The Kensington Hotel in London is partnering with the city’s renowned V&A museum for the launch of Cartier’s first major UK exhibition in nearly three decades.
V&A will play host to the major exhibition, which will be entirely devoted to the art, design and craftsmanship of the legendary French jeweller.
Opening in mid-April, it will feature more than 350 objects, including historic gemstones and watches and clocks that chart the evolution of Cartier’s legacy since the turn of the 20th century.
Highlights will include the Williamson Diamond brooch commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 featuring the rare 23.6 carat pink Williamson diamond; the Scroll Tiara commissioned in 1902 and worn to the coronation of Elizabeth II, and by Rihanna on the cover of W magazine in 2016.
There’s also Grace Kelly’s engagement ring from the Monaco Princely Palace Collection, that she wore in her final film High Society in 1956; Mexican film star María Félix’s snake necklace from 1968; and the Manchester Tiara (main image) made in 1903 for the Dowager Duchess of Manchester.
Cartier’s records note that she supplied more than one thousand brilliant-cut diamonds and more than 400 rose-cut diamonds, while Cartier supplied further rose-cut diamonds and the paste stones which make up the scrolls at the end of each side.
Exhibition curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, say: “Cartier is one of the most famous jewellery houses in the world. This exhibition will explore how Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier, together with their father Alfred, adopted a strategy of original design, exceptional craftmanship and international expansion that transformed the Parisian family jeweller into a household name”.
“With its world-class jewellery collection, the V&A is the perfect stage to celebrate the pioneering achievements of Cartier and its transformative ability to remain at the centre of culture and creativity for more than a century.
“We are excited to be able to share with visitors some of Cartier’s most famous creations as well as revealing previously unseen objects and archive material that further enriches our understanding of a jewellery house that continues to influence the way we adorn ourselves today.”
While the expedition is expected to sell out, guests staying at The Kensington between April and November will be able to access tickets to see the jewels and stay in one of The Kensington’s rooms or suites thanks to a partnership the hotel has secured with V&A.
A limited edition Hidden Gems cocktail menu created for the exhibition launch at the discreet ‘The K Bar’ will also be available.
Here you can indulge in the likes of the ‘Diamant’ made with Beluga Gold Line vodka; champagne cordial, served over a diamond-shaped ice cube; and the Rubis, with La Hechicera rum, Campari, Mancino Rosso and mango.
The exhibition runs from 12th April to 16 November 2025.
For more information, visit The Kensington and V&A museum.
