sabato 15 febbraio 2014

Cartier "Style and History" Exhibition in Paris

Today's blog post is about my recent visit to the fabulous Cartier exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris, closing tomorrow, 16 February.

 

As soon as I saw the first photos of the jewels on show, I just knew I had to go and visit, and luckily I was able to arrange a mini-break in Paris earlier this month! Of course, one of the first stops during my visit was the exhibition.

 
The interior of the Grand Palais, with images of stunning jewels and precious stones projected on the walls and ceiling.
 
 
The exhibition featured nearly 700 pieces: jewels, watches, clocks, and everyday objects given a luxe makeover, like picture frames, clutch bags, cigarette holders, inkstands and vanity cases, all encrusted with priceless gems.
 


From the Cartier Facebook page, a photo of the stunning Flamingo brooch, made for the Duchess of Windsor in 1940 (have a look at the Duchess's lapel to gain an idea of the sheer size of this piece!).
 
 
Another piece from the Duchess of Windsor's collection: a bib necklace of amethyst, turquoise and diamond set in yellow gold (1947).
 
 
A selection of early-20th century diamond and sapphire sparklers: from top to bottom, a pendant, brooch-pendant and a large stomacher brooch.
 
 
Queen Elizabeth of the Belgian's diamond diadem, created by Cartier in 1910 (more info on this particular piece can be found in this post).
 
 
One of the tiara display cases - one word: wow!
 
 
The official poster for the exhibition, featuring a 1914 diamond, onyx and pearl tiara in a stylized kokoshnik shape (via the Cartier Facebook page, as above).
 
 
Ceremonial necklace and choker commissioned in 1925 by Sir Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala. The diamonds in the necklace alone weigh a whooping 1000 carats.
 
 
A brooch made in 1923 for American heiress and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, incorporating seven 18th-century carved Mogul emeralds.
 
 
Marjorie Merriweather Post wearing her emerald brooch in a 1929 portrait by Giulio de Blaas (via Jewels Du Jour).
 
 
Pearl, diamond and ruby necklace (can be broken down into a bracelet and a shorter necklace), 1930.
 
 
Flower brooch belonging to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, featuring the Williamson diamond, the finest pink diamond ever discovered (and, at 23.60 carats, one of the largest).
 
 
The Queen wearing the brooch (via the Daily Mail).
 
One of the highlights of the exhibition (for me, at least!) was the presence of another stunning piece on loan from the Queen - something in itself very unusual - the delicate, understated Halo tiara, of royal wedding fame!
 
 
 
Via People.
 
 
Me and that tiara - definitely one of the highlights of the trip! :)
 
Then, after a good three hours spent at the exhibition, I emerged starry-eyed but in need of refreshments, and what better place to indulge my sweet tooth than Ladurée on the Champs-Elysées?
 
 
 
The exhibition catalogue and other exhibition-related merchandise are available to buy from the Grand Palais online shop here.
 

 
This is a wonderfully informative video from the Cartier official YouTube channel about the exhibition (more options and shorters videos available here).
 
All photos my own except where otherwise stated.
 
See you in a few days with another post on my Parisian ramblings! Au revoir!
 


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