Queen Victoria Coronet London, 1840-42 Designed by Prince Albert; made by Kitching & Abud

Hotel de la Marine and Dynastic Jewels at Al Thani collection

Dounia Baco

The Art of Jewelry at the Hôtel de la Marine

Currently in Paris, the Hôtel de la Marine is hosting the third part in the trilogy of exhibitions of the Al Thani collection. This event is organized in association with the V&A Museum in London. The exhibition presents historical jewelry items. It highlights why jewelry is considered a reflection of both beauty and prestige of iconic European figures.

From 10 December 2025 to 6 April 2026, the Hôtel de la Marine will present jewelry belonging to distinguished women in European history. In particular, jewelry on display belonged to figures such as Empress Catherine II of Russia, Josephine, Marie-Louise of Austria, and the Queen Victoria.

Onyx cameo, diamonds, rubies and emeralds, rhinestones, gold, silver, 8,8 × 4,3 × 1,4 cm
Victoria and Albert Museum, M.180-1976 Jewelry collection — First Class Badge of the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Between jewellery and history.

The collection comprises brooches, tiaras, necklaces, earrings, and pendants. These pieces feature rare and valuable stones and represent the world of jewelry through the ages.

Moreover, these pieces of jewellery are the result of unmatched expertise and skill. They not only serve a practical and symbolic purpose. However, they are also works of art in their own right, just like Monet’s paintings or Michelangelo’s sculptures. They are a mark of the passing of time. Yet they are also a reminder of what makes jewelry truly timeless: art.

Cartier Paris Jewelry, 1937 Rubies (210 carats total), diamonds (81 carats total), platinum — Necklace Nawanagar Cartier London, special order, 1937 Rubies, diamonds and platinium Collection Al Thani, ATC817
© Christie’s Images Ltd.

Beyond the Object: Jewelry of Exceptional Craftsmanship

Throughout history, many jewellers have proven this fact, and with their dedication, jewelry has continued to captivate generations. For instance, people now consider Cartier one of the most luxurious jewellers in the world. Highlights include Maharajah Digvijaysinhji’s (1937) necklace and the iconic Lady Beit Tiara (1909).

Historically, jewelry has played a significant role in the lives and dress of figures such as Joséphine, Marie Antoinette, and Queen Victoria. This exhibition invites visitors into the elegant world of historical jewelry. In doing so, it shows how they shaped cultural and societal norms.

Mellerio, Paris, v. 1864
Diamands, gold , silver
14,5 x 10,8 x 5,1 cm
Collection Al Thani Jewelry, ATC452 — Corsage Brooch of Princess Mathilde Mellerio, also known as Meller, Paris, c. 1864 Diamonds, gold, silver

Cartier Paris, 1909
Diamands and platinum
Collection Al Thani : ATC220
Jelwely piece — Lady Beit Tiara Cartier Paris, 1909 Diamonds and platinum © The Al Thani Collection, 2018. All
rights reserved. Photograph by Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd

Jewelry, Between Art, Power, and Heritage

The exhibition offers an opportunity to view significant works of art. The pieces feature precious stones including amethyst, diamond, emerald, and pearls. As a result, they reflect the historical status of their owners as seen through the lens of extraordinary jewelry.

The exhibition features both jewels and swords owned by major historical figures. The sword of the first consul and later Emperor Napoleon I, also known as ‘the sword of coronation’.
However, the Al Thani collection also includes other exhibitions. These feature other works, such as the exhibition ‘The Taste of the Renaissance – A Dialogue Between Collections’ with these magnificent vases.