There’s no doubt that Cartier jewelry has played a role in countless love affairs. Fortunately, many of these iconic romances chose to immortalize their love with jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Cartier: Style and History is an exhibit of over 600 pieces of historic jewelry and precious objects on loan from private individuals and Cartier’s archive. The exhibit is currently on display at the Grand Palais in Paris until Feb 16th. For those of you that cannot make the transcontinental trip, we have picked our favorite jewels that are featured in the exhibit, along with the famous couples that commissioned these precious works of art.
Cartier: Style and History
Photos: Courtesy of Cartier
Duke and Duchess of Windsor
Obviously, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were beyond hip in their decision to get a diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald flamingo commissioned.
Duke and Duchess of Windsor
What to wear to a gala at Versailles in 1953? A bib necklace with 27 emerald-cut amethysts, diamonds, and turquoise cabochons of course!
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco did some window shopping in Paris before they decided on a 10.47 carat emerald-cut engagement ring. Nice choice!
Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd
For Elizabeth Taylor and her third husband, Mike Todd, diamonds and Burmese rubies were totally appropriate for catching rays in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Nina Dyer and Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan
What could be more glamorous than panther jewels made of diamonds and cabochon sapphires? Clearly nothing! Which is why Nina Dyer and Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan collected mulitiple pieces of this motif from Cartier.
Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw
The Love bracelet can only be removed with a screwdriver supplied by Cartier. So clearly, Ali MacGraw refused to remove this golden gift from Steve McQueen while filming The Getaway. Note: this bracelet is not included in the exhibit, but is available to view (and buy!) at Cartier boutiques.
Cartier: Style and History
The Cartier: Style and History coffee table book is a great gift for the consumate jewelry lover.
