Opening this Saturday the 12th of April, the V&A will stage the UK’s first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to Cartier jewels and watches, exploring how the Maison became a force in the jewellery and watch world.
Featuring more than 350 objects, the exhibition charts the evolution of the house’s legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century. It was at that point that the three grandsons of founder Louis-François set out to create the first globally recognised jewellery house, establishing branches in Paris, London and New York. With an enviable client list of royalty and aristocracy, Cartier became known as ‘the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers’ and later broadened its appeal thanks to the devotion of leading creatives from the worlds of cinema, music and fashion.
The exhibition includes precious jewels and showstopping objects, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks from the V&A and Cartier Collection, as well as previously unseen drawings from the V&A and Cartier archives, together with works lent by His Majesty The King from the Royal Collection, major UK and international museums, and private collections.
Manchester tiara, Cartier Paris,1903
Highlights include the Williamson Diamond brooch commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 featuring the rare 23.6 carat pink Williamson diamond; the Scroll Tiara commissioned in 1902 and worn to the coronation of Elizabeth II, and by Rihanna on the cover of W magazine in 2016; a rose clip brooch (1938) worn by Princess Margaret at her sister’s coronation; Grace Kelly’s engagement ring (1956), from the Monaco Princely Palace Collection, that she wore in her final film High Society (1956); an amethyst and sapphire brooch made by Cartier London (c.1933) and worn by Jacques Cartier’s wife Nelly; Mexican film star María Félix’s exceptional snake necklace (1968).
Rihanna on the cover of W magazine 2016
Patiala Necklace Maharaja Bhupinder – Special order 1928
Cubic Zirconia White Gold – Cartier, 2018 inspired by the 1931 necklace originally made by Cartier London for Mahar Ranjitsinhji of Nawanager.
The first of three main exhibition sections focuses on the creativity of Cartier. The next section of the exhibition focuses on the Cartier workshops, it’s exceptional access to important gemstones and its technical invention. The final section of the exhibition celebrates how Cartier shaped its image to become one of the most widely recognised businesses in the world. The exhibition is a truly special and highly recommended.
Exhibition curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, said: “Cartier is one of the most famous jewellery houses in the world. We are excited to be able to share with visitors some of Cartier’s most famous creations as well as revealing previously unseen objects and archive material that further enriches our understanding of a jewellery house that continues to influence the way we adorn ourselves today.”
The exhibition Cartier runs at V&A South Kensington from 12 April 2025 – 16 November 2025.