ROCK SOLID

When it comes to a love for jewellery, that relationship is more than skin deep, lionnel lim learns from five Cartier VIP clients

Sanjay and Sonia Anand

The siblings have been accompaning their parents to Cartier since they were toddlers in prams Cartier represents... sonia: Quality and luxury. It is also something familiar to me so when I need to get a gift, I always go to Cartier. the first Cartier i wore was... sonia: One of my mum’s vintage Cartier watches. My favourite is the 18k yellow gold Tank Allongee with brown alligator strap. sanjay: Definitely something from my parents. I often raid the family’s collection of bracelets and wear many of my dad’s Cartier watches. My Most Memorable experience at Cartier was... sonia: Witnessing how its staff went out of their way to source and secure the exclusive and hard-to-get Tutti Frutti ring and earrings for my mum! Growing up with Cartier... sonia: Has allowed us to become very familiar with its staff. I once popped into the boutique just to get a plaster for my blister! sanjay: Means the brand is part of our lives. My sister and I grew up calling the staff there “uncle” or “auntie”. And of course, I enjoyed receving Hershey’s Kisses chocolates from them! My first Cartier purchase will be... sonia: A wedding band when I get married! (laughs) sanjay: A bracelet or ring.

I first knew of Cartier...

More than 30 years ago. I really appreciate the brand’s fine workmanship, artisanal innovation and of course, its storied history. Cartier appeals to me because... Of its rich heritage and iconic designs that do not go out of style. I bought some amazing pieces from its Tradition Collection (vintage designs that are no longer produced) when I was working in Geneva. as a long-time Client of Cartier...

I have become friends with their consultants. I trained at the Gemological Institute of America and the House of Gubelin so we share a passion for haute joaillerie. Cartier is like my local école where I can learn from the very knowledgeable consultants about settings, gemstones and history behind each design. I also come here to refuel with champagne, catch up with friends, and shop! I also enjoy introducing friends to the heritage of the brand and its intricate designs. my next Cartier Commission will be...

A ring to commemorate my pearl wedding anniversary, I want to get married to my husband all over again!

Cartier is... angela: A brand I’ve known since I was in secondary school through regular exposure to its advertisements. andrew: A brand I associate my wife with because she introduced it to me when we were dating. what i love most about Cartier... andrew: Is the craftsmanship behind the design of its ladies’ watches. I find them very interesting and am particularly enraptured by their use of enamel. my first Cartier was... angela: A Santos watch, gifted by Andrew when we were dating. andrew: A watch, but it wasn’t for me…does it still count? (laughs) my most recent Cartier purchase was... angela: A Panthère de Cartier necklace. if i were to Commission a Cartier piece, it would be... andrew: Without a doubt, a brooch to wear on my suit lapel. angela: A brooch because it’s something I can share with Andrew!

ON SANJAY: PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER NECKLACE IN WHITE GOLD WITH DIAMONDS, EMERALDS AND ONYX, JUSTE UN CLOU BRACELET IN WHITE GOLD WITH DIAMONDS, AND PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER RING IN WHITE GOLD WITH EMERALDS, ONYX AND DIAMONDS, ALL FROM CARTIER JACKET AND PANTS, BOTH FROM BOTTEGA VENETA ON SONIA: PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER EARRINGS IN WHITE GOLD WITH DIAMONDS AND ONYX, PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER RING IN WHITE GOLD WITH EMERALDS, ONYX AND DIAMONDS, PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER NECKLACE IN WHITE GOLD WITH EMERALDS, CERAMIC, ONYX AND DIAMONDS, AND PANTHÈRES ET COLIBRI WATCH, ALL FROM CARTIER DRESS, FROM MOSCHINO

HIGH JEWELLERY BRACELET IN PLATINUM WITH EMERALDS AND DIAMONDS, HIGH JEWELLERY EARRINGS IN PLATINUM WITH AQUAMARINES AND DIAMONDS, AND HIGH JEWELLERY RING IN PLATINUM WITH AQUAMARINE AND DIAMONDS, ALL FROM CARTIER JACKET, FROM HERMÈS

ON ANDREW: BROOCH IN WHITE GOLD WITH ONYX AND DIAMONDS, AND DRIVE DE CARTIER FLYING TOURBILLON WATCH IN PINK GOLD, BOTH FROM CARTIER SUIT, FROM BRUNELLO CUCINELLI ON ANGELA: PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER EARRINGS IN PLATINUM WITH SAPPHIRES, ONYX AND DIAMONDS, PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER RING IN PLATINUM WITH SAPPHIRES, EMERALDS AND DIAMONDS, AND PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER BRACELET IN WHITE GOLD WITH EMERALDS, ONYX AND DIAMONDS, ALL FROM CARTIER TOP, FROM VERSACE; SKIRT, FROM BRUNELLO CUCINELLI