The Cartier Exhibition At NGA

Are diamonds really a girl’s best friend? Step into the dazzling world of Maison Cartier and find out for yourself when the National Gallery of Australia brings all of your bling bling dreams to life with a Cartier exhibition, aptly named, Cartier: The Exhibition.

Prepare to be transported into a dimension of pure opulence. Experience the poetic amalgamation of art, passion and style that is the Cartier collection. The Cartier exhibition will feature more than 300 masterpieces from the Paris jewellery house, following the iconic label throughout its remarkable 20^th century history.

‘Cartier represents the poetic amalgamation of art, passion and style. Jewellery is a language of love, and this exhibition, organized by the NGA, represents a gift of love to the Australian people’ – Pierre Rainero, Image, Style and Heritage Director, Cartier

The Cartier exhibition gives visitors the unique opportunity to explore the affluent list of Cartier’s international clientele, from royalty to aristocrats, socialites, and stars of the stage to cinema and music. We couldn’t help but name just a few highlights we can’t wait to set eyes upon;

Crocodile necklace 

Entirely articulated, the two crocodiles can be worn separately as brooches or together as a necklace. When worn around the neck, the feet can be replaced by clawless paws that will not irritate the skin.

Dame Nellie Melba’s diamond

This beautiful brooch is a splendid example of Cartier’s Garland style. It is exceptional for a piece of jewellery of this size to have remained completely intact for nearly one hundred years. Transformations and re-settings were the inevitable fate of tiaras and corsage ornaments once they went out of fashion.

Halo Tiara

The Queen’s “Halo” tiara, worn by Kate Middleton at her wedding to Prince William. The upper part forms a halo of stylized lotus flowers, while the lower part with its zigzag motifs can be detached to form a bandeau.

As the one and only exhibition of its kind to be coming to Australia, Cartier: The Exhibition is a must. So grab yours truly and get ready to drop some serious hints, because after all… diamonds really are a girl’s best friend.

Cartier: The Exhibition will run from March 30 – July 22 2018 at National Gallery of Australia.

words by stephanie dempster.