Cartier Illuminations

Garlands of lights decorate many Paris shops and cafés even when closed.

Not so different from the Cartier garland jewelry sketches on display at the Grand Palais

Of Cartier diamonds.

This is a not-to-be-missed exhibit if you're in Paris through February 16, 2014.

Cartier: Style and History

Elizabeth Taylor's ruby necklace given by third husband, Mike Todd.

Royalty demanded ever more intricate jewelry designs from Cartier.
 

Boom times economically have been boom times creatively for Cartier.

The Roaring 20s was no exception.

Many young American heiresses like Marjorie Merriweather Post and Barbara Hutton, plus Hollywood stars Grace Kelly and Liz kept Cartier on their toes creating new fabulous pieces. Daisy Fellows, grand daughter and heiress of Singer sewing machine fortune magnet Isaac Singer, was endlessly demanding the most extravagant jewelry.

Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor adored Cartier's obsession with panther jewelry designs.

She demanded unique designs.

This exhibit is spectacular.

A kaleidoscope effect constantly on the walls reflects the 600 pieces featured in the exhibition dating from 1847 to 1970.

Just outside more shiny necklaces of light along the Champs-Elysees
 

Every arrondissement has their illuminations like rue Daguerre.
 

Shops like Caron on bd Saint Germain try to outshine each other
 

Patisserie Gerard Mulot
 

Cafés are just as festive.

Eat Alsacian stars at boulangerie Maeder, 18, rue de Lourmel for once-a-year etoile pain d'Epice. Don’t miss this years panther high jinks from Cartier wherever you live.