Inside Cartier’s Largest Exhibition Ever Staged In Australia
Jewels of history
From royal tiaras and rare gemstones to jewels worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna and the Duchess of Windsor, more than a century of Cartier history is coming to Melbourne.
Dubbed “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers” by King Edward VII in 1902, Cartier has built its reputation dressing monarchs, aristocrats and Hollywood names in some of the world’s most extraordinary jewels. Now, the largest Cartier exhibition ever staged in Australia is set to arrive at Melbourne’s NGV International, bringing more than 300 objects from the legendary Parisian maison together under one roof.
Direct from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, Cartier traces the evolution of the house through tiaras, necklaces, brooches, watches, gemstones and archival design drawings. Here’s what to expect.
Panther skin wristwatch Cartier Paris, 1914. Onyx, diamonds, pink gold, platinum and black moiré strap. Cartier Collection Nils Herrmann, Cartier Collection © Cartier
More than a century of Cartier
The exhibition looks back at how brothers Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier transformed their grandfather Louis-François Cartier’s jewellery business into an internationally recognised symbol of craftsmanship, status and glamour.
At the heart of the exhibition is a collection of more than 20 tiaras, including the Scroll Tiara from 1902, worn by Clementine Churchill at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and later by Rihanna on the cover of W Magazine. Also appearing is the Sun Tiara from 1907, anchored by a 32-carat fancy intense yellow diamond, alongside the Art Deco Halo Tiara from 1934, inspired by ancient Egypt and owned by Her Highness the Begum Aga Khan III.
Princess Margaret wearing the Cartier rose clip brooch, 1955. Photograph by Cecil Beaton Cartier Collection Vincent Wulveryck, Cartier Collection © Cartier
Jewels with famous histories
Some of Cartier’s most recognisable creations come with equally fascinating former owners. Elizabeth Taylor’s ruby and diamond necklace will be on display, originally gifted to the actor while holidaying on the French Riviera by her third husband, film producer Mike Todd.
It will sit alongside Princess Margaret’s diamond rose brooch and several pieces belonging to the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson. Among them are the Flamingo brooch from 1947 and a 1949 Panther sapphire clip brooch featuring a staggering 152.35-carat sapphire.
Duke Edward of Windsor (Former King Edward Viii) and Duchess of Windsor (Wallis Simpson, With A Necklace By Cartier) during Ball in Versailles on June 17, 1953 © AGIP / Bridgeman Images
The exhibition also has an Australian connection. Opera legend Dame Nellie Melba was among Cartier’s earliest devoted clients, and a signed 1902 photograph of the singer, once owned by Pierre Cartier himself, will feature alongside necklaces and bodice ornaments she wore both on and off the stage.
Elizabeth Taylor at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, June 1958 © Photofest
The woman behind the panther
Beyond famous names and extraordinary gemstones, the exhibition explores Cartier’s influence on modern luxury and the people responsible for establishing its visual language.
A dedicated section focuses on Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s influential female creative director from 1933 to 1970. Toussaint was responsible for some of the maison’s most enduring motifs, including the panther that remains synonymous with Cartier today.
An exhibition built around the jewels
The jewellery itself may be the drawcard, but its presentation is also set to make an impression. Designed in collaboration with Studio Sabine Marcelis and CLOUD, the exhibition uses light, colour and materiality to create an immersive backdrop for pieces spanning more than a century of Cartier history.
From royal commissions to Hollywood jewels and archival designs, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see some of the maison’s most significant pieces together in Australia. Cartier is on display at NGV International in Melbourne from 12 June to 4 October 2026.
