Precious Preservation: Celebrating 15 Years of the Glyptic Arts at Cartier

When we hear about Cartier, the first thing that springs to mind is a beautiful panther, or a resplendent tutti frutti parure, or a necklace with an investment-grade gemstone. But this year, at the presentation of the latest En Équilibre High Jewellery, I have discovered a different direction that the French Maison prides itself in – the Art of Glyptics. This year, Glyptics Atelier is celebrating 15 years of passion, productivity and preservation, demonstrating that with the right encouragement, ancient gemstone art forms can flourish and discover new audiences. Here, I would like to tell you more about Cartier's commitment to glyptics, how its specialised Atelier operates, and spotlight some of the carved creations that caught my eye…

The first thing you may be thinking is, 'What are glyptics?' Let me give you a 10-second intro to this ancient art form. Its name is derived from the Greek gluptikos to denote sculptural carved gemstone objects, whether in relief (cameo) or in a concave manner (intaglio). Although we have evidence of glyptic art dating to the Ancient Egyptians, it is a relatively rare specialism in today's luxury marketplace, with only a handful of truly skilled artisans keeping the techniques alive. To be able to look at a rough gemstone and envision it as something completely different, like a flamingo or an elephant, requires not only an active imagination but an impressive demand of carving, sculpting and design skills. Specifically in France, glyptics is listed in the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage and is recognised by UNESCO as something vitally important to preserve. It is unsurprising, therefore, that one of France's most significant fine and high jewellery Maisons is at the forefront of the glyptic arts.