A CRISP morning isn't the only thing set to sparkle in Canberra this autumn.
As the national capital welcomes autumn's brilliant hues, it is also showcasing its sparkly self with a dazzling event and exhibition calendar, including Cartier: The Exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia and Lustre: Pearling & Australia at the National Museum of Australia.
For the first time, more than 300 masterpieces by Cartier, charting the prestigious Paris jewellery house throughout 20th century history, are on display at the National Gallery of Australia.
Director Gerard Vaughan said the exhibition is the most outstanding collection of important jewels Australia has ever seen, or is likely to see again.
It provides a window into the intimate world of Cartier's famous clients, including royalty, aristocrats and global socialites, and movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor, whose platinum, gold and Burmese ruby necklace (1951) is synonymous with the iconic jeweller.
The exclusive exhibition features pieces from turn-of-the-century opera star Dame Nellie Melba who was a major client of the Maison Cartier, which supplied other incredibly intricate "garland-style" jewellery popular with European aristocracy.
Central to the exhibition is a group of beautiful items from the Royal collection, including a selection of Queen Elizabeth's personal favourites. Even her Halo Tiara, worn by Kate Middleton for her wedding to Prince William, will be on display in Canberra.
