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Is there a jewel more enduring, iconic and sought-after than the pearl? This gem has become an abiding part of contemporary high fashion for decades – and it continues to retain a place as a centrepiece of modern fashion all over the world.
But this singularly unique position as a timeless fashion icon did not come out of nowhere. The pearl’s status in contemporary fashion is rooted in some fascinating history. In fact, from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, pearls were the lifeblood of a flourishing trade between the Gulf and France, establishing themselves as a cornerstone of Parisian luxury and cultural identity.
Reviving the forgotten history of the pearl as an artistic, commercial, and cultural icon, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts has organised Paris, City of Pearls – an exhibition celebrating the jewel.
Having opened on November 21 last year, Paris, City of Pearls, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, will run until June 1, 2025. The space at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Paris showcases approximately one hundred pieces of jewellery alongside fifty rare drawings and documents. These treasures have been sourced from the Paris Museum of Decorative Arts, Petit Palais, and the heritage collections of iconic maisons, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Fred, among other prestigious lenders.
Paris, City of Pearls traces the history of jewellers’ passion for pearls from the late nineteenth century to the present day through six parts. Designed for inclusivity, the exhibition also features an accompanying visual guide, offering access to an extensive collection of 80 illustrations and imagery that trace the pearl’s cultural journey from the Belle Époque to today.
“In its new Parisian address on the Grands Boulevards, very close to rue Lafayette, which once grouped traders of fine pearls, and on the occasion of this exhibition dedicated to the pearl, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts offers to the public a range of learning paths to discover this fascinating gem,” said Élise Gonnet-Pon, Managing Director of L’ÉCOLE France & Europe. “We are very excited to be able to share this rich content with the public.”
Paris, City of Pearls welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM, with extended hours until 9 PM on Thursdays.
For more information, visit L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts’ website here.
Words: Hamza Shehryar
