There’s a place called Kilkenny in Ireland where–it is said–cats
argue so fiercely that they begin to eat each other till all that is
left of a sparring duo are their tails. Now … there are surely
some amongst you who–after careful analysis of the above mentioned
facts-- might ask how this is possible … for once the head and
mouth and teeth are devoured … is there not a logistical problem
in completing the task of ingesting the rest of the body? This is a
good question … certainly worthy of merit and deep thought by the
great minds of our century. Alas … I knoweth not the answer …
and I pray that the more knowledgeable amongst you–if you have the
answer to this enigma–pass it on.
Lithe and mysterious as she slinks with unshakeable elegance in the
world of the ultra-wealthy and the stratospherically well-positioned
… she was the designer supreme for Cartier and was affectionately
known amongst her friends–because of her magnificent portrayals in
jewelry of the big cats–as Panther. Her name was Jeanne Toussaint.
So well loved were her feline creations that by the 1950’s the
Cartier Panther fame had so grown that the bejewelled feline was
adorning the bodices of personages of privilege to such a degree
that the Panther became the hallmark of the House of Cartier from
that point on.
I digress a tad. Egypt. A long time ago. Before computers even.
The word for cat was “Mau” … a word which not only imitated the
cats cry … but was also associated with the mother syllable. No
wonder cats were so revered. Everyone thought the little kitty was
their mommy. Think about this a bit. Then think a little more.
The panther continues to this day to be a favorite in the Cartier
collections … and it is no wonder when one views the incredible
beauty Ms. Toussaint brought to life with her bejeweled pieces
representing the untamed heart which lives in us all. The panther is
the essence of female sensuality … very much akin to its creator.
So I have an image of this brooch you see … an image of a Cartier
panther called the Jooghi Brooch. It’s a stunner … and it’s only
one of what might seem to be an endless series of stunners. It’s an
absolute must-see with its emerald eyes and 453 encrusted round
diamonds and 68 sapphires.
For those of you who are new to this thing called Tidbits…may I
direct you to my home page at www.tyler-adam.com where you will
scroll down the left side menu till you get to the area that says
Tidbits Graphics … and then click on the link that says: Jooghi
… where you’ll see an image of the Panther Brooch.