Paris, the Pearl Capital, A new exhibition at the School of Jewelry Arts.
© The School of Arts
From November 21, 2024, to March 23, 2025, The School of Jewelry Arts offers a unique immersion in the unknown history of the pearl with the exhibition Paris, the Pearl Capital. This cultural event traces the crucial role of Paris in the global trade in pearls between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, while highlighting the timeless influence of this natural gem on art and luxury.
Celebrated since antiquity for its brilliance and rarity, the pearl has been a major pillar of international trade. Yet, many ignore that Paris was the center of this thriving activity. From the late 1860s to the 1930s, fine pearls from the Arabian Gulf were shipped to the French capital, where they were crafted by renowned jewelers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Fred. Place Vendôme thus became a hub of the pearl trade, strengthening Paris’s position as the world capital of jewelry and luxury.
Paris, Capital of the Pearl, does not limit itself to celebrating this forgotten trade; it also reveals the fascinating secrets of the pearl through a historical, artistic, and scientific approach. Organized into six sections, the exhibition explores the history of the pearl through works from the collections of prestigious Parisian museums, such as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Petit Palais, as well as from high-end jewelry houses and exceptional private collections.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the section titled «Parisian Perleomania,» which highlights the enthusiasm of the Roaring Twenties for pearls. Whether in the opera, cinema, painting, or fashion, the pearl has established itself as a symbol of modernity and has inspired artists from all walks of life.
The immersive set design of this exhibition, conceived as a true sensory experience, transports visitors into the world of the pearl. Tactile and audio devices allow for a better understanding of the formation and unique characteristics of this biomineral, while a guided tour enriched with historical illustrations prolongs the immersion in this fascinating universe.
Founded in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, The School of Jewelry Arts With this exhibition, Paris, the Capital of Pearls, continues its commitment to preserving the jewelry heritage and passing on knowledge. Far from being a simple retrospective, Paris, the Capital of Pearls, is part of a commitment to promote the education and dissemination of jewelry culture to the general public.
This exceptional exhibition, which brings together more than a hundred pieces of rare beauty, offers a unique opportunity to rediscover the historical link between Paris and the pearl, and to celebrate the lasting impact of this gem on art and culture.
An unmissable event for pearl enthusiasts.
Exhibition Paris Capital of the Pearl See you
From November 21, 2024 to March 23, 2025
lecolevancleefarpels.com
