Melbourne plays host to an incredible collection of Cartier creations this winter, with more than 300 precious jewels, tiaras, timepieces, necklaces and more on display at the National Gallery of Victoria as part of its Winter Masterpieces presentation.

Coming directly from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, this is the largest exhibition of Cartier creations staged in Australia. The exhibition charts the evolution of the Maison, from its earliest days to its transformation at the turn of the twentieth century by Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier, grandsons of founder Louis-François Cartier, who established branches in London, Paris and New York, turning Cartier into the first truly international jewellery house.

Image: Sean Fennessy

Image: Sean Fennessy

Image: Sean Fennessy

Alongside a significant collection of more than 20 tiaras, and other creations worn by personalities like Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna, Princess Margaret, The Duchess of Windsor, Dame Nellie Melba and more, a major drawcard for those interested in the maison’s history of timekeeping will be the mystery clocks on display. The large portique mystery clock from 1923 is one of the most impressive examples of the genre, and was the first such clock in the Cartier Collection. Originally made as the first in a series of six clocks dating between 1923 and 1925, it was made in the form of a Shinto shrine gate, or portique. Even though that clock is over a century old, it’s not the oldest mystery clock on show — that honor goes to the Model A mystery clock, which dates from 1914, a 13cm-high creation made from platinum, gold and rock crystal, with diamonds and cabochons adorning the mysterious dial. On the other end of the spectrum is one of Cartier’s more recent mystery clocks — the 2023 mystery clock with single axle, a gem-studded white gold and obsidian clock that demonstrates Cartier’s continued love affair with this most dramatic way of telling the time.

Image: Sean Fennessy

Of course, watches are well represented too, with highlights including an original Crash from the London boutique, a yellow gold Santos from 1915, and a platinum Tank from 1920, as well as other exceptional timekeeping objects, ranging from letter openers to Egyptian-inspired mantle clocks. There’s also local angles as well, from koala motifs, through to significant Australian opals and pieces associated with noted Cartier collector Dame Nellie Melba.

Overall, Cartier: Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2026 is a remarkable exhibit, one that showcases Cartier’s continued commitment to the art and craft of jewels and time in all its forms.

Cartier: Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2026 is on display at the NGV International from June 12 to October 4, 2026. For more information, visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/cartier.