From November 21, 2024, to June 1, 2025, “Paris, City of Pearls” is presented at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. This remarkable exhibition explores the journey of pearls, their significance in Parisian culture, and their pivotal role in luxury and art. Focusing on the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it unveils the trade and craftsmanship that made Paris a hub for pearl innovation.
The Golden Era of Pearls
The exhibition immerses visitors in the period when pearls became central to trade between the Gulf and France. From the 1860s to the 1930s, Gulf-sourced pearls were transported to Paris, where they were transformed by iconic jewelry houses like Cartier, Fred, and Van Cleef & Arpels. This period witnessed the rise of trade routes and cultural exchanges, shaping both the pearl industry and Parisian society. The 1925 section, Pearl Mania in Paris, reveals how pearls became synonymous with sophistication and modernity during the Roaring Twenties.
A Broader Artistic Influence
The exhibition illustrates the far-reaching impact of pearls on art, inspiring not only jewelers but also artists in opera, cinema, painting, and photography. Pearls became symbolic of the era’s cultural vitality, embodying the spirit of the 1920s.
Six Key Themes
- The Pearl and Its Secrets: Discover the biological and geological origins of pearls.
- Pearls and the East: Explore their cultural connection to the Gulf.
- Conquering the Market Circa 1900: The rise of the pearl trade in Paris.
- The Pearl as a Symbol of Modernity: Pearls in the early 20th century.
- 1925: Pearl Mania in Paris: The height of pearl obsession.
- The Parisian Pearl: Past and Present: From natural to cultured pearls.
With over 100 jewelry pieces, including a five-strand pearl necklace from 1910 and a 1930s platinum brooch, the exhibition offers an immersive experience enhanced by sensory installations. A visual guide adds depth, showcasing over 80 period illustrations and archival images.
A Complete Experience
L’ÉCOLE also offers hands-on learning with courses like Pearls: History, Science & Legends, and a podcast season titled Voice of Jewels, uncovering the mysteries behind pearls.
Practical Information
- Location: L’ÉCOLE, 16 bis boulevard Montmartre, Paris
- Dates: November 21, 2024 – June 1, 2025
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM; Late Thursdays until 9 PM
- Admission: Free with reservation
- Guided Tours: Available regularly
This exhibition is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the luminous history of pearls and their Parisian legacy. Reserve your visit today at L’ÉCOLE website and discover the captivating world of pearls.
