Style Edit: Cartier’s Libre Polymorph collection transforms before your eyes

Cartier constantly seeks fresh inspiration for its flagship designs, presenting entirely new collections that continue to stay true to the house’s identity while focusing attention on savoir faire and a desire to innovate in the realms of design and technique.

The maison’s ability to reinvent and redefine the art of jewellery-making informs the new Cartier Libre Polymorph collection. These pieces reveal themselves to be much more than what they seem at first glance.

What’s more, Hollywood star Charlize Theron recently donned the Metamorphose bracelet and ring from the collection, when she stepped out at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party earlier this month.

The Japanese art of kintsugi features in the collection

Each piece’s ability to express motion makes the collection unique; its transformative quality also makes it versatile, with creations ranging from bracelets and brooches to secret timepieces.

Each piece in the Polymorph collection has been elaborately crafted

Ever the elegant mascot, has been at the heart of Cartier’s identity throughout the decades. Capturing the fierce prance of the feline from a wholly different perspective, the Polymorph brooch is the brand’s subtle nod to the panther. Four large moonstones mimic the savage claws of the big cat, with snow-set diamonds and onyx accentuating the beauty of the design. But the piece offers much more than meets the eye – a miniature dial covered in diamonds is revealed when pressed.

The four claws and hidden watch face of Cartier’s Polymorph brooch

And even more secrets unfold in the collection. Adorned entirely in lapis lazuli, onyx, black spinel, turquoise and chrysoprase beads, topped with rubies, baguette diamonds and sapphires, the Polymorph carabiner is transformed into a discreet timepiece. Despite its elaborate gem setting, the clip is fully functional, adding to the playful appeal of this jewellery creation.

Cartier’s Polymorph carabiner also features a secret timepiece

Meanwhile, the Polymorph bracelet finds movement in the rising of the sun. Pink chalcedony, orange moonstone, palmeira citrine, Madeira orange citrine, intense fire opal, spessartite garnet, pink sapphire, yellow sapphire and orange rutilated quartz and diamonds are set on crescents to mimic the colours in ombres seen across the sky from sunrise to sunset. The gold bracelet and prongs add to the glowing design like rays beaming from the sun.

Cartier’s Polymorph bracelet is inspired by the movement of the sun

The Polymorph ring ushers in the night with its white gold, onyx and diamond gem setting, representing a solar eclipse. Four rotating white gold discs can be moved and manipulated to express the different stages of the solar phenomenon.

Cartier’s Polymorph ring evokes an eclipse

Unfolding and folding the discs completely transforms the silhouette of the piece, the clever mechanism allowing a personal connection between the wearer and the design.