What is so special about Van Cleef & Arpels’ full support for the “Discover the World of Emeralds” exhibition?
From May 25 to October 7, 2024, L’ÉCOLE Jewelry Art Center (Shanghai) presents the exhibition “Garden of Emeralds, Discover the Gemstones”.
As one of the chapters in the "Discover the Gemstones" series, the "Green World" exhibition will focus on the three major topics of L’ÉCOLE Jewelry Art Center: the world of gems, exquisite craftsmanship, and the history of jewelry art. Through the perspectives of science, craftsmanship, culture and art, it will lead the public to explore the history of emeralds in the cultural backgrounds of Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
As a special event of the 18th "China-France Cultural Spring", the "Green World: Exploring the Emerald World" exhibition will witness the cultural and artistic exchanges between China and France on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and jointly celebrate the double feast of jewelry and art.
Emeralds are known for their fascinating inclusions called “garden” (jardin in French), and this exhibition will also take viewers into the inner world of emeralds. The exhibition takes the geological origin of emeralds as an entry point and traces the entire transformation process of emeralds from ores to jewelry pieces. This journey begins deep in the earth: from rare geological conditions, emeralds emerge.
This exhibition displays emerald ore specimens from major mining areas around the world, among which the exquisite mineral labels from Dayakou, Yunnan, China, and Dabdar Mining Area, Xinjiang are also a highlight.
At the same time, visitors will also be presented with masterpieces of emeralds from the West to the East, from the 4th century AD to the present.
Emerald crystals on bedrock
Muzo Valley, Eastern Cordillera, Colombia
Currently at the Mineralogical Museum of the Ecole des Mines de Paris -PSL (ENSMP 6334)
The fragile physical properties of emeralds make gemstone cutting challenging. By showcasing the processing techniques and cutting methods of emeralds, the exhibition invites the public to learn how gem cutters highlight the natural beauty of gemstones to showcase their excellence in color, clarity and luster.
For example, some exhibits from Van Cleef & Arpels showcase Van Cleef & Arpels' iconic craftsmanship - the hidden setting technique.
This technique was patented in 1933. Its secret lies in the use of gold tracks, and the gems are carefully cut and set one by one in the track, making them bloom with timeless beauty.
Circa 1920
Platinum, diamonds, onyx, emeralds
Faerber Collection
Emeralds are not only a natural wonder, but also a symbol of wealth, craftsmanship and culture. The meaning of this gem is mainly related to the color green, and is also influenced by cultural background. Whether it is a treasure born in the Roman Empire or a treasure created in the modern and contemporary era, the extraordinary emerald jewellery exhibited in the "Green Realm" exhibition always carries rich symbolic connotations and ideas.
The exhibition features objects generously loaned from major museums, including the Mineralogy Museum of the Ecole des Mines de Paris, as well as precious heritage pieces from jewellery houses such as the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection, the Boucheron Collection and the Cartier Collection, as well as Gemfields Mining Company, and private collectors and institutions such as the Albion Art Jewellery Institute, the Faerber Collection, G. Torroni SA, Fabian de Montjoye, FD Gallery, Yiming Shen, Dr. Wu Feiyang and Arkenstone International Minerals.
Van Cleef & Arpels Hindu necklace, 1949
Platinum, emeralds and diamonds
Originally owned by the Maharaja of Baroda, India
Faerber Collection
Following the first exhibition in Dubai, the “Green World” exhibition moved to China, which is the second grand exhibition held by L’ÉCOLE Jewelry Art Center (Shanghai). Since its establishment, L’ÉCOLE Jewelry Art Center has spread its footprints across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and will continue to convey jewelry culture to as many jewelry lovers as possible around the world through courses, lectures, publications and exhibitions.
Van Cleef & Arpels Two Leaf Brooch, 1967
Platinum, yellow gold, Mystery Setting
Emeralds, diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
In addition to the exhibition, L’ÉCOLE Jewelry Art Center will also host a new season of Jewelry Art Carnival from May 25 to 26, June 1 to 2, and June 8 to 10. The center has created a series of open activities for the public, including course demonstrations, exhibition tours, children's and youth workshops, and exciting offline lectures on different topics.
From the mineral properties of emeralds and gem appreciation to the intersection of history and art, gem authorities and enthusiasts discuss the multiple universes of jewelry art here.
In addition, L’ÉCOLE has opened all classrooms to unveil the mystery of jewelry courses. Since its opening, L’ÉCOLE Jewelry Art Center has held several seasons of Jewelry Art Carnival, inviting the public to enter the Richemont Twin Villas to appreciate the flowing feast of art.