Absolute Poise

Cartier's latest high jewellery collection En Equilibre is a study in harmony, where grandeur is achieved through simplicity

- By Ahy Choi

In late May, guests from around the world braved Stockholm's unpredictable early summer weather for a high jewellery collection launch. While the city may seem an unexpected choice for such an event, it makes sense once you understand Cartier's celebration of the Swedish ethos of lagom: the idea of moderation, or "just enough".

In late May, guests from around the world braved Stockholm's unpredictable early summer weather for a high jewellery collection launch. While the city may seem an unexpected choice for such an event, it makes sense once you understand Cartier's celebration of the Swedish ethos of lagom: the idea of moderation, or "just enough".

Moderation may seem like an obvious concept when it comes to jewellery design, Jacqueline Karachi, Cartier's creative director of high jewellery, tells Tatler when we meet at the Stockholm exhibition, but adding more to a piece can be "the most difficult thing to stop".

The maison seems to have succeeded, however. Titled En Équilibre, its new collection amplifies one of Cartier's most important design philosophies: balance and harmony. "In every collection, we try to illustrate a new aspect of Cartier's style, which is unique and multifaceted," Karachi explains. "And for me, it was essential to convey that equilibrium is perhaps Cartier's most fundamental principle. It's very abstract but at the same time it’s everywhere' in the designs.