Who is Barbara Hutton and what is that fantastic rock she’s wearing?



This handsome Cecil Beaton photo is on show at Selfridges’ Wonder Room as part of the Cartier Loves Diamonds exhibition. I wasn’t aware of La Hutton but she was a well known American socialite and this Pasha Of Egypt diamond was the biggest circular cut diamond in the world. Alas, Babs didn’t like the octagonal shape of the diamond so Cartier recut it and set it in this humdinger of a ring. If you’re down Selfridges way between now and 29th April, do swing by the Wonder Room where you can see more photos of iconic Cartier designs as well as some fine examples of Cartier’s historic jewels. Plus the jewels are all for sale should the urge to buy strike you…