Diamonds At Dinner
An exclusive and cultural Cartier celebration took place inside the Sydney Opera House recently to commemorate the dazzling 300-piece collection of high jewellery and fine watches on display at Pier 2/3, showcasing the sumptuous items all worthy of resting on a royal’s bedside table. While the bijouterie on display at the exhibition ‒ and on bodies at the Gala ‒ was captivating, it was the artistic excellence witnessed at both venues that demonstrated how the bond between Cartier and Australia is both deep and enduring.
The live entertainment and artistic atmosphere at the gala event expertly matched the energy of the vibrant jewellery on display at Pier 2/3. Upon arrival at the gala, distinguished guests were greeted by a sea of Cartier Bell Boys lining the red carpet of the monumental stairs of the Opera House, before dining on the stage of the Concert Hall for a truly one-of-a-kind moment. Stellar performances followed by renowned pianist Van Anh Nyugen, soprano Cathy Di-Zhang and Sydney Dance Company, supported by Chorus Collective. But it was the culturally artistic aspects of the exhibition at Pier 2/3 that really spotlighted Cartier’s commitment to heritage as something inherent in its mission as a jeweller.
On entry to the exhibition, a woollen art installation by Jacqui Fink awaited guests, drawing attention to the original purpose of the venue as one of the many wool stores located in the city of Sydney in the early 20th Century. In fact, the scenography of the overall exhibition was inspired by the singularity of Australia: raw and earthy sandstone finishes and vibrant red hues evoked the famous red gorges of the Kimberly. Authentic artistic excellence was embedded in the whole exhibition and will continue to remain at the heart of Cartier Australia. Made of organic foraged material reminiscent of the Australian desert landscape, Tracey Deep’s two unique artworks hung dramatically at the exhibition. With the use of charring and weaving, Deep created a link with the interwoven storytelling passed on through generations seen across all cultures.
The exhibition space at Pier 2/3 journeyed guests through the universes of High Jewellery, discovering the Maison’s distinct style and savoir-faire infused with the energy of Australia. In addition to the Maison’s emblematic and much-loved panther, the Cartier menagerie has interestingly also included crocodiles, flamingos, snakes, poodles, antelopes and, as it happens, Australian kangaroos. In fact, several examples of Australia’s most recognisable wildlife can be found in the Cartier archives. In 1905, Cartier created a twin pair of ornamental kangaroos, one grey agate and one nephrite, set with rose-cut diamonds. Cartier’s curiosity and taste for the world has always forged it to explore the richness of different cultures and as we can see, it will continue to do so.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
