Discover the Dazzling History of Cartier at the NGV

The NGV has diamonds, emeralds and rubies guiding you through Cartier, the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition that will have you mesmerised by the dazzling designs on display. Proving that diamonds are forever, the Cartier exhibition showcases pieces that date back to 1902, leaving you in awe of its history and majestic craftsmanship.

Cartier Patiala necklace

Feast your eyes on no less than 400 dazzling pieces from French jewellery house Cartier as the NGV welcomes Cartier, the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition. Unveiling the largest exhibition celebrating the iconic jewellery house to ever be shown in Australia, the NGV is certainly putting on a show with almost 300 designs never before seen in Australia.

This is not only an exhibition to be admired by jewellery aficionados but also anyone interested in the history of Cartier, from being founded by Louis-François Cartier to becoming the jeweller of kings and being granted their first Royal Warrant by Britain's King Edward VII in 1904. The exhibition takes you on a bejewelled journey with diamonds, emeralds and rubies guiding you through the designs that have made Cartier the world's first internationally recognised jewellery maison.

Cartier at the NGV

Synonymous with royalty and celebrity, the exhibition showcases recognisable designs. Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna and Grace Kelly are only some of the famous women adorned with the house's jewellery, which are deliciously displayed throughout the exhibition, though one outstanding piece that takes centre stage is the Patiala necklace, which once belonged to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, it features over 2000 diamonds and a massive 234.69-carat De Beers yellow diamond. You will also discover Australian opals designed and handcrafted into extravagant pieces including an impressive cuff bracelet hugging a 189.345-carat black opal. The exhibition ends with a spectacular display, the tiara room.

Be dazzled by the space and treat your inner princess to a sprawling room filled with, at once delicate and regal, tiaras, symbolising royalty and wealth.

Bringing together pieces from the V&A in London and pieces from private collections, this is a not-to-be-missed show putting on quite the extravagant display that is not only breathtaking but will also have you marvelling at the size of some of the precious stones used to create these priceless works of art.