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Continuing my posts on the Cartier exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia, on our recent Canberra trip.
Walking into the last section, we were greeted by a large screen on which were playing video segments of Marilyn Monroe acting in movies that referenced diamonds.
I didn’t pay much attention, though, some, including Acerules, did. There were more glittery prizes to seek out.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 1953 "it's a tiara" scene hd:
Necklace owned by Merle Oberon, with baroque shaped emeralds:
Vivian Leigh’s conmpact:
Your average tiger on a hot day. Owned by Barbara Hutton:
Les homme préfèrent les blondes - Marilyn Monroe - Diamonds are a girl's best friend:
Maria Felix was a great movie star in her native Mexico, Europe, and elsewhere, but she turned down roles in Hollywood. This is a song written by one of her husbands, it is sad and romantic, about a troubadour coming around at night and making him sad, wondering if the moon is shining on his beloved somewhere too:
Well of course Acerules loved these famous crocodile and snake necklaces of Maria’s. The story goes that she took a live baby croc into the jeweller for inspiration, but they took creative license, and used yellow diamonds on one, and emeralds on the other. She sold the snake and crocs before she died.
Daisy was also, allegedly, a player. Other people’s boyfriends, husbands, etc, were not off limits. She was allegedly not maternal, and rather caustic with her tongue. But style she had in droves. The colourful Tutti Fruiti necklace on the left was comprised of jewels , sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds, recycled from 3 old pieces, and is now iconic.
Another of my favourite actresses, so beautiful, and I had a treasured book on her too:
I asked Ace to pose for the photo for her memories:
Of course, Elizabeth Taylor’s famous jewellery collection, so full of provenance, was sold off to benefit AIDS patients, bless ‘er.
The Mike Todd/Elizabeth Taylor necklace:
One of the most stylish women in the world in the 1930s captured an English King’s heart so that he gave up his crown for her. He then bought her lots of Cartier jewellery during their marriage. Several of the pieces here are very famous, and Cartier are proud. They have adopted the panther as their mascot, and it appears in their ads.
Impossible to show the sparkle with the iPad:
Masterpieces of the jeweller’s art:
Getting Ace to pose with the iconic pieces:
Cartier: The Exhibition:
About Cartier
English translation and meaning of the song with Maria Felix: Noche de Ronda:
Maria Felix’s jewels:
Daisy Fellowes’ amazing necklace:
6 comments:
Cath, I loved reading this piece on the Cartier jewels. You must have loved visiting this amazing exhibit. I loved the history of the famous women who owned the jewelry, especially the Duchess of Windsor. Thank you for all the info and sharing the beautiful photos. Great job!
Hi Cath, That's very interesting! U had an interesting trip! XO, NA
What an incredible collection of jewelry Cath! I was most impressed with the box that had those pink rubies on it. I guess I have a thing for boxes. It was also interesting to see the owners of all that jewelry. Liz certainly knew how to live large!
Thankyou, Pam, NA and Mary for your comments, it is very much appreciated.
Fascinating. Glad you included the clips, especially the Coward. So witty. The Duchess of Windsor things intrigue me and what might most is that Edward himself wrote/signed the letter which was more like an inquiry that one would have expected his secretary to make. Can't say I'm fond of the snake jewels but many are just stunning!
Hi, Jeanie,
Edward apparently took part in the designing of some of the jewels too. Can’t beat Noel Coward for wit. Can only imagine what he’d say about things today! We love “Don’t put your daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington” in this house.
I’ve seen a video of Maria wearing the snake, it looked huge on her, very glittery, not my cup of tea. Acerules thinks even man eating reptiles are “awwwwww” and “cute!” She even says she’d be happy while they ate her! Crazy child. So she liked the snake.
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