Collection Privée, with the authorization of Albion Art Institute © Albion Art Jewellery Institute / © New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art / Collection Privée
From Jackie O to Rihanna, Marilyn Monroe, and Gigi Hadid, there isn’t a fashion icon who hasn’t donned a stunning pearl necklace. These timeless treasures of nature, capable of imparting both elegance and power to their wearers, are the focus of the free and wildly glamorous exhibition Paris, Capital of Pearls, running until June 1st at L'École des Arts Joailliers with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. A must-see celebration of beauty!
A Fascinating Exhibition
While the mansion hosting L'École des Arts Joailliers is already impressive from the entrance, the current exhibition is nothing short of a dream. Right in the first room, you can dive your hands into a large basin filled with cultured pearls in search of the “rare pearl.” Visitors love playing along! It’s the perfect introduction to learning more about one of the most mysterious materials in the luxury world, harvested from the waters of the Gulf before being crafted by the finest jewelers on Place Vendôme.
Origins, formation, standards, market trends, the 1910s expansion, and the “pearl craze” that swept through Paris around 1925: hyper-informative panels provide insights for beginners. But it’s the showcases that truly mesmerize, brimming with extraordinary jewelry created by legendary jewelers. Among our favorites: a stunning Cartier sautoir from 1907 made of fine pearls, diamonds, and platinum; the Lady Wolverton parure by Boucheron (circa 1896–1902); a Van Cleef & Arpels evening bag entirely adorned with fine pearls and diamonds (1924); the “Sheep Head” clip by Jar (2006); and the adorable Fred pendants produced between 1989 and 1995 featuring a football player, a painter, and a figure skater.
Exhibition Paris, Capital of Pearls © L'École des Arts Joailliers – Photo Dylan Dubois
© FRED Heritage Collection; Photo Mathieu Levaslot
Something for Children
While Paris, Capital of Pearls will undoubtedly delight jewelry enthusiasts dreaming of owning a triple-strand pearl necklace, free guided tours are also organized for children aged 7 to 11 every Wednesday at 3:15 PM and 4:15 PM. Accompanied by mediators specializing in young audiences, children will receive a youth booklet that reveals all the secrets of pearls, their history, and their uses through interactive activities and fun, easy-to-remember anecdotes. Find more information and register here.
Exhibition Paris, Capital of Pearls, until June 1st. From Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM, with late-night hours on Thursdays until 9 PM. Free guided tours available for adults. Free entry. Reservations at lecolevancleefarpels.com.
