What an absolute thrill it was to spend the day at the V&A in London. It’s been a while since my last visit, but it remains one of my favourite museums. Years ago, I would sit in the galleries with a sketchbook in hand; now, it’s my trusty mobile phone that captures the essence of my visits. And oh, what a visit this was.
For me, the Cartier brothers have been monumental contributors to the world of jewellery and fashion. Fashion has never been an isolated concept — it’s a fusion of history, culture, new techniques, and the social influences of the time. Cartier understood this perfectly. They embraced a global vision at a time when Art Deco was more than just a style; it was a cultural force. This melting pot of influences shaped a design ethos that combined storytelling with style, laying the foundation for the iconic brand we know and love today.
You’re greeted at the entrance of the exhibition by the dazzling Manchester Tiara, created in Paris in 1903 for the Dowager Duchess of Manchester. It was breathtaking. I love jewellery in all its forms, but that day it was all about the tiaras for me. The exhibition unfolded through a series of rooms filled with glorious, sparkling treasures. Among the most remarkable were several pieces loaned by King Charles, including the Williamson Pink Diamond Brooch, created in London in 1953. I was in awe of Princess Grace of Monaco’s diamond engagement ring, given to her by Prince Rainier, as well as the Bain de Mer Tiara and clip brooches — all wedding gifts from the prince, and all on loan for the exhibition.
But the pinnacle, at least for me, was the final room: an entire gallery devoted to the most spectacular tiaras. The workmanship was extraordinary, the designs utterly timeless. I could have spent hours more, completely mesmerised by such decadent beauty.
So, what did I take away from this visit? A deeper appreciation of how jewellery reflects our social history and influences the way we create in our own time. Creation is, after all, a celebration — one to be cherished for generations. Perhaps more than anything else, I was reminded that design is a deeply personal journey. At its heart lies the person who will one day love and wear the creation — the ultimate ambassador for the maker’s vision.
And that brings me to you. As I stood surrounded by tiaras that once lived only in dreams before being brought to life by master jewellers, I couldn’t help but think of the brides I design for today. If you’ve ever dreamed of wearing a tiara, don’t be afraid to make that dream a reality. It doesn’t need to stay in a museum or on a page in history — it can be part of your story. I would be honoured to create a piece that’s as unique and timeless as you are, a tiara that captures your spirit and becomes part of your own legacy.
From inspiration to creation, your tiara story starts here