At this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE), Cartier showcased its dedication to craftsmanship and heritage under the theme “Masterful Craftsmanship, Timeless Style”. As a key participant in the Richemont Group’s “Cultural Elegance and Craftsmanship Legacy” pavilion, Cartier demonstrated its long-standing commitment to preserving and promoting exceptional craftsmanship while inviting Chinese audiences to explore the brand’s unique aesthetic.
Cartier’s Exhibition at the CIIE
For Cartier, craftsmanship serves as a bridge that connects the brand’s rich creativity with its signature elegance. At this year’s CIIE, the brand introduced a special “Portraits of Women Artisans” exhibit, which featured portraits of eight female artisans from Cartier’s jewelry and watchmaking ateliers in France and Switzerland. Through the tools they use and the masterpieces they create, this exhibit told the compelling story of how these artisans uphold and pass on Cartier’s extraordinary techniques. The showcase included eight distinct crafts, such as gem carving, polishing, gem setting, casting, complex watchmaking, bracelet assembly, and stamping. These artisan stories vividly illustrated how these skills are preserved and nurtured across generations.
Portraits of Women Artisans Exhibit
Among the featured artisans was Roberta, a gemstone carver and one of the central figures in the “Portraits of Women Artisans” series. Roberta was invited to the event to give visitors an up-close look at the mesmerizing art of gemstone carving. This intricate craft involves carving and engraving hard, precious, or rare gemstones, and since 2010, the renowned Philippe Nicolas has been overseeing Cartier’s gemstone carving workshop, where he not only creates but also teaches this rare skill to younger apprentices. Through his work, Cartier has become one of the few brands to keep this ancient art alive in-house.
Roberta’s newly launched creation, the Aquaflora high jewelry necklace, is a testament to her exceptional gem carving skills. This piece features a central gemstone made of natural tourmaline, with a captivating blend of yellow, orange, pink, and red hues, which subtly mirrors a hidden Betta fish pattern nestled beneath a floral design. Alongside this masterpiece, Cartier also unveiled the new Grain de Café high jewelry collection and the Cartier Privé Tortue single-button chronograph in gold, reflecting the brand’s craftsmanship in polishing and stamping.
Cartier’s Legacy of Female Creativity
Over Cartier’s more than 175-year history, the creative power of women has continuously inspired the brand. As early as the 1920s, female artisans were integral to the workshops in Paris, New York, and London, crafting intricate pieces such as pearl necklaces. In 1933, Jeanne Toussaint was appointed as Cartier’s creative director, marking a turning point in the brand’s history. Under her leadership, Cartier became one of the few brands in Europe’s male-dominated jewelry industry to embrace the female perspective in design and aesthetics.
Cécile Naour, CEO of Cartier China, remarked, “At Cartier, ‘heritage’ is embodied through creativity, style, and masterful craftsmanship. This year at the CIIE, we are pleased to share this value with local audiences through our portraits of women artisans. To ensure the orderly transmission of our vibrant cultural legacy, Cartier has continually fostered cultural exchange with China through exhibitions, collaborations, and even heritage restoration projects. We are especially honored that the Shanghai Museum recently launched the new exhibition ‘A Garden Full of Fragrance: The Artistic Magic of Cartier,’ which celebrates a century of our artistic creations.”
This year’s CIIE presentation by Cartier not only highlighted the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship but also underscored its long-standing relationship with Chinese culture and the profound artistic legacy that has been shared between the two. Through this collaboration, Cartier continues to inspire and educate new generations of jewelry lovers, artisans, and collectors.