The Victoria and Albert Museum are joining forces with Cartier for an expansive and exquisite exhibition charting the jewellery-makers indomitable legacy. Rooting itself in an exploration of the art, design and craftsmanship embraced by the house, the display will feature over 350 items.

The items will span across a range of categories, the first being royal and historical jewels, which will feature a Williamson Diamond brooch commissioned and worn by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and a rose clip brooch dating back to 1938, worn by Princess Margaret. Celebrity pieces will be another category, with Grace Kelly’s engagement ring and María Félix’s snake necklace both on display. Iconic tiaras and jewels, such as the Manchester Tiara created in 1903 and Panther pieces, like a diamond and onyx bracelet created in 1978, will dominate another section whilst pioneering watches, like the 1967 Crash wristwatch, will occupy another.

Themes tying the display together include an exploration of Cartier’s distinct style and its evolution, the house’s technical prowess and innovative approach as well as its continued cultural relevance and legacy.

“Cartier is one of the most famous jewellery houses in the world. 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,” say Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, the exhibition’s curators. “With its world-class jewellery collection, the V&A is the perfect stage to celebrate the pioneering achievements of Cartier and its transformative ability to remain at the centre of culture and creativity for more than a century. 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,” they add.

The exhibition will open on April 12 and will run until November 16. A limited number of tickets go on sale today, purchase yours here.

Photography by David Vasiljevic, taken from Issue 71 UK of 10 Magazine – FASHION, ICON, DEVOTEE.

cartier.com

CARTIER: GEOMETRY AND NATURE

Photographer DAVID VASILJEVIC
Reportage Photographer GESUALDO LANZA
Fashion Editor SOPHIA NEOPHITOU
Text CARAGH MCKAY
Model CAREN JEPKEMEI at Titanium Management
Hair HIROSHI MATSUSHITA using Oribe
Make-up SHARON DOWSETT using Dr Sam’s Skincare
Fashion co-ordinator GARTH ALLDAY SPENCER
Photographer’s assistant FERNANDO AVILA
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Casting SIX WOLVES
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU
Special thanks to CARTIER team