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Why Everyone Loves the Cartier Panther Ring

by Michael Khordipour March 01, 2017 1 Comment

Cartier and the Panther have been synonymous since 1914 when Louis Cartier first introduced the symbol of the big cat to the Cartier brand by way of a painting by George Barbier.

Later the same art was used in Cartier advertising and, since that day, Carter has continued to evolve upon it.

Jeanne Toussaint and the Cartier Panther Ring

Surprisingly, given Cartier’s incredible ring heritage, the first Panther ring wasn’t introduced until 1935, under the direction of legendary Cartier head of design, Jeanne Toussaint.

Indeed, it was Toussaint who kept the Panther line in the Cartier catalog in the preceding years, earning her the nickname “La Panthére” in the process.

Through the decades, the Panther range has changed several times, but one element remains constant. Whether it’s the classic Panther head ring or the open-sided long-tail effect ring, every piece bearing the Panther name has two sparkling green stones set as the eyes of the animal.

Emerald Eyes vs. Tsavorite Eyes

Traditionally, this would be emeralds but, perhaps in an attempt to keep retail costs down, Cartier released several rings that use the Tsavorite garnet as the eyes. At small sizes, the two gemstones are difficult to tell apart. However, real Cartier fans and collectors will always insist on emeralds for the sake of genuine authenticity!

Types of Panther Rings

The Panther range of rings, itself, is quite diverse save for the constant panther motif. The classic Panther Head ring somehow manages to balance size and elegance perfectly and has been the inspiration for a thousand imitations, while the latest collection - celebrating 100 years of the original Panther design - contains rings displaying all manner of twists and elaborate variations on the theme.

One unfailing aspect of any Panther piece, be it a ring, necklace or bracelet, is that however beautiful it looks on a display will pale significantly when worn. Panther rings can bring not just admiring glances, but obvious oohs and aahs from anybody lucky enough to be in the immediate vicinity.

Craftsmanship of the Panther Rings

The level of craftsmanship is unparalleled, and the attention to detail is just astonishing in even the most delicate rings. Above all, though, a Panther ring can demand respect. Respect for the quality, respect for the skill in the making, and respect for the Cartier name. Even those who have never before seen a Cartier Panther ring, once they have set eyes on one, will always remember the experience.

The exquisite beauty leaves people breathless and with an everlasting memory that they have seen something extraordinary. One curiosity about Panther rings is that Cartier makes no effort to distinguish one from another by way of naming conventions.

It makes no difference how similar or how different the design of the rings in the range, they will all just bear the name “Panthére Cartier Ring”, leaving it up to the wearer to decide their pet name for one of the most spectacular rings they will ever own.

Click here to view the M. Khordipour collection of Cartier Jewelry.