Café at Cartier: The jeweller's latest collection brings a cheeky tribute to coffee

Cartier delights us with its new collection: Grain de Café. Exploring the delicate interplay of craftsmanship and inspiration, the master jeweller's new offering draws on the beauty of the natural world, evoking nostalgia while celebrating modern artistry

In a striking return to its roots, Cartier has unveiled the Grain de Café collection, a series of jewellery pieces that reflect both the elegance of the 1950s and the understated beauty of nature. Inspired by the coffee bean, this collection is a testament to Cartier’s ability to transform everyday elements into objects of beauty and desire.

The Grain de Café collection features an array of pieces - rings, pendants, earrings, and brooches - crafted primarily from yellow gold. These creations are designed to evoke the warmth of summer, with rose gold and engraved obsidian coffee beans that move gracefully with the wearer. Each piece is adorned with diamonds set in white gold, adding a layer of delicacy and sophistication.

Marie-Laure Cérède, Cartier’s creative director of Jewellery and Watchmaking, describes this collection as a celebration of “new preciousness”, where light, finishes and volumes converge to create a versatile range imbued with spirit. The intricate designs invite touch and admiration, showcasing mobility and sensuality through hollow grains that dance against one another.

The coffee bean motif has a storied history at Cartier, first appearing in 1938 and gaining prominence through its association with influential figures such as Jeanne Toussaint and Grace Kelly. Toussaint’s innovative vision transformed simple materials into luxurious designs, while Grace Kelly’s royal status brought this motif into the public eye during her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

In honour of Grace Kelly, Cartier has collaborated with American director Alex Prager for a visually arresting campaign film that captures the essence of the Grain de Café collection. Featuring actress Elle Fanning in a series of evocative scenes, the film juxtaposes past and present, reflecting the timeless allure of the collection and its inspirations.

The craftsmanship behind the Grain de Café collection is noteworthy; over 30 artisans contributed to its creation, resulting in more than 60 prototypes. Each piece is meticulously crafted to ensure it adorns and enhances the wearer's natural beauty.

Ultimately, Cartier's Grain de Café collection serves as more than just jewellery; it is an artistic expression that resonates with those who appreciate the stories woven into each creation. Cartier continues to demonstrate its enduring relevance in luxury jewellery by blending historical significance with contemporary design sensibilities.

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