Editor’s Note
This article highlights the often-overlooked role of high jewelry as a silent protagonist in cinema, using Cartier’s latest creation for ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ as a compelling example. It reminds us that filmmaking is a tapestry woven from many artistic threads, including those that sparkle off-screen.
After creating the iconic Toussaint for the film ‘Ocean’s 8’ nearly ten years ago, Cartier has once again created a piece of high jewelry, this time for the film ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ which premieres this month.
We often think that those involved in the creation of a film are only the actors, director, screenwriter, producer, or technical team. But, in the vast majority of films, there are silent yet essential protagonists who don’t usually appear on promotional posters. Protagonists that don’t respond to a name but are represented by a brand.
One such case is Cartier’s participation in multiple films. This participation highlights the strong connection the high jewelry firm has with the film industry. From Rudolph Valentino’s Tank in *The Son of the Sheik* to Anne Hathaway’s Toussaint in *Ocean’s 8*, Cartier’s history has always been linked to the big screen. It’s even the sponsor of the Venice Film Festival!
Since creating a replica of the famous Cartier Toussaint for the latest installment of the *Ocean’s* saga in 2018, we haven’t seen any special jewelry commissions for films from the firm. However, Cartier returns to the big screen in 2025 with a similar involvement: a custom-made cross pendant, crafted exclusively for Wes Anderson’s new film, ‘The Phoenician Scheme’.
Captivated by the charm of a cross pendant manufactured by Cartier around 1880, the director imagined a contemporary version that could accompany one of the characters throughout the film. To bring this vision to life, the Maison’s High Jewelry studio designed a unique rosary in 2024: a larger-scale cross, with a chain of rose-cut diamonds evoking Wes Anderson’s universe.
In addition to adapting to the American director’s aesthetic, the pendant also features the Maison’s emblematic contrast of rubies and emeralds. A combination explored for over a century that results in a true work of art. Therefore, the rosary will become part of the Cartier Collection and will travel the world to illustrate the firm’s creativity in exhibitions and cultural institutions.
Besides the necklace, the film also reveals another Cartier creation subtly integrated into the narrative: a High Jewelry diamond ring, presented in the Maison’s distinctive red case during a touching marriage proposal scene.
The film with which Cartier returns to the big screen, almost 10 years after doing so, maintains Wes Anderson’s usual aesthetic. Extravagant characters, symmetry, carefully selected vibrant color palettes… A long list of elements that can be summarized in a single sentence: a jewel worthy of Cartier’s own.
With high-caliber performers like Tom Hanks, Willem Dafoe, and Scarlett Johansson, ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ recounts the espionage plot in which the wealthy European businessman Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) becomes entangled along with his daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton), a nun with whom he has a difficult relationship and to whom he wants to leave the family business.
Finally, two questions many may be asking: When does the film premiere, and where can you see the Cartier pendant in the film? Well, as the high jewelry firm reveals to us:
As for the film’s premiere, it will be on May 30th.