Diamonds may be an extravagance in these tough times — but that isn’t stopping Cartier from blinging it on.
The famed French jeweler has been outfitting American “royalty” in baubles and bangles for a century, and to celebrate the anniversary, it is putting 100 pieces on display at its flagship Fifth Avenue store in a museum-style exhibition opening today.
Among the pieces on loan for the display is a dazzling necklace commissioned by casino developer Steve Wynn in 2008 and built around a pear-shaped diamond that, at 231 carats, is the largest in the world.
Elizabeth Taylor lent two necklaces and a suite of diamonds and rubies given to her by her late husband Michael Todd.
Celebrity friends of Cartier — including others, such as Elton John, who lent their bling for the exhibit — turned out for a red-carpet party last night.
Also attending were Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway and Demi Moore.