Unveiling the Elegance of the Toussaint Necklace

The Toussaint Necklace takes centre stage in Ocean's 8, but it has a richer history. The movie merely showed the necklace as a stunning piece of jewellery. Its diamond beauty on the big screen grabbed viewers and jewellery connoisseurs. There were questions about its validity and importance beyond the movie's plot, where we saw the Toussaint Cartier necklace get stolen.

The truth is that the Toussaint Necklace was a unique piece with exquisite craftsmanship, rare materials, and unmatched design. Each stone was picked by an Indian prince for brilliance and he only wanted the finest diamonds and gemstones. 

The meticulous craftsmanship took hours to ensure every detail was perfect. The necklace was a bespoke creation with rare accuracy and craftsmanship, making it exceptional.

Let’s learn more about it. 

A Dazzling Masterpiece with a Story to Tell

Now that we know Toussaint is a real necklace (or at least it was once) let’s learn where it all started. 

  • Creation and Inspiration

The Toussaint Necklace has a story as dazzling as the diamonds it once held. The necklace in the movie was based on a 1931 creation by London shop owner Jacques Cartier for the Maharajah of Nawanagar. 

The world's finest cascade of coloured diamonds comprised the 136.25-carat blue-white Queen of Holland Diamond, a 12-carat olive-green diamond, numerous large pink diamonds, and several big white diamonds. 

Jacques Cartier called the Maharajah's necklace “a superb realisation of a connoisseur's dream.” 

Among the Maharajah’s Cartier collection were also Diamond Turban Ornaments with the 61.50-carat Tiger Eye Diamond. The Turban Ornament is still in the excellent Al Thani collection. However, the necklace is now gone.

When it comes to diamonds, it’s all about "carat" for weight – not to be confused with "karat," which is all about gold purity. Easy to mix up, but totally different!

  • The Legacy of Jeanne Toussaint

The necklace is named after Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s fearless creative director in the 1930s. She was a trailblazer known for her bold designs, and her Art Deco influence shines through in the necklace’s extraordinary craftsmanship.

  • A Piece Lost to Time

Where is the Toussaint necklace now? Sadly, the original Toussaint Necklace doesn’t exist anymore. 

After the Maharaja’s passing, the necklace was taken apart in the 1960s, and its stunning diamonds, including the 'Queen of Holland,' found their way into private collections. 

Even though it’s no longer intact, the necklace’s legacy lives on, inspiring jewellers and captivating jewellery lovers around the world.

Design and Features of the Toussaint Necklace

The Toussaint Necklace isn’t just a piece of jewellery – it’s a work of art. From its dazzling gemstones to its intricate craftsmanship, every detail tells a story of luxury and elegance. Let’s dive into what makes this necklace so extraordinary.

In The Movie

The story in Ocean's 8 valued the Toussaint Necklace at above $100 million, matching its estimated value if the necklace was still with us. In addition to lending their name to the film, Cartier became the official jeweller. They redesigned the necklace and made other magnificent jewellery for the stars to wear in critical sequences.

They had to modify the dimensions for Anne Hathaway since the Toussaint Necklace was originally made for and worn by a man. Cartier's experts resized the necklace, making it smaller by 15–20% to fit her. 

The film recreation uses zirconium oxides instead of diamonds on white gold. Though diamonds would have been above budget, this was about conserving money and making things production-friendly.

Even with these improvements, replicating the necklace was difficult. Over 4,200 hours and 10–15 Cartier High Jewellery artisans created the copy. That passion keeps Cartier's artistry shining on and off-screen!

Materials That Sparkle with Brilliance

At the heart of the real Toussaint Necklace was the breathtaking 136.25-carat 'Queen of Holland' diamond, known for its subtle bluish tint. Imagine that sparkle! 

The necklace didn’t stop there—it also featured a 12-carat olive-green diamond and several pink diamonds that added a pop of colour to its design. 

The chains were made of large clear white diamonds, with square pink diamonds acting as links, all set in precious metals to enhance their brilliance. It was a true spectacle of light and colour.

Why It Still Turns Heads

What makes the Toussaint Necklace so captivating is how timeless its design is. The combination of rare coloured diamonds, perfectly arranged in a symmetrical cascade, creates a piece that’s both bold and elegant. You won’t be able to take your eyes off of it!

It’s the kind of jewellery that commands attention and leaves a lasting impression. Even decades later, it’s still inspiring jewellers and jewellery lovers alike, proving that true beauty never goes out of style.

Cultural Impact of the Toussaint Necklace

The Toussaint Necklace is more than a piece of jewellery; it is a cultural icon that has influenced pop culture and luxury fashion. The tale of this necklace is one that continues getting better, from its prominent appearances in movies to its influence on contemporary jewellery styles.

What It Represents

The Toussaint Necklace isn't just pretty; it's also a sign of wealth and style. Its position as an elegant statement has been solidified by its elaborate design and connections to the monarchy. It continues to influence contemporary jewellery trends today, with designers drawing inspiration from its striking yet classic design.

The fact that striking, eye-catching jewellery is making a comeback is actually evidence that accessories like the Toussaint Necklace are always in style. It serves as a reminder that excellent craftsmanship and design never go out of style and always have an impact on the future.

A Blend of Cultures and Styles

The Toussaint Necklace is a masterful fusion of two cultures. Its design blends the sleek, geometric aesthetic of the Art Deco movement of the 1930s with the opulence of Indian royal jewellery, which is known for its intricacies and vibrant colours. 

The outcome? A necklace that has a classic yet contemporary vibe. In addition to making the necklace stunning, this blending of ethnic elements made it a timeless representation of style and wealth.

How It Compares to Other Iconic Jewels

The Toussaint Necklace is comparable to some of the world's most renowned jewellery pieces. Consider the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, which is renowned for its amazing size and glitter, or the Hope Diamond, which is well-known for its deep blue colour and enigmatic past. These diamonds can give the Queen of Holland a run for its money.

The Toussaint Necklace's custom design for royalty is what sets it apart. The Toussaint Necklace stands out due to its overall creativity and the narrative it conveys through its design, whilst the others are renowned for their stones.

Cartier’s Legendary Touch

The Toussaint Necklace is a prime illustration of why luxury is nearly associated with the Cartier brand. Cartier, referred to as the "Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewellers," has a long history of producing exquisite jewellery for celebrities, aristocracy, and anyone looking to stand out.

Cartier has dazzled the world in other ways besides the Toussaint Necklace. Icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly have been adorned with their jewellery and have even appeared in movies like Ocean's 8. Cartier's jewels are memorable because of their ability to blend innovation with heritage.

In addition to being a stunning piece of jewellery, the Toussaint Necklace tells a bigger tale of how Cartier has influenced luxury and fashion.

The Toussaint Necklace in the Modern Era

Even though the original Toussaint Necklace no longer exists, its legacy continues to shine brightly. This iconic piece has left an indelible mark on the world of jewellery, inspiring modern designs and captivating enthusiasts with its timeless charm.

The Toussaint Necklace’s story didn’t end when the original piece was dismantled. Instead, it found new life through recreations and modern interpretations.

  • Recreated for A Hollywood Hit:
    Using archival sketches and photographs, Cartier’s artisans recreated a scaled-down replica for Anne Hathaway to wear in the movie. The replica remained a stunning nod to the original’s grandeur.

  • Inspiring Modern Designs:
    The necklace’s intricate design continues to influence jewellers and artisans today. Replicas inspired by its iconic style are popular, even on platforms like Etsy, proving the necklace’s enduring appeal to those who want a piece of its history.

What’s It Worth?

Given its unusual design and historical relevance, estimating the value of the original Toussaint Necklace is almost impossible. But Cartier's replica for Ocean's 8, valued at $150 million, provided a window into the possible value of the original if it had survived whole. 

However, the truth is that because of its regal heritage, rare diamonds, and exquisite craftsmanship, it is absolutely invaluable.

The Toussaint Necklace represents more than simply its aesthetic value; it also stands for the enduring allure of daring, opulent jewellery and the unparalleled artistry of Cartier.

What Happened to the Cartier Toussaint Necklace

After Maharaja Ranjitsinhji passed away, the necklace made multiple public appearances draped around Digvijaysinhji Jadeja's neck, who succeeded him (r. 1933– 1966).

In 1960, Cartier purchased the Queen of Holland as an individual piece, and the family kept what was left of the Touissant necklace until it was dismantled. In 1978, the diamond was sold to William Goldberg and then cut down to 135.92 carats. 

The diamond was owned by Robert Mouawad, the former president of the Mouawad House, the last anyone heard about it.

The other diamonds from the necklace were repurposed to make other jewellery.

However, Cartier kept a concept sketch and several images of the real necklace in their archives; they were the film's exclusive jewellery partner. In Ocean's 8, the Toussaint Cartier Necklace was modelled after the creation sketch.

The original necklace's framework, which earned the moniker "the finest cascade of coloured diamonds in the world," is housed in Australia's National Gallery. 

Other Cartier Necklaces That Are Just As Spectacular

Famous for making breathtaking necklaces with histories as fascinating as their designs, Cartier is known worldwide for its exquisite jewellery.

Necklaces by Cartier are works of art and pieces of history. Their energy is palpable. They demonstrate why Cartier is still one of the most recognisable jewellery brands, captivating and inspiring people of all ages.

 Here are a few of their most iconic creations that deserve the spotlight:

  • The Patiala Necklace

Envision a scintillating necklace decked with 2,930 diamonds, one of which is a breathtaking 234.65-carat De Beers diamond. In 1928, the Maharaja of Patiala ordered the Patiala Necklace. There has never been anything quite like it. 

Cartier rebuilt it in 1998 after sections were uncovered in the late 20th century, bringing its majesty back to life after it had been lost for years.

  • The Crocodile Necklace

A live baby crocodile was brought into Cartier by Mexican actress María Félix in 1975, who requested that it be transformed into a necklace. 

So what happened? They made two! 

One crocodile was made from white gold and yellow diamonds, while the other was adorned with emeralds and gold. Both of them are articulated. Among Cartier's most iconic creations, it is one of the most daring and striking.

  • The Tutti Frutti Necklace

A riot of colour comes to life in Cartier's Tutti Frutti designs. These necklaces showcase a fusion of Art Deco and Indian design elements, which were popular in the 1920s. 

Envision diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and rubies set in colourful, festive configurations. These exquisite and whimsical jewels are sure to turn heads among Cartier's offerings.

  • The Panthère de Cartier Necklace

The Panthère de Cartier necklaces exquisitely capture the untamed, elegant beauty of the panther, which has become a trademark symbol of Cartier. 

These items perfectly balance force and elegance, often adorned with diamonds, onyx, and daring designs. If you want to exude an air of refined aggression, these are the shoes for you.

  • The Bismarck Sapphire Necklace

Crafted in 1935, this necklace embodies an era of classic beauty. Set amidst diamonds and smaller sapphires, it boasts a 98.56-carat deep blue sapphire as its focus. 

It is a timeless masterpiece of Cartier's capacity to craft exquisite and regal jewellery; Countess Mona von Bismarck gave it to the Smithsonian Institution.

Lessons from Cartier's History - The Toussiant Inspiration

The name Cartier has defined luxury and design for almost a century, not just jewellery. The Toussaint Necklace sparkles, tells stories, inspires creativity, and is valuable.

 What can Cartier's rich history teach us about jewellery as art, investment, and inspiration?

Jewellery as Art

Jewellery is about making a statement. The Toussaint Necklace shows how Cartier blends art and luxury. Designed in 1931 for the Maharaja of Nawanagar, this necklace was a masterpiece. 

The Toussaint Necklace proves that jewellery may be as beautiful as a painting or sculpture with its elaborate design, bold use of coloured diamonds, and unmatched craftsmanship. It proves beauty and artistry can coexist.

Jewellery as an Investment

Why are artefacts like the Toussaint Necklace priceless? Rarity, history, and craftsmanship matter. High-end jewelry like this necklace appreciates with time due to its unique story and materials. 

The rare 136.25-carat 'Queen of Holland' diamond in the Toussaint Cartier Necklace was worth incalculable. Although the original piece was demolished, its legacy and desire for comparable designs continue to increase, illustrating that great jewellery is a smart investment.

Inspiration for Designers

Jewellers and designers still draw inspiration from the Toussaint Necklace. Cartier's necklace for Ocean's 8 highlighted how classic designs may be updated for current audiences. The necklace's boldness and grace have inspired many modern designs, inspiring aspiring jewellers to be creative and skilled.

What We Can Learn from Cartier

Cartier's history shows that jewellery is more than ornamentation. Art is an investment and a motivation. The Toussaint Necklace shows how a single object may be culturally significant, financially valuable, and artistically brilliant. Cartier's tradition has something for everyone, whether you enjoy jewellery, design, or beauty.

Conclusion

Elegant, luxurious, and artistic, the Toussaint Necklace is more than jewellery. From its regal origins to its star role in Ocean's 8, it has inspired generations. Its stunning design and rich history show that jewellery can be art, history, and magic.

Do you feel inspired? Check out more great designs. LoveLuxury has a wide range of distinctive, intriguing jewellery like the Toussaint Necklace. A tale awaits you, whether you want a strong statement piece or something timeless and delicate. Your next timeless gem may be there!

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