Esprit Joaillerie is pleased to interview the President of the School of Jewelry Arts, Madame Marie Vallanet-Delhom.
It should be noted that The School of Jewelry Arts It was created in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. Thus, this prestigious school has been championing an innovative, patrimonial and creative project: a project on the knowledge of the Art of Jewelry.
Marie, what does the jewel represent to you?
First of all, a jewel is the expression of the personality of the person who wears it. It is remarkable, valuable or not. It should be noted that at The School of Jewelry Arts, We are talking about jewelry in a broad sense.
It’s worth mentioning that I like to see what people wear and how they wear jewelry. Often in interviews, people ask me about young people who no longer wear jewelry. But no, they do wear jewelry, starting with tattoos, which are also a form of adornment and an expression of personality.
What is your favorite stone?
The emerald. Of course, I really like other stones as well. But I never remain indifferent to the charm of the emerald. Because the gardens of this stone are an invitation to travel, poetic and artistic.
Similarly, the way minerals are created at the heart of the earth fascinates me. Yet I am not a scientist; however, minerals are a real emotion-inducing element.
What does the School of Jewelry Arts transmit?
First of all, its role is to disseminate the culture of jewelry to the widest possible audience. To complement the knowledge of enthusiasts, to reveal secrets and to present the various know-hows of jewelry making.
In addition to transmitting culture, it is also a way to inspire wonder and sometimes even to spark future vocations.
To take this project further, we are partnering with L’Ecole Boule, the Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Decorative Arts, The Museum of Modern Art, They are a chance to offer even more opportunities for discovery. In a way, the School is a link; the jewel is universal.
Let us not forget that man has adorned his body with jewelry since the earliest times; it is this story of jewelry that the School conveys.
How are these jewelry discoveries organized?
As might be expected, classes are the backbone of the School. Then come the lectures, the workshops for children, the publications, and, of course, the School’s presence abroad as well. As I said, this jewelry culture is offered to a maximum of people. The most important thing for us is to captivate our students through discovery.
For example, in the course Fascination of the Diamond, These are not just the knowledge of 4 °C (4 C or 4 criteria for estimating a diamond: Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut). Note that we are organizing this course as a survey. Gemology then becomes a more playful science.
At the same time, we are launching research projects such as the one on Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. In this regard, it is a project that began 4 years ago. 
You have to be determined, never give up on your project, even if you don’t know if you will get to the end. According to Professor Guillaume Glorieux, Director of Research, Research unifies knowledge. That’s a very fair statement. So, it’s a beautiful path of discovery.
What drives you to create a new course?
The idea of the courses is constantly evolving. At its inception, the School offered 7 courses; today we have 20 topics. These courses are taught in both French and English, for a total of 40 courses per month. Of course, I rely on a team of dynamic and passionate teachers. They are eager to pass on their passion to as many people as possible.
In addition to your passion for jewelry, Marie, what is your favorite music?
Jazz, without hesitation, Miles Davis!
A place that inspires you?
It’s difficult. Probably my refuge in the countryside.
A work of art?
I’m drawn to painting; I really like Picasso’s blue period.
What are the École’s next projects?
The School of Jewelry Arts In New York, it already achieved great success 3 years ago. We are going back in October. This time, I am proud to organize an exhibition dedicated exclusively to men’s rings, presenting for the first time Yves Gastou’s personal collection.
Then it will be Tokyo and Dubai again.
For 2019, we have important projects such as the permanent opening of the School of Jewelry Arts in Hong Kong; this will be a fabulous boost for Asia.
Thank you Marie for this exceptional moment.
The School of Jewelry Arts, The school I had the chance to see in action in France and abroad is a very beautiful school that disseminates the Joaillerie culture with passionate and enthusiastic teachers like you.
A defense of exceptional jewelry craftsmanship, one that touches me and that I share.
The School of Jewelry Arts
22 Place Vendôme 75001 Paris
lecolevancleefarpels.com
