Cartier Exhibition at the NGV: High Jewellery & Decorative Arts at Their Absolute Best
It’s time to get “Blinged Up” in your best for Melbourne Style.
The landmark Cartier exhibition currently on at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) is a show-stopping masterclass in luxury, design, and heritage.
Whether you’re a lover of high fashion, history, or pure sparkle, this exhibition is not to be missed.
It’s the largest survey of Cartier jewellery Australia has ever hosted.
What Makes the NGV Cartier Exhibition So Special?
Co-curated with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in collaboration with Cartier, the NGV show builds upon its London predecessor with a vastly expanded layout.
Featuring nearly 400 extraordinary jewels, timepieces, and decorative objects, the NGV exhibition has around 200 more pieces than the V&A edition.
Masterful Exhibition Design
The exhibition environment itself tries to steal the show.
NGV collaborated with Rotterdam-based design practices Studio Sabine Marcelis and CLOUD (led by Paul Cournet).
They created immersive, color-coded spatial galleries that interact with light and materiality, echoing the structure of the gemstones themselves.
A breathtaking rotunda displaying 24 royal and historic tiaras, many from the coronation of George V brings the exhibition to its conclusion.
This spectacular finale is the perfect full stop.
Must-See Highlights & Key Pieces
While every case holds a historic masterpiece, several standouts make this trip unmissable:
Barbara Hutton’s Imperial Jadeite Necklace: A joy to see again after its last Australian appearance in Canberra in 2018. The translucent, vividly green jade beads owned by the Woolworths heiress remain one of the most famous Cartier commissions in history. (Note: Often confused with Australian media personality Deborah Hutton!)
Citrine Handcuff Bracelet: A bold Art Deco classic featuring baguette-cut citrines set in gold and platinum.
Dame Nellie Melba’s Collection: For the first time, historic pieces belonging to legendary Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, including her breathtaking turquoise and diamond necklace, brooches, stomacher, and pearls are reunited and displayed together.
Maharaja & Royal Jewels: Iconic Art Deco commissions, including pieces created for the Indian Maharajas and tiaras worn by international royalty and Hollywood icons. You will wonder how such large stones could be worn.
Quick Guide: Cartier at NGV Melbourne
The Cartier Exhibition is the NGV’s Winter Masterpiece.
It is on now until the 4th of October 2026.
Get “Blinged Up” for Melbourne: Style Your Exhibition Day Out
Planning a trip to see Cartier is the perfect excuse to dress to the nines.
An exhibition of this calibre deserves an equally stylish ensemble.
Whether you’re aiming for chic daytime elegance or full evening glamour for NGV Friday Nights.
Stylist tip: Visit the Gray Reid Gallery at 156 Collins Street to extend your experience of enjoying fabulous jewels. A visit the building this gallery is in, is worthwhile on its own. If you are looking for good eat, try The George on Collins, which you will find in the basement of the Georges Building.
Ready to Elevate Your Look?
Unsure how to style your wardrobe for a high-glamour cultural weekend?
Let Bottlegreen and Yellow Personal Stylist curated luxury lookbook tailored specifically to your personality, colour palette, and body shape.
Whether you need the perfect outfit for a gallery day or a complete wardrobe refresh for the season, we’ll make sure you look as radiant as the exhibits.
Contact Bottlegreen and Yellow today and step out in style!
