Cartier: Style and History

The Duchess of Windsor’s flamingo brooch was made using platinum gold, brilliant-cut diamonds, calibré-cut emeralds, sapphires, rubies and one citrine.

This December, jewels worn by royalty and Hollywood legends will go on dazzling display in Cartier’s biggest ever exhibition.

Grace Kelly’s engagement ring and pieces commissioned and worn by the Duchess of Windsor will be among the exhibits at the Grand Palais, Paris, from 4th December celebrating the art and history of the iconic jewellers.

Actress Gloria Swanson’s diamond, platinum and rock crystal bracelet, which she wore in the film Sunset Boulevard.

Part of the display pays tribute to Jeanne Toussaint who became director of Cartier’s luxury jewellery department in 1933. In a career spanning the decades, she designed and created some of the world’s most exquisite pieces of jewellery.

Her designs included a flamingo brooch created in 1940 that was commissioned by the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, who was devoted to Cartier’s creations.

Grace Kelly’s emerald-cut 10.47 carat engagement ring given to her by Prince Rainier of Monaco. She wore the ring in the film High Society.

The exhibition will feature 600 pieces of jewellery. Of those, 550 from the historic Cartier Collection while 50 are on loan from museums and private collectors around the world.

One of the highlights is actress Grace Kelly’s emerald-cut 10.47 carat engagement ring, as well as diamond, platinum and rock crystal bracelets created by Cartier in 1930 that actress Gloria Swanson wore in Sunset Boulevard.

Cartier Style and History will be at the Grand Palais from 4 December 2013 – 16 February 2014. For more information visit Grand Palais