SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display
“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The “Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” exhibition brings more than 350 historic objects out of the brand’s archives. It opened on April 12 and will run until Nov. 16 at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. (Image © Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
London—The Victoria and Albert Museum in London’s South Kingston neighborhood has a new exhibition that charts the history of Cartier.
“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” is the United Kingdom’s first major exhibition dedicated to the brand’s jewels and watches in almost 30 years, the museum said.
It shows Cartier’s evolution into “an unparalleled force in the jewelry and watch world,” showcasing its art, design, and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century.
More than 350 objects will be featured, including jewelry, historic gemstones, watches and clocks.
Drawings from the V&A and Cartier archives also are on display for the first time, along with works from the Royal Collection lent to the museum by King Charles III, and objects on loan from major U.K. and international museums, and private collections.
Throughout the years, Cartier’s client list has included royalty and members of the aristocracy, becoming known as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers.”
Highlights of the exhibition include the Williamson diamond brooch Queen Elizabeth II commissioned in 1953, Princess Grace’s engagement ring from 1956, Mexican film star María Félix’s snake necklace from 1968, and a collection of the brand’s signature “Panthère” jewelry.
The exhibition explores how Louis, Pierre, and Jacques Cartier, along with their father Alfred, transformed the Parisian family jeweler into a household name.
It is divided into three main sections.
One explores the creativity of Cartier and the emergence of its signature style, another shows the legacy of its technical ingenuity and craftsmanship, while the third addresses the brand’s approach to image-making and maintaining its legacy and relevance in a changing world.
The exhibition also highlights the history of Cartier London, culminating with a display of tiaras.
“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” is the United Kingdom’s first major exhibition dedicated to the brand’s jewels and watches in almost 30 years, the museum said.
It shows Cartier’s evolution into “an unparalleled force in the jewelry and watch world,” showcasing its art, design, and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century.
More than 350 objects will be featured, including jewelry, historic gemstones, watches and clocks.
Drawings from the V&A and Cartier archives also are on display for the first time, along with works from the Royal Collection lent to the museum by King Charles III, and objects on loan from major U.K. and international museums, and private collections.
“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” includes Princess Grace’s Cartier engagement ring, which she wore in her final film “High Society.” (Image courtesy of The Princess Grace Foundation)
Throughout the years, Cartier’s client list has included royalty and members of the aristocracy, becoming known as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers.”
Highlights of the exhibition include the Williamson diamond brooch Queen Elizabeth II commissioned in 1953, Princess Grace’s engagement ring from 1956, Mexican film star María Félix’s snake necklace from 1968, and a collection of the brand’s signature “Panthère” jewelry.
The exhibition explores how Louis, Pierre, and Jacques Cartier, along with their father Alfred, transformed the Parisian family jeweler into a household name.
It is divided into three main sections.
One explores the creativity of Cartier and the emergence of its signature style, another shows the legacy of its technical ingenuity and craftsmanship, while the third addresses the brand’s approach to image-making and maintaining its legacy and relevance in a changing world.
The exhibition also highlights the history of Cartier London, culminating with a display of tiaras.
The Cartier “Stomacher” brooch was a special order from 1913. It features carved crystal and diamonds set in platinum. (Image © Cartier)
The “Patiala” necklace was commissioned by Bhupinder Singh, the Maharajah of Patiala, with diamonds, topaz, lab-grown rubies, smoky quartz, citrine, and yellow and white zirconia set in platinum (Image © Cartier)
One of the many tiaras in the exhibition is the “Scroll” tiara worn by Elizabeth II to her coronation and by Rihanna on the cover of W magazine in 2016. It was commissioned for the Countess of Essex in 1902 with diamonds in silver and gold. (Image © Cartier)
This is the Mountbatten Bandeau in Tutti Frutti style from 1928. It features emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds set in platinum. (Image © Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
Of the many watches included in Cartier’s exhibition is the “Crash” wristwatch that was made by Wright & Davies for Cartier London in 1967. The watch uses sapphire, gold, and blue steel, along with a leather strap. (Image © Cartier)
This brooch was crafted by Cartier London in 1933 with amethyst, sapphires, and diamonds set in platinum. It was worn by Jacques Cartier’s wife Nelly. (Image © Cartier)
Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, who also worked as editors on the exhibition’s accompanying book, “Cartier,” curated the exhibition.
The 256-page book features more than 150 Cartier pieces. It was published by V&A Publishing, in association with Cartier.
The book debuts on May 27 and is available for pre-order now. It is $70.
It is also available at the V&A Shop for a special price of £35 ($46.43).
The Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy exhibition opened on April 12 and will run until Nov. 16.
Tickets are £27 ($35.80) for weekdays and £29 ($38.45) for weekends, with V&A members entering for free.
For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, visit the V&A website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
