Jewelery & Watches

Victoria & Albert Museum to Open Exhibition Dedicated to Cartier

In April 2025, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) will present the largest exhibition dedicated to Cartier in 30 years. More than 350 unique pieces will tell the story of a brand that has come to symbolize royal luxury, cinematic glamour and timeless style. Highlights include jewelry worn by Queen Elizabeth II, Grace Kelly, Princess Margaret, Rihanna and Maria Felix, as well as rare archival designs that have never been on public display before.

Rose clip brooch, Cartier London, special order, 1938. Formerly in the collection of Princess Margaret, Cartier Collection. Photography: Vincent Wulveryck for Cartier Collection © Cartier
Rose clip brooch, Cartier London, special order, 1938. Formerly in the collection of Princess Margaret, Cartier Collection. Photography: Vincent Wulveryck for Cartier Collection © Cartier

Cartier is a story of innovation, craftsmanship and a fine understanding of beauty that began in the early 20th century when the three grandsons of the founder, Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier, decided to turn a family business into a global jewelry House. It was their vision that made Cartier the “jeweler of kings”, which decorated not only royal courts, but also Hollywood red carpets and fashion catwalks.

The exhibition is divided into three key blocks: Cartier's signature style, technical discoveries and craftsmanship, and the evolution of the House in the modern world. The exhibits include the famous Williamson Diamond brooch created for Queen Elizabeth II, the iconic Scroll Tiara that appeared at her coronation and on the cover of W Magazine with Rihanna, the legendary Crash watch and the Panthère jewelry collection that has become a symbol of Cartier.

accessories jewelry tiara
Scroll tiara, Cartier Paris, commissioned for the Countess of Essex in 1902. Diamonds, silver and gold. Nils Herrmann, Collection Cartier © Cartier
clothing hat accessories art handicraft jewelry
accessories bead bead necklace jewelry ornament necklace bracelet gemstone jade
Scarab Brooch, Cartier London, 1925. Nils Herrmann, Collection Cartier | Burmese jade necklace, that belonged to American heiress Barbara Hutton. Cartier Paris, 1934. Jade, rubies, diamonds, platinum and gold. Images courtesy of Cartier

In addition to an impressive collection of jewelry, the exhibition will provide an in-depth look at Cartier's influence on world culture and art. How has the brand adapted to changing eras while remaining relevant? How do its pieces continue to inspire designers, collectors and jewelry lovers? The answer to these questions will be on view at the V&A South Kensington from April 12 to November 16, 2025.

@vamuseum

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