Starting in 1910, reptiles had a special place among Cartier fauna: the virtuoso jeweller brought these lithe, undulating bodies to life in many impressive necklaces and bracelets. Supreme expertise was required over months, or even years, to assemble the internal platinum structure of the most sumptuous pieces, such as the snake necklace of the Mexican actress Maria Felix.

SNAKE NECKLACE

CARTIER PARIS, 1919

Platinum, round old-cut diamonds, millegrain setting

Length 22.0 cm

SNAKE NECKLACE

CARTIER PARIS, SPECIAL ORDER, 1968

Platinum, white gold and yellow gold, 2,473 brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds, weighing 178.21 carats in total, two pear-shaped emeralds (eyes), green, red and black enamel. 

Special order for María Félix (1914-2002). Mexican diva and archetypal Latin femme fatale, Félix was well known in Mexico and France for films by Emilio Fernandez, Jean Renoir, and Luis Buñuel. She was a true reptile lover.

Length 57 cm

CROCODILES NECKLACE

CARTIER PARIS, SPECIAL ORDER, 1975

Gold, 1,023 brilliant-cut fancy intense yellow diamonds, weighing 60.02 carats in total, two navette-shaped emerald cabochons (eyes), 1,060 emeralds, weighing 66.86 carats in total, two ruby cabochons (eyes). 

Entirely articulated, the two crocodiles can be worn separately as brooches or together as a necklace. When worn around the neck, the feet can be replaced by clawless paws that will not irritate the skin. 

Ordered by María Félix (1914-2002).

Length 30.00 and 27.30 cm