Long before Wallis Simpson donned its Art Deco inspired creations, French jeweler and watchmaker Cartier had been known for incorporating flora and fauna in its designs. Since 1925, the world has come to partake in the brand’s love affair with nature and this year we see it take on a new form with the Cactus de Cartier.

Gone are the dainty flowers that the brand re-interpreted with precious stones. Instead Cartier found its inspiration from the sturdy desert flower. Simple and fascinating, the flowers come to life at night when they bloom. Rebelling against the delicate designs that are associated with femininity, the Cactus de Cartier lets the sturdy flower shine atop the prickly leaves. With three varying styles, we take a look at the collection below.

A Flower Without Spikes

Left: Cactus de Cartier bracelet, yellow gold, chrysoprases, emeralds, carnelians, set with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Right: Cactus de Cartier bracelet, yellow gold, emeralds, carnelians, set with brilliant-cut diamonds.

Using emeralds, the collection sees the mesmerizing stone in one design with two variations. Set in 18k yellow gold, the first is an array of green with chrysoprase imitating the prickly leaves of the cactus while emeralds are used to re-create the pins of the leaves. The flowers stand out thanks to the carnelians sitting proudly in the center of the design, complete with brilliant-cut diamonds. For the second variation, Cartier replaces the chrysoprase with 18k yellow gold and brilliant-cut diamonds take the place of the carnelians.

Desert Beauty

Cactus de Cartier in yellow gold, lapis lazuli, set with brilliant-cut diamonds

Here, the jeweler uses lapis lazuli and diamonds for what you would think is a simple design. But seeing as how there is beauty in simplicity, the gems make a captivating duo against the 18k yellow gold. Unlike the chrysoprase in the first design, Cartier uses 18k gold and diamonds to highlight the shaper edges. The lapis lazuli, in its beautiful blue hue the gem is used to color the flower petals.

Rebellious Flower

Cactus de Cartier in yellow gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds

The simplest design of the collection also happens to be one of our favorites. Cartier uses the trusted 18k gold to form pearls that mimic the twists that can be found on the sturdy plant. The twisting contours are tiered while diamonds are used to recreate the flowers. Cartier’s take on the flower with Cactus de Cartier is unusual yet refreshing.