Cartier Unveils Its Nature Sauvage High Jewelry Collection in Singapore
The former Command House in Singapore was built in 1937 to serve as the residence of the General Officer Commanding of Malaya. Later, when Singapore became an independent city-state, it became the official residence of the Speaker of Parliament.
Over the past week, the historic house has become the glorious backdrop of the third chapter of Cartier’s Nature Sauvage High JewelryHigh JewelryHigh jewelry refers to the most exclusive tier of fine jewelry, typically one-of-a-kind or extremely limited pieces created using rare gemstones and exceptional, time-intensive craftsmanship techniques. Maisons present high jewelryGo to High Jewelry Glossary collection, following its premiere in Vienna and second chapter in Shanghai.
On its opening day, Robb Report Philippines explored its chambers, each one inspired by Singapore’s traditional Peranakan culture, showcasing rare jewels ensconced in exquisite settings that pay homage to the natural wild.
We started with a workshop led by Michel Aliaga, director of Transmission, History and Patrimony, who flew in from Paris to have a conversation with a Singaporean gallerist and local artisans, exploring the shared values of cultural diversity, heritage preservation, and craftsmanship.
As we used needle and thread to embroider tiny beads onto a panther print, Aliaga drew parallels between the artistry of Peranakan beadwork and Cartier’s high jewelryHigh JewelryHigh jewelry refers to the most exclusive tier of fine jewelry, typically one-of-a-kind or extremely limited pieces created using rare gemstones and exceptional, time-intensive craftsmanship techniques. Maisons present high jewelryGo to High Jewelry Glossary-making savoir-faire.
The first room evokes the wind that sweeps through the island, with curved walls of wood mimicking the flowing movement of sand, and large handwoven rattan flowers, icons of Singapore’s cityscape.
The whimsical Tutti Karonda is crafted with sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds.
In the second chamber, Nature Sauvage uses angular lines and geometric wooden silhouettes, with the sound of forest beasts punctuating the stillness.
In the Panthère Canopée, Cartier’s panther guards a 26.53-carat Ceylon sapphire.
The journey of water, with a play on mirrors and crystal that catch the light from Cartier’s diamonds, is celebrated in the third space.
The Echina is an intricate pattern of diamonds and emeralds that conjure sea urchins.
VintageVintageVintage refers to the specific year a wine's grapes were harvested, with exceptional vintages reflecting particularly favorable growing season conditions within a given region and year. Serious collectors track vintageGo to Vintage Glossary pieces are offered to collectors, celebrating Cartier’s timeless designs from years past.
Cartier timepieces are set in an orb-shaped space symbolizing the perpetual motion of time. Woven bamboo pillars serve as pedestals, representing strength and grace.
The second floor of the heritage space houses ten private client viewing salons transformed by local designers, using colorful fabrics, playful batik prints, and rattan and wood furnishings that showcase Singapore heritage and culture.
The exhibition marks Cartier’s third decade in the city, with clients flying in from across the world for the experience. It reminds us that true luxuryLuxuryA lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence.Go to Luxury Glossary is not only worn—it is lived, shaped by history, artistry, and the spirit of a place.