Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXIII

1 3 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I N ot without good reason has the Cartier Maison attracted the adoration of the rich and famous throughout the ages. At almost 170-years old, the jeweller stands the test of time, producing imaginative, sophisticated and elegant pieces, time after time. In 2014, the brand launched the Amulette de Cartier collection, a series of eleven necklaces and four bracelets. The latest iteration of this much admired collection is another masterclass in elegant flamboyance. Like so many Cartier collections, it looks set to be another icon in the patrimony department. Sure enough, when Poppy Delevingne debuted it at the Cartier International Polo Challenge, it looked wonderfully natural. Designed as if a modern talisman, the pendants are imagined as a personal lucky charm for the wearer, figuratively trapping wishes within their form. A dream catcher, if you will. Set on a delicate chain, the Amulette takes the shape of a curved, pebble- like disc encircled with 18 carat yellow or pink gold set with a gem – diamond or onyx cabochon – at the centre. A triangular wedge of negative space at the top is also the site of a hidden clasp which closes like a padlock to both capture luck and unlock the wearer’s wishes. Practically, it also removes the need for a standard chain fastening, adding to the beguilingly simple design. The first release in 2014 was fashioned from onyx, mother of pearl or diamonds – subtle, monochromatic colours that could be worn every day for every occasion – “immersed with lightness and dreams” in the words of Cartier. In the spring, the jewellery house introduced pops of colour, enriching the Amulette collection with shimmering semi-precious stones: deep green malachite, pale green chrysoprase, shimmering, azure lapis lazuli, warm pink opal and red cornelian, each with symbolic meaning. Malachite is a protective charm for travellers, opal symbolises happiness and lapis lazuli brings serenity. What’s more, the bold colours make for an effortless, oh-so Parisienne way to bring colour to a simple outfit. Available in two sizes, the larger version is set with three onyx stones like beads and diamonds that decrease in size as they approach the centre. The large pendants are striking, but it’s the delicate, polished, smaller discs that we want at our neck each day.