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Deco Belle Global Jewelry
Sunday, April 25, 2010
 Maria Félix, the most famous star of the golden age of Mexican cinema commissioned two of the most famous Cartier jewelry pieces and is known for her daring and exotic jewelry collection.
At left is an infamous example of an inspiration (the Cartier La Doña de Cartier Watch was developed in 2006 as a tribute to her) that probably shocked even the Cartier Paris salespersons whom attended to her in 1975.
 Ms. Félix was known to love her exotic pets while living in Paris. Having had other pieces commissioned and appreciating the fine craftsmanship from Cartier, she walked into the Paris shop one fine afternoon, and brought a baby crocodile in a jar, asking to have a necklace made to feature the likeness of the crocodile. It is reportedly said that she commented that they should hurry, before the crocodile gets any bigger. And that the designers did, her exquisite jewelry was crafted but a couple of months later.
 It is believed that Maria Felix chose the crocodile to be her amulet as it is a death and rebirth of dynastic beginnings symbol as represented in the Aztec calendar, known as Cipactli. It is also a sacred creature in Egypt, named Sobek and often referred to as Neith, represented by a woman nursing a baby crocodile.
The resulting design was that of two crocodiles, which would be worn together to create a necklace, or separate to be two bracelets. The bodies of the crocodiles contain 524.9 grams of Gold, and are set with:
- 1,023 fancy yellow diamonds
- 1,060 circular-cut emeralds
 Another famous design commissioned by the actress was the famous snake necklace in 1968. This serpent design is made of platinum and white gold, and set with 178.21 diamond carats (2,473 diamonds total). Elongated diamonds are perfectly tapered to fit into the head of the serpent.
The fine craftsmanship allows for hinge movements throughout the entire necklace and it is said that it has the slithery feel and weight of a real snake of that size. The underside is enameled to allow comfort for the wearer of this gorgeous necklace.
The Cartier in America exhibit featuring this and more (especially Art Deco) jewelry at the San Francisco Legion of Honor through May 9th 2010 (extended from its original showing).
 At DecoBelle.com we enjoy exotic animal jewelry as well, from snakeskin patterned 100% Argentinean leather, frog, owl, dolphin, butterfly, bird, dragonfly, bee, to ladybug jewellery and more.
We offer free shipping in the USA on all orders of $30.00 or more, plus free gift wrap on all orders. We ship to all corners of the globe, please see our international mailing rates for more information. Labels: art/lit/film, bracelet, designer, ethnic, fashion, gold, necklace, paris, style, vintage
by: Deco Belle Inc.
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