Cartier’s celebrated “Tutti Frutti” creations of the 1920s and 1930s draw inspiration from the rich artistic heritage and vibrant color traditions of India. Jacques Cartier, a grandson of the maison’s founder, Louis-Francois Cartier, was captivated by Indian jewelry during his tenure overseeing the London branch at the turn of the 19th century. Influenced by the intricate Mughal carvings, lush foliage motifs, and exquisite gemstones found throughout India, he reimagined these elements within the modern framework of Art Deco design.

Primarily utilizing carved and cabochon emeralds, rubies and sapphires complemented with carved onyx and brilliant diamonds, these pieces are typically set in platinum bearing the maison’s signature. The Tutti Frutti style stands as one of Cartier’s greatest contributions to design history with its exceptionally bold palette and kaleidoscopic designs that were in direct contrast from conventional jewelry of the Art Deco period. For collectors and connoisseurs, these pieces are a combination of technical mastery and cross-cultural inspiration that imbues these pieces with enduring significance.