WE ARE ALL DAUGHTERS OF JEANNE TOUSSAINT
Independence, freedom, power… If there is one woman in jewelry who shook things up and continues to inspire new generations, it’s her!
A figure that holds a special place at Cartier, where she has elevated the iconic animal into: La Panthère.
Handcuff Bracelet, Cartier Paris, 1939
Jeanne Toussaint in her office on Rue de la Paix, in 1962
Necklace, Cartier Paris, 1958
Clutch Bag, Cartier Paris, S Department, 1938
Powder Compact, Cartier Paris for Cartier London, S Department, 1930
First steps, first avant-garde role
Jeanne Toussaint, a symbol of the creative and celebratory Paris of the era, met Louis Cartier before the First World War, who entrusted her with creating a line of leather goods in 1920. Then, in 1925, made her responsible for the new “S Department” (S for silver), which offered more affordable accessories.
Create, direct: the art of making a difference
She was appointed Creative Director in 1933. Designers, jewelers, setters... She directed a world of men. She was one of the first women to reach such a level of responsibility in this industry. It was here that she forged a new, proud and powerful sculptural silhouette for the Panther.
To be an inspiration and have your own “taste” is the epitome of chic!
A great admirer of Indian jewelry, she reinstated yellow gold, which is sacred in India, and was bold enough to associate it with the bright colors of coral and precious stones: turquoise, citrine, topaz, aquamarine, and peridot. Her trademark taste was known as the “goût Toussaint.”
One step ahead, never behind...
Amplification of volumes, profusion of colors, gold work, ease of movement, return of the flora and fauna repertoire… Her jewelry has character and participates in the emancipation of women, whom she offers a jewelry vision of freedom that continues to inspire the
Maison.
Design for a Ring, Cartier Paris, 1947
Design for a Panther Bracelet, Cartier Paris, 1958
Portait of Jeanne Toussaint, May 1923
Ring, Cartier Paris, 1945
