The Ronde Louis Cartier Filigree watch is powered by a 430MC manufacture caliber, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Photo courtesy Cartier.

BY LESLIE JORDAN CLARY

Cartier has once again reinvented its iconic panther—this time using the ancient goldsmithing art of filigree on only 20 limited edition  Ronde Louis Cartier Filigree timepieces. The lace-like filigree technique is thought to have been used in jewelry since 3,000 B.C. and dates back to ancient Egypt. By soldering together gold or silver threads, it creates delicate, and often elaborate, brocade. The new Ronde Louis watches feature two panthers gazing at each other with emerald eyes, created with 22-karat yellow gold and 950 platinum threads in a 42 mm yellow gold case. The panthers are set against the background of a starry sky surrounded by a middle pave set with diamonds.

—Dec. 18, 2014