5 Reasons Why You Should Visit The Etourdissant Cartier Exhibition in Singapore This Saturday
The Etourdissant Cartier high jewellery showcase at the Pinacotheque de Paris rivals any museum display. Here, we share all the things you need to know about the one-day-only exhibition.
By IMRAN JALAL,
#1: More than 600 haute joaillerie pieces are on show.
Think of them as the jewellery world's answer to haute couture. Also on display: precious objets d’art, with 60 pieces making their world premiere here.
#2: It's the first time they're being exhibited to the public.
For the longest time, the high jewellery collection was only for the eyes of private clients and journalists during haute couture week in July. The Etourdissant Cartier first debuted in the South of France that month.
#3: There are some truly exceptional pieces on display.
The centrepiece of the Etourdissant necklace is the brilliant-cut central stone, a D colour internally flawless diamond of 34.96 carats[/caption]
Case in point: the namesake Etourdissant necklace, a platinum stunner comprises 34.96 carats of perfectly colourless and internally flawless diamond, and is actually made up of two detachable necklaces. There are also super rare stones like a 44.47 carat cushion-shaped Burmese sapphire that was mined from Myanmar's Mogok Valley, which produces some of the world's best gems like sapphires and tourmalines.
#4: See Cartier's signature designs up close.
A sketch of the Agra necklace[/caption]
Stand-out jewellery items include the Agra necklace, a transformable piece which has floral motifs engraved on sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Fun fact: the technique of engraving precious stones, called "Tutti Frutti", was inspired by traditional Indian jewellery making and became popular in the maison from the '70s.
#5: It will be open for one day only.
The venue is an apt one for such exquisite masterpieces: private art museum Pinacotheque de Paris, which is home to Rembrandt, Picasso and Monet. The exhibition takes place this Saturday, October 31, from 10am to 6pm. Bonuses: Free entry and a complimentary shuttle bus service between Park Mall and the museum.
Like this? Check out the ongoing Hermes: Leather Forever exhibition, which will be in Singapore till Dec 13.