Cartier: Style and History from 4 December 2013 at The Grand Palais

4 October 2013

The House of Cartier Exhibited in Paris' National Galleries

Cartier is a jeweller with a sparkling reputation and a widely unexplored past. Cartier: Style and History will delve into the pivotal role the jeweller has had in the development of the decorative arts. It will explore its diverse collection of creations, past and present.

Cartier: The Jeweller to a Royal

The Panther is a symbol present throughout the jewellery and is perhaps the House of Cartier's most iconic image. It first appeared in 1914 as a print-like arrangement of gems on a watch, and has since gone on to feature across the range. When Jeanne Toussaint was elected Director of Fine Jewellery in 1933, the men around her were astonished by her strength, confidence and grace. For this reason femininity began to be explored through the metaphor of the panther and it came to appear across the Cartier range. The Panther was a design fiercely desired, so much so that it was worn by Wallis Simpson, the then Duchess of Windsor. Cartier was also commissioned to create a jewel-encrusted flamingo clip marked with the initials 'W.E.' for the couple's 20th anniversary.

Stay at the Hotel de Vigny, Close to the Champs-Élysées

Paris has been a place of boutiques for centuries, and has long attracted connoisseurs and admirers of fashion, jewels and decoration. The Grand Palais is an imposing exhibitor of design, art and antiques that brings boutique culture under one glass roof. It is situated just off the Champs-Élysées and is home to the National Galleries, where the Cartier exhibition will be held. The 5 star Hotel Vigny is a short 15 minute walk from the exhibition. View our best available rates online here.