Maria Félix Crocodile Necklace: The Iconic Cartier High Jewellery Piece Explained

Few items in the world of jewellery have as much boldness of personality as the famous crocodile necklace by Cartier. It has taken inspiration from a famous event back in 1975 and made something unbelievable out of an outlandish concept.

Who Was María Félix?

María Félix (1914-2002) was a renowned Mexican actress and a great figure of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Nicknamed ‘La Doña,’ she was revered for her strong personality, powerful screen presence, and her own distinct style. Outside her acting, she was a passionate collector of artworks and luxury jewellery. She was among the boldest muses at the esteemed House of Cartier.

What Is The Maria Félix Crocodile Necklace?

The Maria Félix Crocodile Necklace, famous all around the world as an exemplary piece of haute jewellery created for Cartier in 1975, includes two complete articulated crocodiles that can form a necklace on one's neck or become brooches worn separately. One reptile has yellow diamonds, whereas the other is adorned with green emeralds.

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How Did Gayatri Devi Inspire Cartier's Crocodile Jewellery?

Maria Félix was once seen entering the Cartier jewellery store located at Rue de la Paix in Paris carrying a baby crocodile within a glass box. She told the jeweller to make an exact copy of the animal before it grew up. Cartier obliged, basing the work on her living animal model and making a precise replica of the reptile down to every last anatomical detail.

What Makes The Cartier Crocodile Necklace So Extraordinary?

This jewellery comprises 1,023 fancy intense yellow diamonds (over 60 carats) on the first crocodile and 1,060 circular-cut emeralds (over 66 carats) on the second crocodile.

Both crocodiles are fully articulated and can move along their backbones to bend over the collarbone or stand independently as brooches.

The eyes of the first crocodile are made from cabochon emeralds, and those of the second crocodile are made from cabochon rubies.

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Conclusion

The fearless approach of María Félix revolutionised the world of high jewellery by showing that a fearless attitude can transform nature's crazy inspirations into immortal pieces of art. The Crocodile necklace from Cartier has become an iconic masterpiece of elegance.

Image credits: Pinterest 

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