CARTIER is set to take over one of the V&A’s galleries next spring with the UK’s first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to the luxury accessory brand.
Undoubtedly considered one of the most celebrated jewellery houses in the world, turn the page of your favourite magazine and a glossy ad displaying signature pieces such as the Panther ring or Love bracelet will glisten back at you.
From the brand’s humble beginning in 1847 when Louis-François Cartier took over the workshop of Adolphe Picard in Paris inaugurating Maison Cartier, to the emergence of the brand in Parisian high society, to today where the brand is globally renowned, Cartier’s trajectory continues to break luxury jewellery moulds.
Tiara, Cartier London, 1937. Aquamarine, diamonds and platinum. Vincent Wulveryck, Collection Cartier © Cartier.
The V&A’s new exhibition, simply titled Cartier, traces the distinguished heritage of this iconic watch and jewellery brand from the turn of the 20th century to the present.
Divided into three main sections that chart design, craftsmanship, materials, as well as the brand’s cultural references, before culminating in a glistening array of tiaras, Cartier will boast an impressive 350-plus objects.
Standout pieces include the Williamson Diamond brooch; a floral brooch encrusted with diamonds of different cuts (brilliants, baguettes, and marquises) and centred by a rare 23.6-carat pink Williamson diamond that was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and worn part of her Silver Jubilee festivities, will step out of the archives.
Also on display, is the Scroll Tiara worn by Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953 and then later styled by none other than pop star Rihanna for the cover of W magazine in 2016.
Exhibition curators Helen Molesworth (Senior Jewellery Curator at the V&A) and Rachel Garrahan (Project Curator at the V&A and Jewellery Director) enthuse “this exhibition will explore 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 jeweller into a household name.” From royal commissions to celebrity clients, Cartier delves into the shining heritage of the watches and jewellery makers.
Cartier will take over The Sainsbury Gallery, a temporary exhibition space housed underneath the V&A’s famous welcome courtyard, an expansive, moody gallery lit by the jagged skylights that will make a dramatic addition to the coveted Cartier exhibition.
by Ella Mansell
Cartier will run at The Sainsbury Gallery, V&A from 12 April to 16 November 2025.
Tickets are available at vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/cartier