The Cartier exhibition: The style and history

Just like the Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition last year at the Paris Museum of Decorative Arts, Cartier presents its jewels and its know-how in the salons of the Grand Palais with an original scenography by Antoine + Manuel.

The Maison Cartier had not been exhibited in Paris since 1989, although it regularly presents pieces throughout the world. This year, in Paris, more than 600 creations are showcased, representing 150 years of history of the Maison. The diversity of the brand is brought to light, from tiaras and crowns to small everyday objects, clocks, minaudières… not forgetting the most striking pieces of high jewellery.

The Maison Cartier was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, who then occupied a small workshop in Paris, Rue Montorgueil. In 1899, the Maison moved to the Rue de la Paix and increases its influence, especially among kings. The Maison Cartier creations appeal through their references to the classicism of the French tradition, the perpetuation of good taste “à la française” that allows the Maison to establish itself as the “jeweller of kings”.

Very much in vogue today, the Art Deco period is highlighted throughout this exhibition as well as the personalities who have worn Cartier jewellery: the greatest jewel collectors of the past century, notably Liz Taylor with this ruby and diamonds necklace.

Worth mentioning, the presence of this magnificent 478-carat blue sapphire of Sri Lankan origin, certified untreated, that belonged to Queen Mary of Romania. The last part of the exhibition also pays tribute to the snake and the panther as seen in the last few years’ creations.

I cannot say that I was overwhelmed by this exhibition as opposed to those of Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels or the excellent Art Deco exhibition at the Palais de Chaillot a must see before March 3, 2014, even though the focus is not on jewels.

Indeed, the jewel is a bit too distant… Van Cleef & Arpels and the Bulgari exhibition in 2010 had brought the jewel closer to the public by putting it at eye level. Here, it is often necessary to lean to admire the jewellery. The Maison Cartier’s know-how details are not always enhanced.

The slightest detail is beautiful in a high jewellery creation, both the front and the back are designed with finesse and perfect intelligence. Here the pieces are too far and it’s uneasy to admire them in their entirety. Moreover, patience is required, the display cases are a little small and you may have to wait in line to approach them.

However, it is THE jewellery exhibition to attend this year, jewel enthusiasts should not miss this event!

For lovers of beauty, poetry and dance, I recommend the divine ballet of Preljocaj – The Nights at the Théâtre de Chaillot, absolutely magical! A warm thank you to Galina for making me discover this.