The exhibition, Cartier: Crafting the Exceptional, is open at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London until 16 November. It is the first major Cartier exhibition in the UK in three decades.
It traces Cartier's evolution from Paris in 1847, expansion into London in 1902, and present-day status. It features many pieces from Cartier’s Royal Collection and private owners, which are rarely seen, if ever, in public.
“At the risk of sounding materialistic or elitist, the magic of the exhibit — and of Cartier itself — is in its most ostentatious, one-of-a-kind pieces,” writes Louis Staples for The Cut.
“The iconic snake necklace, commissioned by Mexican film star María Félix in 1968, features 2,473 diamonds that re-create the lifelike movement of the reptile as it wraps around the wearer’s neck.
“A peacock brooch, emblazoned with rubies, sapphires, emerald, and diamonds, was custom-made for Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor — one of Cartier’s most frequent clients.
She continued: “For the exhibit, countless pieces have been loaned to the V&A by King Charles himself — such as a diamond microphone charm gifted to a teenage Queen Elizabeth II by her father, King George VI, to mark her first live speech on the radio. In 1937, Cartier made 27 tiaras — an annual record to this day — most of which were worn to King George’s coronation.”
Other standouts include the Manchester Tiara, created by Cartier in 1903. It features more than 400 rose-cut diamonds and was inspired by 18th-century French design motifs. Princess Grace of Monaco's engagement ring and the legendary Patiala necklace are also displayed.
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