In response to the sweeping cultural changes of the 1960s and 1970s, Cartier, like other prominent jewelry houses, sought to modernize its offerings and appeal to a younger, more progressive clientele. This pendant, part of a commissioned series of 33 pieces, represents the collaboration between Cartier and the avant-garde French sculptor César. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional jewelry design, César brought a bold, artistic perspective to the series. Inspired by his large-scale compression sculptures, César’s work was deeply rooted in the ideals of the Nouveau Réalisme movement, which sought to challenge perceptions of art by incorporating everyday objects into creative expression. His compression sculptures typically utilized materials such as vehicles, scrap metal, cutlery, Plexiglas, and cardboard. For this pendant, César applied the same philosophy on a smaller scale, meticulously compressing miscellaneous Cartier jewelry to create a compact, rectangular totem. The result is a wearable sculpture that retains the aesthetic essence of César’s larger works. By carefully arranging colors and shapes within the compressed form, César transformed discarded jewelry into an abstract yet recognizable piece, a testament to his innovative vision and Cartier’s willingness to embrace modern art in fine jewelry.