Naomi Watts brings celebrity star power to Canberra’s Cartier launch

Posted on 28 March, 2018

The National Gallery of Australia has launched its blockbuster show Cartier: The Exhibition amid unprecedented security and an appearance by genuine Hollywood A-lister Naomi Watts.

Fresh from starring in Netflix drama Gypsy where she portrayed a psychologist who secretly infiltrates the lives of her patients, Naomi has won over 55 awards across her career and is one of Hollywood’s most recognisable Australian stars.

She flew into Canberra on Tuesday for the media launch of the exhibition which brings priceless jewels to the nation’s capital for what is sure to be one of the city’s biggest tourism drawcards.

Naomi said Cartier: The Exhibition was defined by the stories behind the pieces.

“This particular collection of pieces is quite astounding. You see not only these fantastic pieces but the story behind who wore them and what was happening at that time. It really makes it such a powerful experience.”

When asked why Cartier stands apart from other iconic jewellery houses, Naomi said that brand’s ability to adapt over time has been one of its greatest strengths.

“It’s changed over time but there are always strong bold pieces, like the modern Jaguar collection,” she explained. And for the one piece from the exhibition that she would be excited to own…?

“Most of them I would be too scared to own!” she said with a laugh, noting that for her, it’s more about the experience of the collection. “In there, you’re travelling through time,” she said. “You have the Egyptian collection, pieces that were attached to corsets, tiaras…it’s all there.”

Three years in the making, Cartier: the Exhibition includes 300 pieces worn by royalty, aristocrats, global socialites and movie stars.

“I have been to a lot of high jewellery exhibitions all over the world, many with Cartier but I think this is absolutely magical,” said Kellie Hush, editor-in-chief of Harpers Bazaar Australia who attend the launch. “In particular, the pieces from the British Royal family are extraordinary and I remember that portrait of the Queen from my childhood so to actually see that piece up close and the fact that they acquired it for this exhibition is incredible.”

Credit: Martin Ollman

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has dispatched some of her favourite jewels – including the tiara she lent to Catherine Middleton for her wedding to Prince William – also worn by the late Princess Diana. Princess Grace of Monaco’s 10.48-carat engagement ring is there, as is Elizabeth Taylor’s platinum, gold and Burmese ruby necklace.

There is a selection of pieces from turn-of-the-century opera singer and Australia’s first global superstar, Dame Nellie Melba, the Duchess of Windsor’s trend-setting Flamingo brooch, brooches from Indian maharajahs and priceless pieces from personal collections around the world that must remain, agonisingly, anonymous.

Did we mention there will also be the biggest pink diamond in the world?

The Gallery has been abuzz with excitement over the impending exhibition and its celebrity guest, with doors opening to the general public on Friday.

the essentials

What: Cartier: The Exhibition
When: 30 March until 22 July 2018
Where: National Gallery of Australia
Tickets: Available from Ticketek
Web: nga.gov.au/cartier

Feature image: Martin Ollman