Opening in April 2025, 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 an unparalleled
force in the jewellery and watch world.
Featuring more than 350 objects, the exhibition will chart 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 will include 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.
Highlights will 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) for Jacques
Cartier’s wife Nelly; Mexican film star María Félix’s exceptional snake necklace (1968);
the majestic Manchester Tiara from the V&A collection, made in 1903 for the Dowager
Duchess of Manchester; a collection of panther jewels, one of the House’s most enduring and instantly recognisable symbols, including a bracelet of pavé diamonds flecked with onyx (1978); and a selection of Cartier timepieces that embody its unique and pioneering approach to watchmaking, including the Crash wristwatch, designed by Cartier London (1967).
Exhibition curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, said: “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 craftmanship and international expansion that transformed
the Parisian family jeweller into a household name. 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.”
The exhibition Cartier runs at V&A South Kensington from 12 April 2025 – 16 November 2025.
It is accompanied by a new V&A publication available from the V&A Shop for a special price of £35 (RRP £40).
Tickets are available at vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/cartier
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