The Enchanting World of Jewels

“We initiate conversations about everything and everyone throughout history—all cultures, traditions, continents, and the vast range of different jewellers and jewellery makers.”
—Marie Vallanet-Delhom, president of Van Cleef & Arpels’s L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

A 14th-century Mengdiexuan hairpin depicting a mythical bird and a four-clawed dragon chasing a flaming pearl; a striking Neo-classical men’s ring accentuated with intaglios, cameos, and ancient coins; a sublime 1960s Mauboussin Quetzal bird brooch encrusted with engraved sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.

These are the kinds of exceptional specimens that representatives from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts search for across the world to feature in thoughtfully curated exhibitions, hands-on courses, and engaging talks at their permanent campuses in Paris and Hong Kong, or indeed as part of one of their travelling schools in Dubai, New York, and Tokyo.

The magnificence of these objects notwithstanding, what L’ÉCOLE endeavours to demonstrate to its students and guests is the history, materials, and artistry of the pieces.

As the first jewellery school targeting the general public, L’ÉCOLE’s mission is to reveal and decipher the mysterious yet fascinating world of jewellery—turning intrigued enthusiasts into enlightened connoisseurs.

While L’ÉCOLE was established and continues to be supported by jewellery brand Van Cleef & Arpels, the school operates independently. In fact, it takes pride not only in teaching various jewellery disciplines but also in featuring and celebrating jewels from a variety of brands for their unique characteristics and merits.