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Félix's Crocodile: Cartier's Legendary Gem
5 Apr
Summary
- A live baby crocodile inspired a legendary Cartier necklace.
- The necklace features two articulated crocodiles encrusted with emeralds and diamonds.
- Monica Bellucci and Elle Fanning have worn iconic crocodile designs.

In a legendary move, Mexican actress María Félix commissioned Cartier in Paris to create a magnificent necklace inspired by a live baby crocodile she brought to the boutique. This audacious request resulted in a masterpiece featuring two articulated gold crocodiles, meticulously adorned with thousands of precious stones.
One crocodile boasts 1,060 emeralds and ruby eyes, while its companion is covered in 1,023 yellow diamonds. These dazzling reptiles can be detached and worn as separate brooches, enhancing the piece's mythical status. The necklace remained exclusively associated with Félix for decades.
It wasn't until the 2006 Cannes Film Festival that Monica Bellucci became the second person to wear the original crocodiles. Cartier later honored the original in 2019 with a new suite featuring Colombian emeralds. The spirit of this design endures, appearing on Cartier ambassador Elle Fanning and actor Jay Ellis, proving its striking modernity for all.