An exhibition of diamonds and design curated by Carol Woolton

Masterpiece London 2012 is set to dazzle and excite visitors when it returns this summer with a specially curated diamond exhibition in celebration of the British monarch Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. Entitled ‘Brilliant’, the exhibition is the first of its kind to be undertaken by the fair, and will offer visitors a visually arresting and intimate experience curated by Carol Woolton, jewellery editor of UK Vogue, author and leading international authority on jewellery.

Put on a show: Hancocks London will showcase a rare ‘Tutti Frutti’ bracelet by Cartier (circa 1928).

Taking place between June 28 to July 4 (with a preview on June 27) at the South Grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3, Masterpiece London is the ultimate destination to discover the world’s most extraordinary items in art, antiques and design. True to the fair’s commitment to showcase the best of the best, Brilliant promises to wow visitors with the finest diamond jewellery, as well as diamond performance art and never-before-seen, innovative one-off pieces.

Visitors will have an opportunity to witness unparalleled gems in a spectacular environment. Presented with a guide to the exhibition, visitors will wander throughout the space, and be given a chance to study the light and fire of the stones, and appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship of each piece.

World’s most coveted gems
For centuries diamonds have played a role in our culture and lives; from the romantic story of the engagement ring, to its industrial practicality as the hardest substance known to man. Pushing the boundaries of how diamonds are used and viewed in our society, Carol Woolton has structured the diamonds according to four artistic disciplines – art, architecture, fashion and sculpture – to provoke surprise and discussion about the role of the world’s most coveted gems. Whether incorporated into decorative artistic works such as chandeliers, seen as objects of beauty, or used as fashionable fastenings in the form of diamond zips, cuffs and collars, the exhibition will comment on the enduring hold diamonds have over us.  Names including Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, George Jensen, Solange Azagury-Partridge, Dior, and Tiffany & Co are just some of those to be involved with this exhibition and details of their pieces will be available closer to the fair.

Natural beauty: Epoque Fine Jewels will showcase a dragonfly pendant by Rene Lalique Paris, circa 1903

According to Carol Woolton: “With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee putting a spotlight on the Crown Jewels and historic Royal Regalia, ‘Brilliant’ will show how diamonds, imbued with their own billion year old history and majestic role in Britain’s heritage, remain relevant in our modern lives and at the forefront of ground-breaking contemporary design”.

Masterpiece London is no ordinary antiques fair, but a forum for distinctive design and aesthetic excellence. It showcases the best of best in fine and decorative arts with contemporary collectors’ items such as classic cars, fine wines, exquisite jewellery and contemporary design from around the world.

The show’s timings are as follows: June 27 preview, 11 am to 10 pm; June 28 and 29, 11 am to 9 pm; June 30 and July 1, 11 am to 7 pm; July 2, 11 am to 9 pm; July 3, 11 am to 6 pm, followed by the Masterpiece Midsummer Party in support of CLIC Sargent from 7 pm to 10 pm; and July 4 11 am to 9 pm.

The preview ticket costs £100 per person, public ticket £20, and the charity party ticket £175.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.masterpiecefair.com

About Woolton
Carol Woolton is the jewellery editor of British Vogue, an author, lecturer and style commentator on fashion and jewellery. She is a leading international authority on jewellery and has written widely on both antique and contemporary jewellery for publications, magazines and newspapers around the world. She acts as a critic and judge for foundations, art colleges and jewellery exhibitions.