The tiaras are among about 300 pieces of jewelry, timepieces and accessories created by Cartier from the 19th century to the present day that will be displayed at the museum to August 14.

The exhibition - the third major special exhibition at the museum - shows the bond between women and jewelry and how Chinese arts and culture have inspired the French luxury brand's creations in style, material and craftsmanship, the museum said.

"The exhibition celebrates the role and influence of women throughout Cartier's history by showcasing a wide variety of artifacts spanning nearly 200 years," it said.

"Some of the works on display illustrate the impact of Chinese aesthetics on the development of women's lifestyles and global fashion."

The exhibition has four thematic sections, showing the significant role of the royal and elite women in the 19th century, advances in jewelry design, the influence of Chinese art on Cartier creations and jewelry worn by modern and contemporary female icons.

"Highlights include pieces from the collections of important and well-known women, including the Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly; renowned actresses Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Lin and Carina Lau; and businesswoman Pansy Ho," the museum said.

It added that the Cartier collections have been exhibited in more than 30 places in the world over the past three decades.

"The Cartier and Women exhibition not only underscores HKPM's global vision and innovative curatorial approach, but also testifies to the museum's mission to solidify Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange," said the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority board chairman Henry Tang Ying-yen.

"The exhibition will lead visitors on a journey that explores a series of captivating stories between these stunning treasures and many legendary women past and present, tracing the contribution of women to Cartier's history. We hope visitors can appreciate these wonderful pieces that marry Eastern and Western aesthetics and at the same time be mesmerized by the creativity and history of women embodied in these works."

Tickets for the exhibition, which allow visitors to enter all galleries, are HK$120 for adults. Cartier has sponsored 5,000 complimentary tickets for the underprivileged.

The museum will give lectures on how Chinese aesthetics have influenced women's lifestyles and global fashion.

Music performances by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will be held this month and by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in June.

The museum will also display documentaries about outstanding women in the creative industries, and a jewelry-making workshop next month.