Cartier's Dazzling Jewels Go on Show in London

The Victoria & Albert Museum in London is hosting a major exhibition celebrating French design house Cartier, featuring pieces from founder Alfred Cartier (1841-1925) and his sons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques. The show includes iconic jewelry created for royalty and celebrities, such as the pearl and diamond tiara of Baroness de Rothschild (1914) inspired by Russian Kokoshniks, a 478-carat sapphire once owned by the Queen of Romania (1913), and pieces referencing Mughal Empire maharajas. Highlights also include a necklace commissioned by Daisy Fellowes adorned with precious stones, scarabs, and sphinxes; a tiara owned by businesswoman Pansy Ho (2012); and two Buddha figurines—one in rose quartz, lapis lazuli, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, the other designed by Fabergé in bowenite. The exhibition traces Cartier's evolution from historical opulence to modern icons like the Pantera brooch (1949) and the Love bracelet (1970), blending diverse cultural influences. The V&A, known for its contemporary culture section and previous shows on Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, and Naomi Campbell, presents this as a celebration of French design.