The Cartier exhibition at the V&A is proving a hit with jewellery and watch lovers alike since it’s opening last week – not least thanks to some stunning jewels once owned by Elizabeth Taylor that are on display.
The collection includes royal tiaras, Maharajah necklaces and Tyler, The Creator’s dazzling watch alongside a section celebrating a diamond tiara and choker worn by Rihanna – plus much more.
One of the most eye-catching exhibits on display is a stunning Cartier necklace made from rubies and diamonds that was given to Taylor by her husband, Mike Todd, in 1957.
The moment the diamonds were given to Taylor were captured in a home video made by a friend that has been widely shared on social media in recent years. You can view it here:
Taylor also wrote about the moment in her 2002 book, Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair With Jewellery. “I was in the pool, swimming laps at our home, and Mike came outside to keep me company…he was holding a red leather box, and inside was a ruby necklace, which glittered in the warm light. It was like the sun, lit up and made of red fire.”
In the video, you can see Todd, who was Taylor’s third husband, placing the necklace around her neck, before adding in the necklace’s matching earrings and bracelet. She recalled in the autobiography: “Since there was no mirror around, I had to look into the water. The jewellery was so glorious, rippling red on blue like a painting. I just shrieked with joy, put my arms around Mike’s neck, and pulled him into the pool after me.”
Todd was killed in a plane crash the following year while travelling to New York.
The Cartier necklace remained with Taylor until her death in 2011. As per Vogue, the Cartier suite of jewels were later sold at Christies and fetched close to $4 million.
Now, you can see the necklace on display at the V&A until 16 November and can purchase tickets to the exhibition here.
Other jewels at the exhibition that are making waves include Cartier jewels worn by American fashion editor and heiress to the Singer sewing machine fortune Daisy Fellowes.
The daring jewels on display that were once worn by the 20th century icon, who was once described by Karl Lagerfeld as the “most stylish and wicked woman in fashion”, include a striking Cartier necklace.
The necklace, known as the Collier Hindou or Hindu Necklace, was originally strung on a long Indian-style cord. It features a vivid mix of sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds, set in platinum and white gold. Its bright, joyful colours and mix of shapes reflect both Indian jewellery traditions and Cartier’s expert craftsmanship.
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