Cartier is London's new shining icon as it unveils its first exhibition in the UK for over 30 years, with marvels such as Grace Kelly's engagement ring and Princess Margaret's rose brooch on display
This week, London’s prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum opened its doors, inviting the public to explore a magnificent and historic exhibition. For its first major exhibition in the United Kingdom in over 30 years, Cartier presented ‘Cartier, Jeweler of Kings and King of Jewellers.’
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Bringing together over 350 exquisite and unique objects, and divided into three sections to explore the brand’s style, technical mastery and innovation, Cartier’s newest exhibition takes the audience on a journey from the jeweller’s inception up to the present day. Created by British architect and artist Asif Khan MBE, the collaboration is set “to be a dreamscape where art and science converge, with Cartier’s pieces suspended in light, time and sound, allowing history to breathe and the future to linger.”
Photo: @cartier
Visitors will experience Cartier from a whole new perspective, following the journey of the founder’s three sons as they set out to make the label a global icon, through to spectacular creations made for royalty, aristocracy and celebrity.
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These creations from the first section of the Cartier exhibition explore how the Maison developed its own instantly recognisable signature style.
Amidst the wonders sit icons such as Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, Princess Margaret’s rose brooch, iconic Panther collection and the legendary Cartier Crash watch. There is the opportunity to gaze upon rare drawings and previously unseen archive materials, as well as works on loan from His Majesty the King and other international collections.
“Cartier is one of the most famous jewellery houses in the world,” say V&A curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan. “We are excited to be able to share with visitors some of Cartier’s most famous creations and enrich our understanding of a jewellery house that continues to influence the way we adorn ourselves today.”
The exhibition will run at the V&A Museum from now until November 16th 2025.
