The Cartier exhibition at the V&A Museum features 18 tiaras, including the notable “Rihanna tiara”. It explores Cartier’s history and legacy, showcasing over 350 items that exemplify its impact on jewellery and fashion. Key items include unique sapphires, the Williamson diamond, and Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, tying past elegance to modern culture.
The Cartier exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum showcases 18 exquisite tiaras, including a unique opal piece commissioned by the Marchioness of Hartington and a diamond halo worn by Begum Aga Khan III. The highlight is the “Rihanna tiara”, a stunning gold and silver creation featuring over 1,000 diamonds, originally commissioned for the Countess of Essex and later worn by Winston Churchill’s wife at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Rihanna famously modelled this tiara in 2016 on a magazine cover.
Curator Helen Molesworth described the intention behind displaying the tiara alongside a matching collar worn by Rihanna, emphasising a modern approach to antique jewellery that embodies Cartier’s essence. The three-part exhibition delves into Cartier’s history, craftsmanship, and legacy, illustrating its evolution since its foundation in Paris in 1847. Cartier pioneered the use of precious stones not merely as status symbols, but as fashion statements for elite social classes.
The exhibition features over 350 objects, including opulent jewellery and timepieces, detailing how the founder’s sons, Louis, Pierre, and Jacques, expanded their influence into London and New York. Notably, Louis married into a notable family, aligning Cartier with couture houses, enhancing client access to jewels. At the 1925 Paris design fair, Cartier notably mixed with fashion designers, highlighting its innovative spirit.
Among showcased treasures are a 487-carat sapphire and the rare Williamson diamond, which was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II. The V&A also showcases Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, and even the theatrical Toussaint necklace worn by Anne Hathaway in the film “Ocean’s 8”, showing the blend of royalty and modern pop culture within Cartier’s legacy.
The Cartier exhibition offers a comprehensive view of the brand’s illustrious legacy, revealing the historical significance of its design and client relationships. It highlights how Cartier transformed the perception of jewelry from mere luxury items into fashion statements, bridging the gap between aristocracy and modernity. The display of both historic and contemporary pieces reflects Cartier’s enduring influence in the world of jewellery.
Original Source: www.wmagazine.com