Art Basel Miami Beach Hidden Gem: The Cartier Column

“A dance of light and colour conjuring mood and dreams, the jewels are the star dancers weaving their spell in space.” — David Lynch

The most intriguing piece of art displayed at the convention center is hidden from the general public. Only a selected few — VIPs — have the opportunity to view this spectacular beauty: The Cartier Column, crafted from a collection of precious and fine stones and gems that are no longer used in classical jewellery because they have been pierced, engraved or dismounted. The column centers the room with dazzling hues of reds and yellows.

Cartier commissioned Italian architect Alessandro Mendini to create the column. The gems were sorted according to category, before being placed within crystal cylinders and inserted into pink flutes. The column was completed over a period of 18 months. These beautiful unused gems are transformed into a work of art and given a second life. The stones and gems used in this masterpiece are diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, pearls, tourmaline, aquamarine, chalcedonies, amethysts, garnets, moonstones, and cordierite.

Exhibited for the first time at Art Basel Miami Beach, Mendini’s Cartier Column is displayed in an original lounge designed by Alessandro Mendini Ateliers. This was on display December 3–6, 2009.

Other works on display in the lounge include Lynch’s Jeweled Triangle Lamp — three stones of Citrine, Amethyst and Green Beryl. A machine in motion, this brilliant work creates a unique atmosphere in which the rhythmic movement of colored gems, combined with the effects of refracted light on smooth metal, reveal the hypnotic power of precious stones.

Additional information: Total height: 2.33m — Diameter: 45cm — Weight: 720 kg — Total weight of stones and pearls: 17,163.079 carats (Cartier Column)

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