«Cartier» at the V&A Museum
The evolution of the house in a historical exhibition in London
A veritable galaxy of jewels, to be seen and discovered between April 12th and November 16th this year, at the V&A-Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In a truly historic moment, "Cartier" is the first major exhibition in the UK about the brand in almost 30 years, and admission is virtually exclusive: tickets are available on very limited availability.
In the illustrious world of jewelry and watchmaking, few names stand out more than Cartier. With over 350 unique pieces on display, this exhibition charts the brand's evolution since the turn of the 20th century, exploring how the maison —with its characteristic small red boxes—became synonymous with glamour in the world of watches and jewelry. Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the brand was immediately popular among high society. Princess Mathilde, Napoleon's cousin, purchased her first piece in 1856, promoting Cartier to the elite, and by 1900 the phenomenon had gone global, with stores opening in Paris, London, and New York.
Her sales to kings and queens over the years are part of the history that jewelry lovers can delve into in this exhibition, as well as her notable appearances in film, music, and fashion. Among the V&A's most notable items are the Williamson Diamond brooch, commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and the Scroll Tiara , commissioned in 1902 and worn at Elizabeth II's coronation and later by Rihanna on the cover of W magazine in 2016. Also on display will be a rose brooch worn by Princess Margaret, along with Grace Kelly's engagement ring and many other precious jewels and statement objects.
Among the attractions is an incomparable exhibition of the famous " Tutti Frutti " collection, which pays homage to rare and colorful gemstones and includes the Mountbatten bandeau made by Cartier London in 1928, purchased by Edwina, Lady Mountbatten. Also remarkable is the necklace owned by American heiress Barbara Hutton, made from one of the finest collections of jade beads in existence, which you can also see up close.
The exhibition also features a spectacular display of glittering tiaras, the ultimate status symbol for the wealthy and representative of the highest expression of a jeweler's creative imagination and technical prowess. The never-before-exhibited Opal Tiara , commissioned by Mary Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington in 1937, is a fascinating object.
Curated by Helen Molesworth and former Vogue journalist Rachel Garrahan, the Cartier retrospective at the V&A is a unique and unmissable event.
TEXT BY CARLA MARTINS | PHOTOGRAPHY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED