In London, the V&A’s latest exhibition dives into the dazzling world of Cartier, showcasing over a century of royal and red-carpet jewels. Among the highlights are some of the most iconic pieces ever worn by queens, princesses and duchesses, each with a story as brilliant as the diamonds themselves. Here, we take a look at the most spectacular royal pieces on display this summer.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Williamson Brooch
Commissioned in 1953, the year of her coronation, Queen Elizabeth II’s Williamson brooch is anchored by one of the rarest pink diamonds ever discovered. The 23.6-carat flawless stone was a wedding gift from Canadian geologist Dr. John Williamson and was later cut and set by Cartier into a platinum floral spray design. The brooch became one of the Queen’s most iconic jewels, worn on historic occasions including her Silver Jubilee and royal weddings.
Princess Grace of Monaco’s Tiara / Clip Brooches
Grace Kelly’s transition from Hollywood star to royal was immortalised in jewels, most famously her Cartier engagement ring, worn in her final film ‘High Society’. But on display here are the vibrant clip brooches she received as a wedding gift in 1956. Set with 49 carats of rubies and crafted in the colours of Monaco’s flag, they can be fitted together and worn as a tiara, an elegant symbol of her new royal role.
Duchess of Windsor’s Flamingo Brooch
One of the most flamboyant pieces in Wallis Simpson’s legendary jewellery collection, the Duchess of Windsor’s flamingo brooch was commissioned in 1940 by the Duke of Windsor and created by Cartier. Formed of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, citrine, and diamonds, it perfectly captures the Duchess’s bold style and her close collaboration with Cartier’s creative director Jeanne Toussaint.
Princess Anne’s Pineflower Tiara
This striking Cartier tiara was commissioned by King George VI in 1937 for his wife, Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother), during the era when tiaras were still required court dress. Crafted from platinum, diamonds and aquamarines, it complements the better-known Halo Tiara, famously worn by the Princess of Wales on her wedding day. The Pineflower Tiara is now in the collection of HRH The Princess Royal.
Duchess of Manchester’s Manchester Tiara
Originally commissioned in 1903 for Consuelo Montagu, the Duchess of Manchester, this towering diamond tiara is a masterclass in Edwardian-era glamour. Its design features a dramatic series of scrolling motifs and was among the last grand tiaras Cartier made in London before its workshop closed. On display in public for the first time in decades, it’s one of the most spectacular rediscoveries of the exhibition.
Countess of Essex’s Scroll Tiara
Commissioned in 1902 for the coronation of King Edward VII, the Countess of Essex’s Scroll Tiara is a showstopping example of Cartier’s Belle Époque design. Featuring a bold, symmetrical scroll motif set with cushion-shaped diamonds, it exemplifies the transition from Victorian heaviness to a lighter, more elegant silhouette. The tiara was one of Cartier’s earliest major aristocratic commissions in Britain, and remains one of its most memorable.
Princess Margaret’s Rose Brooch
Designed by Cartier London in 1938, the Rose Brooch was gifted to Princess Margaret by her parents when she was just eight years old. Crafted in platinum and set with brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds, the stylised bloom became one of her most cherished jewels. Princess Margaret wore it throughout her life, most notably in her 21st birthday portrait, making it a quietly iconic part of her personal collection.
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