Jeanne toussaint

To celebrate 100 years of Cartier's Panther, a look back at the collection's fashionable history.

From head to toe, including her big red boots, Jeanne Toussaint was a lesson in creativity and personal style.

Jeanne Toussaint photographed by Cecil Beaton in 1962

Drawing by E. Lindner of Cartier jewels, 1938, described as Indian pendant of pearl and emerald tassels made into a clip by Jeanne Toussaint; ruby & emerald necklace by Coco Chanel; and Hindu chessman of gold, enamel and diamonds

Hint: Cartier’s Panthère is more than a style statement—it’s an audacious symbol of freedom, strength and sex appeal that members of the royal family and rap stars both covet.

The French jewelry house's iconic cats have enjoyed a fierce following for more than a century.

"How the Cartier Panthère Became a Jewelry Icon" - "Emeralds, onyx, diamonds, a brooch!” is what Jeanne Toussaint is said to have screamed after spotting a panther in the wild while on safari with Louis Cartier. By then she was already director of Cartier Jewelry, and soon after the Big Cats started prowling the house vitrines. The Panthère can first be spotted in a Cartier wristwatch from 1914, when its signature pattern appeared in diamond and ebony.

From head to toe, including her big red boots, Jeanne Toussaint was a lesson in creativity and personal style.

From head to toe, including her big red boots, Jeanne Toussaint was a lesson in creativity and personal style.

Marie-Laure Cérède, the maison’s creative director of jewellery and watches, brings a cushion shape to the tri-banded rings, bracelets and earrings

From rings worn by Hollywood greats to stones that have graced the crowns of kings and queens, these jewels are worth their weight in notoriety.

Frederick Scholte was the Duke of Windsor's (King Edward VIII's) tailor from 1919-1959. He trained the founders of Anderson & Sheppard, and was known...

Jeanne Toussaint Cartier necklace replica

Cartier Diamond necklace named after Jeanne Toussaint designed by Jacques Cartier for Maharaja of Nawanagar of India in 1931, described as "the most beautiful cascade of colored diamonds in the world"

Inspiration from inspiration. A Horst photo from the V&A's massive exhibition. "...It was the lovely effect of the precious stones worn by Indian princesses close against their skin that gave (Jeweller) Cartier the inspiration." "Something new in jewellery- diamonds set separately one by one, in tiny platinum mountings that clip on a few hairs of your head and stay firmly in place." Modelled by Mary Stutz for British Vogue, 17 Oct 1934.

Zoom in on images of the latest designer watches and luxury jewellery, plus unique wedding bands, unusual engagement rings, celebrities and more.

Cartier Protested the German Occupation During World War II by Creating Small Pins Depicting Caged Birds. c.1942. Photo Courtesy of Christie...