(This article by Roberta Naas first appeared on Forbes.com.)
Cartier Time Unlimited
Photo: Courtesy of Cartier, images by Michael Stavaridis
Two big-name jewelry and watch brands, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, have opened exhibits that are both immersive and experiential. The Cartier exhibit, Time Unlimited, opened December 7 in Miami and continues until December 22, 2023. It focuses on the brands’ craftsmanship and watchmaking expertise. Meanwhile, the Van Cleef & Arpels exhibit, Garden of Green, has a longer run in New York City’s American Museum of Natural History.
Cartier Time Unlimited
It is a great notion, isn’t it? Time Unlimited. Time is one of the most precious assets we have and the idea of it being unlimited is invitation enough to seek out the message. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that this exhibition is also an immersive experience into the watchmaking world of one of the most well-known names in luxury. The exhibit opened just prior to Art Week in Miami and the vibe of the show coincides with the lively art scene in this city.
The Cartier Time Unlimited exhibition allows for an immersive adventure into the world of Cartier watchmaking. Courtesy of Cartier, images by Michael Stavaridis
Occupying space in the heart of Miami’s Design District, the show covers several concepts – design, shapes, culture, beauty and innovation. Cartier, a brand that dates back more than century and whose wrist-watch-making dates back the early 20th century, is known for its clean lines, its unusual case shapes, its harmonious design. Among its most famed wristwatches are the beloved Tank, the Crash, The Panthere and more. Visitors to the exhibition cand discover the brand’s iconic watches and indulge in films co-produced by the brand. Except for on Tuesdays when the exhibit is closed, it is open to the public for free daily (1-8pm weekdays and 11 am to 9 pm weekends until the 22nd of December.
Van Cleef & Arpels Garden of Green
Van Cleef & Arpels Garden of Green exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Taking place since June 10 inside New York City’s American Museum of Natural History (in the Halls of Gems and Minerals), the Garden of Green exhibit, which focuses on spectacular green gemstone jewelry, is upon through January 2024 and is a not-to-be-missed insight into the world of French Maison Van Cleef & Arpels.
Green gemstone jewelry created throughout the past 100 years is the focus of the exhibition, which includes 44 spectacular pieces (32 of which are in the United States for the first time ever). From peridot to malachite, jadeite, emerald and more, variations of green evoke a sense of awe in these high-jewelry pieces. Among the highlights is the Cydonia necklace and earrings that are set with more than 900 emeralds in floral and tree-like motif.
Other highlights include an Art Deco evening bag made in the 1920’s and consisting of jade and rose-cut diamonds; Chrysoprase animal motif jewelry from the 1950’s and ‘60’s; the Quatre Chemis emerald necklace made in 2019 that is set with unique Zambian emeralds weighing 27.79 carats.
The Garden of Green exhibit focuses on more than 100 years of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry making.
“While the most well-known green gems are emerald and peridot, Garden of Green brings additional green stones, with their beautiful, diverse shades, into the spotlight,” said George Harlow, curator emeritus of the Museum’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
