MUST SEE: the “Gems” exhibition in Paris

We finally have access to culture and beauty – excellent news that lift our spirits! If there is one temporary exhibition you must see this summer, it is “Gems” at the Paris Museum of Natural History. Book your tickets now!

An hour and a half of happiness and wonders to share with your children, who will leave starry-eyed…

Enjoy an immersive experience, created by the Jouin Manku duo, in the center of the earth, in the calm and beauty of all these minerals and jewels that shine and bring serenity. It makes us realize how small we are compared to nature, which has been shaping stones for millions of years, which we are able to wear today thanks to our craftsmen and jewelers… it is absolutely essential to support this savoir-faire!

“Gems”: preciousness is in the eye of the beholder

It took four years of preparation to put together this magnificent educational exhibition on gems, from raw materials to jewels, in collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels. Art and science merge to create a unique, high-quality exhibition, divided into three parts:

- A history of the Earth and savoir-faire – from the original formation of minerals to their use by men, whose handicraft was perfected over time. From pierced shells to Van Cleef & Arpels’s “mystery set” brooches, a majestic evolution.

- From minerals to jewels, or how minerals are turned into jewels – explaining the natural phenomena that stones, rocks and crystals undergo in the depths of the earth before humans turn them into jewels. About forty showcases present raw and cut gemstones, as well as fine jewelry pieces, therefore giving a perspective of the work accomplished by humans.

- The third part recalls the historical, scientific and artistic importance of Paris, a center for knowledge, in the progress and dissemination of mineralogical knowledge which artists and aesthetes have seized upon.

With the help of several collectors, Van Cleef & Arpels has loaned just over 200 pieces of jewelry to power this exhibition which already includes some 500 minerals, gems and works of art.

Interactive stations allow young and old children to learn about gem cuts and names throughout the exhibition.

“Gems”, exceptional pieces and wonderful creation

In addition to the truly exceptional pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels, such as the “mystery set” (explained by a short film during the exhibition) brooch appearing on the poster, or the platinum and diamond necklace worn by Her Majesty Queen Nazli of Egypt in 1939, among others.

You will discover exceptional pieces such as “Occitane de Sabine” native gold, found in the Montagne Noire in France; a 90,000-year-old pierced shell, considered one of the world’s oldest pieces of jewelry; the Orsini table, a masterpiece of stone marquetry that once belonged to Cardinal Mazarin; gems from the French Crown Jewels; or the tourmaline tree created by Jean Vendome, who is often referred to as the father of contemporary jewelry.

The highlight of this exhibition is this fabulous Rock of Wonders created by Van Cleef & Arpels. A true technical and aesthetic challenge, this dreamlike masterpiece resembles a precious toy and symbolizes the merging of rough stones and cut stones. Made up of 11 jewels and several carefully selected rough stones, this collective work required over 6,400 hours of work (4,700 hours of jewelry work, over 1,200 hours of setting work and nearly 500 hours of polishing work). It is an expression of pure matter and the beauty of nature, revealed and magnified by Men, a tribute to the beauty of stones and to the metamorphosis, the dream-like quality of this beautiful jewelry firm.

Throughout this exhibition, you will learn that there are many gemstones, that not all of them can be turned into jewels (depending on their hardness) but that all are beautiful and can be magnified by Men one way or another. Gemstones will no longer be a mystery to you.

Workshops at L’ECOLE, School of Jewelry Arts and guided tours are planned. Check them out!

Thank you to the Paris Natural History Museum and to Van Cleef & Arpels for this fabulous exhibition. It is an absolute must-see!

A book is also available for more information.