Luxury jeweller Cartier has brought a spectacular display of opulence to Sydney with its 2024 High Jewellery travelling collection to captivate the city’s elite. Comprised of over 180 decadent pieces, the exhibition showcases Cartier’s rich history, paying homage to iconic periods and reflecting the Maison’s deep connection with Australia. Held from February 8 to 18, the event celebrated the long-standing relationship between Cartier and the Australian community by showcasing a collection of Cartier’s most iconic creations.
Cartier, a renowned French luxury brand synonymous with timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, has firmly established its presence in the thriving landscape of Australia. With a rich heritage dating back to 1847, Cartier has consistently epitomised sophistication and innovation in high-end jewellery, watches, and accessories. The roots of Cartier in Australia date back to 1901 when the internationally renowned opera singer Dame Nellie Melba became enamoured with the brand. A trailblazer in her own right, Dame Melba shared her love for Cartier on and off the stage, thus launching its presence in Australian high society. Over the years, Cartier has found inspiration in Australia’s flora and fauna, creating masterpieces like the twin pair of kangaroos in 1905 and the bespoke Koala brooch for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.
Furthermore, the Maison showcased its commitment to Australian customers by opening the first Sydney boutique, Le Must de Cartier, at David Jones in 1975. Cartier’s boutiques in Australia serve as elegant sanctuaries where patrons can immerse themselves in a world of exquisite creations. Whether it’s exploring the shimmering diamonds, intricate detailing, or the precision of their timepieces, Cartier offers a transcendent experience for its exclusive clientele. More recently, Cartier has solidified its presence in the Australian market by opening stand-alone luxury stores in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. As Australia continues to embrace a culture of luxury and sophistication, Cartier stands poised as a beacon of unparalleled craftsmanship, a testament to its enduring commitment to providing exceptional quality and style.
The Cartier High Jewellery event in Sydney was an exclusive affair, catering to 202 VIP clients across Australia. The gala unfolded at The Hermitage in Vaucluse, a heritage-listed home with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable summer soirée. Guests were greeted with a grand arrival, leading to a decadent dinner with a menu featuring exquisite bites and caviar from Mimi’s, accompanied by bespoke cocktails created by Merivale’s James Irvine. Mimi and James Irvine collaborated with Cartier to craft menus that reflected the brand’s jewellery and paid homage to native Australian flora.
The event also showcased Cartier’s commitment to artistic expression, with a bespoke performance choreographed by Sydney Dance Company’s creative director, Rafael Bonachela, complemented by a string quartet. This fusion of Cartier’s appreciation for the arts and Bonachela’s fluid dance movements reflected the essence of the High Jewellery collection – a celebration of the unique and the beautiful.
What sets this year’s High Jewellery collection apart is not just its sheer size – the largest ever exhibited in Australia – but also the rarity and uniqueness of the pieces. Comprised of over 300 creations, the collection is a journey through Cartier’s rich history and diverse themes. This exhibition is split into five jewellery categories: Cartier Tradition, Panthère, Incredible Diamond Creations, Flora and Fauna, and Centre Stones. The collection spans the Art Deco, new femininity, modern, and contemporary eras; the Cartier Tradition theme alone features approximately 20 meticulously restored creations from the 20th century, allowing patrons to own a slice of Cartier’s illustrious history.
Among the standout pieces is a bracelet from the iconic Tutti Frutti collection, making its debut in Australia. Crafted around 1930 during the Art Deco era at Cartier New York, this bracelet features an Indian-inspired design adorned with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds carved to resemble vines encircling a floral centrepiece. Another Tutti Frutti bracelet from 1929, reflecting the richness and vibrancy of India, broke a world record when it sold for $1.82 million in 2020. Moreover, these pieces mark the first time a Tutti Frutti creation has graced Australian shores, adding to the exceptional nature of the event.
Additionally, Cartier has featured one of their oldest pieces in the collection, The Eglantine necklace, dating back to the Belle Époque period in 1906. The necklace boasts a floral ‘garland’ style with a cushion-cut diamond at its centre, surrounded by pavé-set diamond petals, emerald berries, and twig-like motifs. It recently received a meticulous restoration by the Piq atelier, known for its exquisite platinum work in Paris, which required hundreds of hours to complete. With this in mind, it is no surprise that the Eglantine necklace is worth an estimated price tag of $6 million.
Cartier’s High Jewellery Event in Sydney was a mesmerising exploration of the Maison’s legacy, artistic inspiration, and the enduring allure of its creations. With jewellery from the Belle Époque period to the contemporary era, the collection showcased the evolution of Cartier’s craftsmanship and design. As the largest travelling Cartier collection to visit Australia, it left an indelible mark, reaffirming the brand’s deep connection with the Australian community and its commitment to creating timeless masterpieces.