The School of Jewelry Arts opens its second Parisian location
The School of Jewelry Arts, renowned for its commitment to preserving and passing on the jewelry craftsmanship, announces the opening of its second Parisian location. Located on the Grands Boulevards, this 18th-century townhouse, listed as a historical monument, opens its doors to welcome enthusiasts and professionals.
Photo by Benjamin Chelly
Built in 1778 by Firmin Perlin, a young and popular architect of the time, this private mansion was not named after its owner, banker Jean-Joseph de Laborde, but after its first occupant, Count Florimond-Claude de Mercy-Argenteau. Ambassador to Marie-Thérèse of Austria, Mercy-Argenteau was an influential figure, playing a crucial role in arranging the marriage between Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. He subsequently became the young queen’s confidant and advisor, vainly attempting to moderate her taste for luxury.
The building houses valuable testimonies of the opulence of the Old Regime, including a hall adorned with Corinthian porticoes and gilded wood panelling against a white background, as well as a dining room also listed as a historical monument. These remarkable architectural elements, which have stood the test of time, will now be the prestigious setting for the activities of the School of Jewelry Arts.
Under the direction of interior designer and designer Constance Guisset, the mansion was carefully renovated to combine historical elegance with modernity. The design features noble materials such as oak wood and shades of navy blue, offering generous and warm spaces. Today, the new site hosts courses, conferences, workshops for children, exhibitions, as well as a library and bookstore. The goal is to bring the art of jewelry to life in all its facets. In the meantime, the historical address of L’École, located at 31 rue Danielle Casanova, near the Place Vendôme, is temporarily closing its doors for a renovation of a few months. This break will allow for modernization and further improvement of the experience offered by this emblematic institution.
The history of this new space is already intimately linked to that of jewelry. Before its escape to Varennes, Marie-Antoinette entrusted her treasure chest of jewels to the comte de Mercy-Argenteau, and these precious treasures were saved. Today, this place laden with symbols becomes rightly a sanctuary dedicated to jewelry art, as a delicate nod to its past. The opening of this new site of the École des Arts Joailliers marks a new step in the valorization and transmission of the jewelry savoir-faire. Offering an exceptional setting for all those who wish to discover or deepen this fascinating art.
Not to be missed: the exhibition Jewels of the Comédie Française until October 13, 2024.
