From tiaras worn at royal coronations to the glittering diamonds adored by Hollywood icons, few names conjure the same blend of elegance and craftsmanship as Cartier. Now, for the first time in almost three decades, the Victoria and Albert Museum is dedicating a major exhibition to the legendary maison.

Officially opened on the 12 April 2025, Cartier: Icons of Style and Innovation showcases over 350 extraordinary objects that chart the house’s evolution from Parisian workshop to global symbol of luxury.

Bringing all of this together is a striking exhibition environment designed by Asif Khan MBE, the acclaimed British architect and artist. Khan describes the installation as a “dreamscape where art and science converge,” with Cartier’s jewels suspended in an immersive space of light, sound, and sensory wonder. It’s not just an exhibition—it’s an experience.

Running until 16 November 2025 in the museum’s Sainsbury Gallery, the exhibition promises to be one of the year’s most captivating showcases—celebrating not only jewellery, but also the creativity, history, and personalities that define Cartier’s legacy. Here’s what you can expect from the exhibition:

About Cartier: a global vision rooted in Paris

Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the house’s rise to prominence accelerated in the early 20th century, when his grandsons—Louis, Pierre, and Jacques—expanded Cartier across continents. Each brought unique talents: from Louis’s design flair in Paris, to Jacques’s gemstone sourcing expertise, and Pierre’s commercial strategy in New York. Their shared vision propelled Cartier from a Parisian jeweller to an international icon.

The exhibition opens with the Manchester Tiara (1903), a striking piece commissioned in France for an American aristocrat married to a British peer. Majestic in presence, it reflects Cartier’s early ambition to serve a global elite.

First section: Designing desire

Cartier’s aesthetic has long stood at the intersection of tradition and innovation. The first major section of the Cartier exhibition focuses on the maison’s design language—from the ethereal Garland Style, inspired by 18th-century French decorative arts, to bold explorations of global motifs.

Expect to see:

• An Islamic-inspired openwork diamond brooch on public display for the first time,
• A scarab brooch with vibrant, calibré-cut gemstones,
• And an elegant bazuband-inspired piece, referencing a traditional Indian upper-arm bracelet.

Art Deco fans will be particularly happy as they will be able to see pieces such as a 1925 coral and emerald brooch and a 1941 platinum and diamond design.

Jewels of the crown—and the silver screen

What truly elevates Cartier’s creations are the people who wore them—and the moments they came to symbolise. The star of the show is the Williamson Diamond Brooch, set with a 23.6-carat pink diamond gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1947. Nearby, you will also be able to find Princess Margaret’s rose clip brooch from the same coronation. Grace Kelly’s 10.48-carat engagement ring, worn in High Society, brings cinematic magic and romance to the collection.

Second section: Workshops of wonder

The second section of the exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes, into Cartier’s famed workshops in Paris, London, and New York. Here, skilled artisans shaped extraordinary objects using exceptional materials.

Among the exhibition’s centrepieces is the maison’s most enduring emblem: the panther. From its first appearance in a 1914 wristwatch, to a spectacular 1978 pavé diamond and onyx bracelet, the motif embodies Cartier’s flair for turning nature into wearable sculpture.

Third section: Cartier’s cultural impact

The final section of the Cartier exhibition casts light on how Cartier became a cultural icon, long before hashtags and influencer campaigns. Through high-profile displays at events like the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs and savvy placements in fashion editorials, the brand built an image synonymous with elegance and innovation.

As royalty gave way to pop royalty, Cartier’s relevance only grew. Its pieces have graced everyone from Rihanna (who famously wore the Scroll Tiara on the cover of W magazine) to Beyoncé and Timothée Chalamet.

Because no Cartier showcase would be complete without tiaras, this exhibition ends with an iconic array, including

• The Opal Tiara (1937), never before exhibited, commissioned by Mary Cavendish, worn as a necklace at the 1953 coronation,
• The Scroll Tiara (1902), worn by both Queen Elizabeth II and Rihanna,
• And a 1934 Egyptian-inspired halo tiara, created for Begum Aga Khan III, a noted fashion icon of her era.

Cartier: Icons of Style and Innovation is a portrait of how design, craftsmanship, and cultural relevance can endure across centuries—and across continents. If you’re drawn by the sparkle, the stories, and the artistry of this iconic brand, you can book your tickets to the exhibition here.

You still have time to explore the World of Tim Burton and other recent art exhibitions and events.