Sheena • 1 June 2025

CARTIER x V&A MUSEUM

An exclusive exhibition at the V&A in London, showcasing more than 350 items of precious jewels, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks collected from international museums, the royal collection and private collectors, some of which have never been displayed publicly before. On till November this exhibition is a true stunner.

Founded in 1847, by Louis-François, Maison Cartier reached new heights when his three grandsons Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier set to create the first globally recognised jewellery house. By using in-house designs a distinct style was set. With branches in three major cities by 1909: Paris, London and New York their motto of 'Never copy, only create' created a legacy of inspired design, quality craftsmanship and ingenious techniques. Each brother had a unique trait of their own, Louise the designer, Pierre the dealmaker and Jacques the gemstone expert.

tHE MANCHESTER TIARA
The Manchester Tiara was commissioned in 1903 by the Dowager Duchess of Manchester who supplied 1,513 diamonds for a design inspired by 18th-century French architecture and ironwork. The lighting by the curators has made the showcase even more spectacular as each facet is shining brightly. 

Maison Cartier has had numerous international royalty and aristocracy as key clients and was regarded as 'the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers.' Bespoke commissions that reflected their clients individual personalities was at the forefront of any design especially for the Indian maharajas.

LARGEST EMERALD

Largest Emerald

143.23 CARAT Emerald which needs to be seen to be believed!

Baroda Bracelet

Sita Devi was married to one of India's

richest princes, Maharaja Pratap

Singh Gaekwad of Baroda.

In 1953, she commissioned this

bracelet which incorporated her

collection of rare natural black pearls,

probably from French Polynesia.

Turban Ornament

The 61.5 carat Tiger's Eye diamond,

is the perfect marriage of Indian

jewellery tradition and modern

European Art Deco design. It was

bought by Maharaja Digvijaysinhji

of Nawanagar,

when he was in London for the

coronation of King George VI in 1937.

Allnatt Diamond Brooch

Fancy vivid coloured diamonds are

some of the rarest materials on Earth.

This yellow diamond, now 101.29

carats

One of many Iconic Pieces from Cartier -  THE TANK WATCH Created in 1917, this refined piece, combining geometry and harmony,This particular watch on display used to belong to Jacqueline Kennedy. She received this as a gift from her then brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw Radziwill, after family members completed the Fifty Mile Hike in Palm Beach in 1963. The watch was later acquired by Kim Kardashian.

PATIALA & CHOKER NECKLACES

The Maharaja Bhupinder Singh's commission was among the largest and most magnificent in Cartier's history,1928 It included a ceremonial necklace and choker, mounted in platinum rather than in the Indian tradition of yellow gold. Five rows containing 2,930 diamonds along with Rubies from Burma These jewels disappeared after Indian Independence in 1947 and were only rediscovered years later. In recent times, Emma Chamberlain, an American YouTuber and brand ambassador for Cartier was seen wearing this at the Met Gala in 2022. However most recently Punjabi Star Diljit Dosanj requested permission to wear it to the Met Gala in 2025 as it would have been the perfect match to his royal-inspired look but this was denied.

The key to Cartier's enduring success is it's timeless quality that rises above the tastes and styles of fashion.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to see all these magnificent jewels in one place.


Highly recommend a visit and see these jewels come to life.


Cartier Exhibition

V&A South Kensington, London, SW7

Price: From £27

Closes: 16th November 2025