But the longer I stare at the glittering diamonds of the Halo tiara, or the delicate fall of the Stomacher brooch, I'm drawn in, Gollum style, by these precious pieces of art.

And I know I'm totally sold when I want to take two little crocodiles, made from 1023 yellow diamonds and 1060 emeralds, with a couple of rubies thrown in, and place them on my decolletage, wondering how exotic and glamorous I would feel then, the diamonds cold against my skin.

Cartier: The Exhibition, which opens on March 23, 2018, will feature more than 300 pieces from the Cartier collection, charting the prestigious Paris jewellery houses throughout 20th century history.

And it's this connection to history that will draw many viewers in. Some of the world's most glamourous women have worn Cartier, from Australia's own Dame Nellie Melba to Kate Middleton, who wore her Majesty the Queen's Halo tiara on her wedding day.

There's Princess Grace of Monaco's 10.48 carat diamond engagement ring; Elizabeth Taylor's diamond and ruby necklace, which was a gift from her third husband, Mike Todd; and the crocodiles that were a custom-made order for Mexican actress Maria Felix, who had a fondness for reptiles, which can be worn as a necklace, or as separate brooches.

Gallery director Gerard Vaughan said it was almost impossible to put a dollar value on the collection.

"It is a collection of immeasurable quality and value, the likes of which have never been seen in this country before, and may never be again," he said.

"It's a coup for the NGA that jewels of such spectacular calibre and size, amongst the most important in the world, magnificently set by Cartier's renowned craftsmen will be exhibited only in Canberra."

Cartier's image, style and heritage director, Pierre Rainero, flew in from Paris to attend the launch.

"Cartier represents the poetic amalgamation of art, passion and style," he said.

"Jewellery is a language of love, and this exhibition, organised by the NGA, represents a gift of love to the Australian people."

Pieces in the collection have been loaned by royal families, celebrities and the Cartier collection, which includes more than 1600 pieces.

Men are not forgotten in the exhibition. Cartier is credited with creating the modern wristwatch made popular by some of the world's leading men. A variety of the Maison Cartier's iconic watch designs are shown in the context of other ingenious items designed specifically for men. Insight into the inner workings of these intricate, ground-breaking designs is also explored through the workshop space.

But, men, perhaps this isn't the exhibition to bring your partners too, particularly if her jewellery collection is as paltry as mine.

Cartier: The Exhibition opens March 30, 2018, until 22 July at the National Gallery of Australia. Tickets available from Ticketek.