This is the first UK exhibition for the house in almost 30 years. It includes more than 350 creations. Among them are jewels from King Charles III from the Royal Collection, as well as other treasures from museums around the world. And private collections.
From 1847 to the «king of jewellery»
The exhibition charts the rise of Cartier from its foundation in 1847 to its evolution into «the jeweller to kings and the king of jewellery».
The «Cartier» exhibition examines the evolution of the House's heritage. That is, in art, design and craftsmanship since the early 20th century.
It also details how the three grandsons of the jewellery founder, François Louis Cartier, Louis, Pierre and Jacques went on to create the world's first globally recognised jewellery house in the early 20th century, with stores in Paris, New York and London.
The Williamson Diamond brooch with a 23.6 carat Williamson pink diamond, commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 1953. Also Grace Kelly's dazzling engagement ring, which she wore in her last film before becoming Princess of Monaco. But also the iconic Crash watch and 1,040 diamond tiara that Rihanna wore in the 2016 W magazine cover shoot. All of these are included in the precious exhibits.
The necklace belonging to American heiress Barbara Hutton also stands out. It is made from one of the finest collections of jade beads available. As well as the Allnatt brooch with a 101-carat yellow diamond.
«The exhibition examines how Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier, together with their father Alfred, adopted a strategy of original design, exceptional craftsmanship and international expansion that transformed the Parisian family jewellery house into a household name,» say exhibition curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garahan in their description of the exhibition.
The three main sections of the exhibition trace the evolution of Cartier into a global empire. Even the legacy of his technical ingenuity. But also his sophisticated approach to creating images and maintaining his mystique in a changing world.
It also explores Cartier's trademark style, art deco, which is just one strand. As its founder and designers were open to a wide range of inspiration from cultures including China, Japan and Islam.
A tiara of 1903
One particularly spectacular treasure on display is the Manchester Tiara. Which Molesworth describes as a symbol for the three brothers. «It's the perfect beginning of our story for the three of us. The tiara was made in 1903 in Paris for an English aristocratic family, to be worn by an American woman, the Duchess of Manchester Consuelo, who had commissioned it,» she says. The tiara suggests the brothers' early ambitions and the global business they developed, he notes.
The exhibition opened on 12 April and will run until 16 November 2025.
Source: www.cnn.gr
