The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London is set to stage the UK's first major exhibition dedicated to Cartier jewels and watches in almost 30 years. Opening on April 12, 2025, this spectacular showcase will explore how the renowned Maison transformed from a Parisian family jeweler into a globally recognized brand that has influenced jewelry design for over a century.
Brooch, Cartier London, 1933. Amethyst, sapphires, diamonds and platinum. Vincent Wulveryck, Collection Cartier © Cartier
A Dazzling Collection of Historic Pieces
The exhibition will feature more than 350 objects that chart the evolution of Cartier's legacy of art, design, and craftsmanship since the early 20th century. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view precious jewels, historic gemstones, iconic watches, and clocks from both the V&A and Cartier Collection, alongside previously unseen drawings from their respective archives.
Notable highlights include the Williamson Diamond brooch commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, featuring a rare 23.6-carat pink diamond; the Scroll Tiara from 1902 that was worn at Elizabeth II's coronation and later by Rihanna on a 2016 magazine cover; and Grace Kelly's engagement ring from 1956, on loan from the Monaco Princely Palace Collection, which she wore in her final film "High Society."
Scroll tiara, Cartier Paris, commissioned for the Countess of Essex in 1902. Diamonds, silver and gold. Nils Herrmann, Collection Cartier
© Cartier
Other remarkable pieces include Mexican film star María Félix's extraordinary snake necklace from 1968, the majestic Manchester Tiara from the V&A collection (made in 1903), and a selection of the House's iconic panther jewels, including a stunning bracelet of pavé diamonds flecked with onyx from 1978.
Exhibition Design and Themes
British architect and artist Asif Khan MBE is leading the exhibition design, continuing Cartier's tradition of collaborating with artists for their scenography. Khan describes his vision as "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."
The exhibition is organized into three main sections exploring:
The creativity of Cartier - Examining sources of inspiration, the emergence of the signature Cartier style, and the brand's relationships with key clients
Technical ingenuity and craftsmanship - Highlighting the Cartier workshops, access to important gemstones, and technical innovations
Image-making and legacy - Showcasing how Cartier has maintained its relevance through sophisticated marketing and adaptability
The exhibition will culminate in a spectacular display of tiaras, representing the ultimate expression of a jeweler's creative imagination and technical skill.
Stomacher Brooch, Cartier Paris, special order, 1913. Carved crystal, diamonds and platinum. Marian Gérard, Cartier Collection ©Cartier
Panther skin wristwatch. Cartier Paris, 1914. Onyx, diamonds, pink gold, platinum and black, moiré strap. Nils Herrmann, Collection Cartier
© Cartier
Curators' Vision
Exhibition curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan explain: "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."
They add that the V&A, with its world-class jewelry collection, is "the perfect stage to celebrate the pioneering achievements of Cartier and its transformative ability to remain at the center of culture and creativity for more than a century."
Cartier
Dates: April 12, 2025 – November 16, 2025
Location: The Sainsbury Gallery, V&A South Kensington
(Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL)
Opening hours: Daily: 10.00 - 17.45
Friday: 10.00 - 22.00 (some galleries close after 17.45)
Please note: we begin clearing the galleries 30 minutes before closing
Tickets: Available now at vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/cartier
