- A new exhibition, “Cartier: Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design,” is now open at the V&A Dundee, showcasing legendary pieces from the luxury jeweler.
- The star of the show is Queen Elizabeth II’s Williamson Pink Diamond brooch, widely considered her most treasured piece of jewelry.
- The brooch features an incredibly rare 23.6-carat pink diamond, which was a wedding gift to the then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947.
- Other iconic jewels on display belonged to tastemakers like Princess Margaret, the Duchess of Windsor, and Hollywood royalty Grace Kelly.
Cartier’s Royal Legacy on Display
The V&A Dundee is currently hosting a breathtaking exhibition, “Cartier: Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design,” offering a rare glimpse into the opulent world of royal and celebrity jewelry. The collection features some of Cartier’s most famous creations, but one piece, in particular, is drawing crowds and capturing hearts: Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved Williamson Pink Diamond brooch.
The Queen’s Most Cherished Jewel
At the heart of the exhibition lies a piece steeped in royal history. The Williamson Pink Diamond brooch, a personal favorite of the late monarch, is a testament to Cartier’s unparalleled craftsmanship. The centerpiece is a flawless 23.6-carat pink diamond, one of the rarest and finest of its kind in the world.
The remarkable stone was discovered in Tanzania in 1947 by Canadian geologist Dr. John Thorburn Williamson, who presented it to Princess Elizabeth as a wedding gift. The uncut diamond was later entrusted to Cartier, who shaped it into a stunning brilliant-cut gem and set it in a platinum brooch designed as a jonquil flower, with the pink diamond at its center and white diamonds forming the petals and stem.
Queen Elizabeth II wore the brooch on numerous significant occasions throughout her reign, including the weddings of her children and her Silver Jubilee, cementing its status as her most treasured piece.
A Glimpse into Other Legendary Collections
Beyond the magnificent Williamson brooch, the exhibition showcases a dazzling array of jewels with equally fascinating provenances.
Jewels of Style Icons
Visitors can marvel at an antique silver-gilt tureen owned by Princess Margaret, a testament to her refined taste. The collection also features pieces belonging to other legendary style icons, including an amethyst and turquoise bib necklace designed for the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, and a charming poodle brooch that belonged to Princess Grace of Monaco, a gift from her husband, Prince Rainier III.
Each piece tells a story, not just of exquisite design, but of the powerful and influential women who wore them. The exhibition masterfully explores how Islamic art and architectural motifs influenced Cartier’s designs, creating a unique fusion of Eastern inspiration and Western modernity that defined 20th-century luxury.
