "jeweler to kings and king of jewelers". This insignia was awarded to them by the monarch Edward VII.

The fascinating firm has created interesting icons that have marked milestones in fashion, among these the Cartier panthers. The panther symbol is present in different ways in both jewelry and Cartier eyewear.

Read on, in Optica Bassol we tell you the origins of these popular panthers. We also tell you about the trajectory of the brand to become an emblem of quality and sophistication.

The origin of the luxurious Cartier Panther

The doors of the Maison Cartier first opened in 1840. It was a small workshop that Louis-Francois had built in Paris. Thirty years later, Francois' son, Alfred Cartier, took over the reins of the company. However, those who popularized the brand name were Alfred's sons, who continued the family business.

The Panthere de Cartier is an insignia in fine jewelry and has inspired a series of accessories. Such is the case of Cartier watches, adorned with panther spots. The first design to inaugurate this line appeared in 1914. In that same year, Louis Cartier used the illustration Lady With a Panther on an invitation card to the jewelry store. This card featured a black panther.

In the years that followed, embellishments of such a panther were subtly incorporated into Cartier jewelry. In fact, in 1914, the iconic feline is depicted on a diamond cigarette case and multiple accessories. Cartier panthers are more than a decoration: they represent history and a whole legacy for fine jewelry.

What does the Cartier panther mean?

The appearance of the panther on the invitation card to the Cartier salons is not fortuitous. It is a painting showing a woman wearing long necklaces, while at her feet rests a slender panther. This big cat represents femininity, elegance and majesty. These animals, together with leopards and lions, are related to the feasts celebrated by the aristocracy.

But where does this affinity with panthers come from? It all began when Louis Cartier traveled to Kenya. Once in the African country, Louis observed these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Such an encounter made him admire the felines to the point of carrying their essence in each jewelry collection.

Thus, the meaning of Cartier panthers lies in the personality of the firm. One of the characteristics of these felines is stealth. This quality is expressed in the small details of the accessories in allusion to panthers.

Influence of Cartier panthers on fashion

When it comes to a fashion icon, Cartier panthers are an excellent example. Let's see how this label has been involved and how it has influenced other jewelers:

• Jeanne Toussaint: she became one of the designers of the Maison Cartier for her excellent interpretation of design. Many of the accessories that Toussaint created were accompanied by the panther icon. In 1948, the first panther relief was designed for the Duchess of Windsor, among other jewelry. By this time, the Cartier panther was already a symbol rooted in the firm.

• Daisy Fellowes: she was a socialite in the 1940s. Following the example of the Duchess of Windsor, she got a Cartier panther brooch. The trend spread among the aristocratic women of the time.

• Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan: the prince's order consisted of several accessories of high jewelry: earrings, bracelets and a transformable brooch. All of them with designs alluding to the Cartier panther.

• María Félix: with the arrival of the 60's, the Cartier brand resonated around the world, that's how the actress María Félix knew about the brand's jewelry with the panther symbolism and obtained them from the best jewelers in Mexico.

Jewelry inspired by the Cartier panther

Le Panthère de Cartier is synonymous with a whole legacy of jewelers, exponents of an elegant and representative concept. The pieces that were designed after the first model with decorations of the iconic panther created the Cartier hallmark.

Jewelry inspired by the Cartier panther has emerged over time, even in our time. In the table below you will see the journey of Cartier panthers over the years:

Cartier Panthere glasses: symbols of luxury and elegance.

The Parisian brand has also created collections of Cartier Panthère eyewear. Each frame expresses the dynamism and mystery of panthers.

The Cartier Eyewear designs are represented by a circular ornament with the face of the emblematic feline, in addition, the colors, textures and shapes of the collection allude to its fur and movement.

The materials used for the manufacture of the frames are, in general, acetate and gold metal with a smooth finish.

If you want to have some frames with Cartier panther iconography, check the Óptica Bassol website. In our catalog you will find this and many other well-known brands.