Cartier Tiaras in Canberra

The incredible exhibition of Cartier jewels currently on display in Australia is a treasure trove of glittering enjoyment. After our media preview here on the blog, I heard from several of you that you’d been able to attend. Lovely reader DeluxeDuck was kind enough to send along numerous fantastic photographs from the exhibition, allowing those of us across the world to peek inside. Today, I’m so thrilled to be able to share the first of two posts featuring DD’s fabulous photos from the show. This post focuses solely on the magnificent tiaras on display; the next post will feature additional non-tiara pieces.

At the top of the post, we’ve got a peek at the de Gunzberg Tiara, made for Baron Pierre de Gunzberg in Paris in 1912. The impressive kokoshnik-style tiara is made of diamonds, platinum, and intricately-carved rock crystal.

This diamond bandeau, set with a single round pearl, is decidedly geometric in its design

Photo generously shared by Javier. DO NOT REPRODUCE.

The gorgeous diamond and aquamarine tiara that belonged to Christian, Lady Hesketh is also on display. The tiara, which includes diamond myrtle leaves in its design, was made around 1910

Made in 1937 to be worn at the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, this diamond and aquamarine tiara is an excellent example of the Art Deco style; its central element can be detached and worn as a clip brooch

The aquamarine tiara is usually shown alongside this unique citrine and diamond tiara, made in 1937 during the Art Deco period, which is convertible: the central element detaches and transforms into a clip brooch

This striking tiara is often used by Cartier in promotional materials for its exhibitions; the small kokoshnik-style tiara is set with diamonds, pearls, and onyx

Along with the Cartier Halo Tiara from the British royal collection, this diamond halo tiara is also on display; it was made in 1934 of diamonds and platinum with a lotus flower motif, which is especially noticeable in the shadows of this image. The tiara was purchased by the Aga Khan III for his wife, the Begum Aga Khan

This tiara, inspired by Indian jewels, is packed with glittering diamonds

Here’s a view of the magnificent Essex Tiara, made for the Countess of Essex in 1902; the design was reportedly inspired by Malaysian jewels. The tiara was later loaned to Clementine Churchill and to Margareta of Romania, who wore it at her wedding

The fabulous diamond olive wreath tiara from the collection of Princess Marie Bonaparte, made around the time of her wedding to Prince George of Greece and Denmark in 1907, is also included in the show

The ruby and diamond Bains de Mer Tiara, one of the wedding gifts presented to Princess Grace of Monaco, is shown as well; you can read more about it here!

Also on show: the diamond and pearl drop tiara that belonged to Grace’s mother-in-law, Princess Charlotte, Duchess of Valentinois. The tiara was made for Charlotte around 1949.

This striking tutti frutti bandeau, featuring carved rubies, emeralds, and sapphires set with diamonds in platinum, belonged to Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma. Made in 1928, it can be dismantled to form a pair of bracelets.

And finally, the tiara showstopper: the incredible diamond, sapphire, and pearl tiara on loan from the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Made for Princess Marie Louise (the Duke’s godmother), the tiara was inspired by jewels from India