Never before have I simply had to put my camera down and stop taking pictures. But last month, while walking through the Cartier: Style and History exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris, I had to do just that. There simply was no way to capture the incredible heart-stirring exhibition that showcases not only the glamour and elegance of Cartier and the famous people who have worn the brands jewels and timepieces for centuries, but also the incredible impact Cartier has had on style, fashion and luxury.
The previously shown flamingo brooch inspired this newly released Cartier watch, complete with removable flamingo brooch.
The previously shown flamingo brooch inspired this newly released Cartier watch, complete with removable flamingo brooch.
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Precious gemstone brooch belonging to the Duchess of Windsor, circa 1940.
The exhibit boasts more than 20 Cartier Mystery clocks.
The exhibit boasts more than 20 Cartier Mystery clocks.
Exquisitely carved emerald and diamond bracelet.
Exquisitely carved emerald and diamond bracelet.
Princess Grace of Monaco wore this ruby and diamond suite for her ceremony.A
Princess Grace of Monaco wore this ruby and diamond suite for her ceremony.
Platinum and diamond necklace with center emerald. Total 143.23 carats. Circa 1932.
Platinum and diamond necklace with center emerald. Total 143.23 carats. Circa 1932.
Carved clocks by Cartier are an integral part of the brand history. This one is circa 1926.ERA
Carved clocks by Cartier are an integral part of the brand history. This one is circa 1926.
Ceremonial necklace of the Maharajahs de Padilla with more than 234 carats of diamonds including the World’s 7th largest yellow diamond.
Ceremonial necklace of the Maharajahs de Padilla with more than 234 carats of diamonds including the World’s 7th largest yellow diamond.
Art Deco style Sapphire and gemstone necklace weighing more than 200 carats made for Daisy Fellowes. Circa 1937.
Art Deco style Sapphire and gemstone necklace weighing more than 200 carats made for Daisy Fellowes. Circa 1937.
Tiaras are a big portion of Cartier history, as the kings’ jeweler. The exhibition features an entire case dedicated to tiaras belonging to royalty.
Tiaras are a big portion of Cartier history, as the kings’ jeweler. The exhibition features an entire case dedicated to tiaras belonging to royalty.
Decorative clock, Circa 1904A
Decorative clock, Circa 1904
Ornately carved table clock in the likeness of fish for the Asian market circa1925
Ornately carved table clock in the likeness of fish for the Asian market circa1925
Decorative clock, Circa 1904 GITAL CAMERA
Decorative clock, Circa 1904
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Ornately carved table clock in the likeness of fish for the Asian market circa 1925.
Ornately carved table clock in the likeness of fish for the Asian market circa1925
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The previously shown flamingo brooch inspired this newly released Cartier watch, complete with removable flamingo brooch.
Duchess of Windsor Brooch
Precious gemstone brooch belonging to the Duchess of Windsor, circa 1940.
cartier-mystery-clocks
The exhibit boasts more than 20 Cartier Mystery clocks.
Cartier-emerald-bracelet
Exquisitely carved emerald and diamond bracelet.
Princess Grace of Monaco wore this ruby and diamond suite for her ceremony.
Princess Grace of Monaco wore this ruby and diamond suite for her ceremony.
Platinum and diamond necklace with center emerald. Total 143.23 carats. Circa 1932.
Platinum and diamond necklace with center emerald. Total 143.23 carats. Circa 1932.
Carved clocks by Cartier are an integral part of the brand history. This one is circa 1926. MERA
Carved clocks by Cartier are an integral part of the brand history. This one is circa 1926.
Ceremonial necklace of the Maharajahs de Padilla with more than 234 carats of diamonds including the World’s 7th largest yellow diamond.
Ceremonial necklace of the Maharajahs de Padilla with more than 234 carats of diamonds including the World’s 7th largest yellow diamond.
Cartier-Daisy-Fellowes
Art Deco style Sapphire and gemstone necklace weighing more than 200 carats made for Daisy Fellowes. Circa 1937
cartier-tiaras
Tiaras are a big portion of Cartier history, as the kings’ jeweler. The exhibition features an entire case dedicated to tiaras belonging to royalty.
Decorative clock, Circa 1904
Decorative clock, Circa 1904
Ornately carved table clock in the likeness of fish for the Asian market. Circa 1925.
Ornately carved table clock in the likeness of fish for the Asian market. Circa 1925.
Last month we brought you an inside look at the amazingly beautiful 600-piece display, but we could only show you a small glimpse of the almost-overwhelming exhibit. Now, we bring you a few more images to whet your appetite and entice you. If you haven’t visited the not-to-be-missed exhibit, do it now- it is only open until Feb 16. Give yourself time, too. For me, two hours wasn’t long enough.
Not only will you witness some of the most amazing never-before-seen pieces on loan from private owners (the tiara of Kate Middleton, jewelry from Marjorie Merriweather Post, Barbara Hutton, Maria Félix, Princess Grace of Monaco, Maharajahs de Padilla and others), but also you will lay your eyes on some of the largest diamonds and gemstones in the world (including the 7th largest yellow diamond). It is also the most impressive collection of clock and objects of art ever assembled. Even today, Cartier continues to draw on the past for creative visions of the future. You just might see the inspiration for the next decade’s statement pieces. Check out the slide show and you will see one of the newest reinterpretations! Bon Jour.
