The undeniable influence of Islamic design on Cartier’s jewellery is currently on show at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Until March 24, the museum is hosting Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Designs, an exhibition that explores the ways that different facets of Islamic design have inspired the famed French maison.
Having fashioned pieces from noble materials such as gold, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald, the house holds a unique place within the rarefied universe of high jewellery. Yet, as the expansive exhibition currently on show at Louvre Abu Dhabi reveals, many of the design elements that underpin this remarkable body of work are not of French origin, but rather, Islamic.
The exhibition examines the intersection between the house’s keen instinct for exquisite creations and the elegant precision of Islamic art. As the acting director of scientific, curatorial and collection management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guilhem Andre leads the way around the exhibition and outlines how Islamic…