At the crossroads of history and gemology, the exhibition "The Emerald Routes" invites visitors to discover how emeralds have circulated worldwide since antiquity and given rise to exceptional creations of jewelry. 

From historic mines to cutting and trading centers, the exhibition reveals how emeralds have traveled among continents in commerce, conquest, and diplomacy, with Europe as a hub. 

It also highlights the scientific analysis that have helped identify the geographic origins of emeralds and thus to reconstruct former trade routes. 

The exhibition brings together historic jewelry, gemstones, minerals, sketches, paintings, and archival materials, including several jewels on public display for the first time.

Cover image
Royal Orb, Nuestra Señora de Atocha Treasure
Colombia, early 17th century
Gold, Colombian emeralds
Muzo Atocha Collection, Muzo Emerald Colombia
Photo: L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Nils Herrmann

• For adults (in French): Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and Thursday at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
• For children (in French) from 7 years old: Saturday at 3:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Booking to come

On Saturday, December 5th, a family-oriented features guided tours and storytelling sessions, among other activities.

Further details and registration information to follow.

The exhibition "The Emerald Routes" is accompanied by several talks, for which reservations will open progressively on the dedicated page.

• Tuesday, January 19th, 2027, Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau
  With Dr. Stefanos Karampelas, Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) and Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, Gemologist, Art Historian, Researcher and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, curator of the exhibition
• Monday, February 8th, 2027, online
  With Thomas Calligaro, Researcher at the C2RMF (Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France) and Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, Gemologist, Art Historian, Researcher and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, curator of the exhibition
• Tuesday, February 2nd, 2027, Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau
  With Céline Ventura-Teixeira, Professor at Aix-Marseille University and Paul Paradis, Art Historian and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts
   

The Emerald: a green epic

Season 10 of "Voice of Jewels" takes you on the discovery of emeralds.

In The Wizard of Oz, as elsewhere, the emerald is synonymous with mystery, desire, and wonder. And indeed, how could one not be awed? Its hypnotic green color, its refinement, and its preciousness... A symbol of power, protection, or love, depending on the culture, it has become one of the most iconic stones in jewelry. Since antiquity, this gem has continued to fascinate and inspire stories.

Listen to Season 10

Find out more about Voice of Jewels, a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.