The legendary collaboration between María Félix and Cartier
The collaboration between Mexican actress María Félix and Cartier remains an emblematic chapter in the history of fine jewelry. Cartier created a series of exceptional jewels for this distinguished artist . This duo is a tangible testimony to the timeless elegance that characterizes both María Félix and Cartier.
María Félix and Cartier collaborated to create an iconic piece of fine jewelry: the serpent necklace . Designed in 1968, this 60 cm long platinum snake is adorned with diamonds and has a belly enameled in the bright colors of Mexico. Legend has it that Félix liked to twirl it around his head like a lasso.
The collaboration with Cartier is also marked by a remarkable piece: the crocodile necklace . Designed by Jeanne Toussaint, artistic director of Cartier, this emblematic creation was born in 1975.
It is said that María Félix entered a Cartier boutique in Paris with a small live crocodile . The Mexican star wanted to order a necklace identical to her favorite reptile, made exclusively of precious metals. This request gave rise to two exceptional pieces that have become emblematic.
To meet the challenge, Cartier designed a necklace representing two intertwined crocodiles, fully articulated and transformable , which can also be worn as a brooch. The internal legs can be replaced by motifs simulating folded legs for greater comfort.
The crocodiles, crafted in yellow gold, are encrusted with fancy yellow diamonds, emeralds and rubies . This dynamic reptilian necklace took no less than 1,875 hours to complete, demonstrating the exceptional attention Cartier paid to this visionary creation.
After María Félix's death, her precious jewelry collection was put up for sale, and Cartier acquired the famous crocodile necklace to add it to its historical archives. In 2006, actress Monica Bellucci had the privilege of wearing this jewel at the Cannes Film Festival.
