Exhibition "Paris, City of Pearls"

We are all familiar with pearls. Sought-after since ancient times, they still inspire the great modern jewelers. But how many people know that they were at the heart of an intense trade between the Gulf and France from the late 19th to the mid-20th century? How many remember that they were at the center of the luxury industry and Parisian culture for decades?

Organized by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, the exhibition Paris, City of Pearls, from November 21st, 2024 until June 1st, 2025, recounts the forgotten history of this amazing artistic, commercial and human adventure.

Photo:
Necklace, c. 1910
Natural pearls, platinum
Private Collection, courtesy of Albion Art Institute 
© Albion Art Jewellery Institute

Free guided tours in French only

• For adults:
On Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays at 3:15 pm and 4:15 pm 
and on Thursdays at 6:15 pm and 7:15 pm

• For children (7-11 years old) - they must be accompanied by an adult:
On Wednesdays at 3:15 pm and 4:15 pm 
and during school holidays.
 
Exhibition inquiries:
exposition.ecole@vancleefarpels.com  
+33 170 70 37 50

Immerse yourself in the world of the exhibition "Paris, City of Pearls". 

Extend your discovery with the exhibition Visual Guide. 

Discover More

The exhibition “Paris, City of Pearls” presents a hundred pieces from about twenty of the most prestigious lenders, such as Paris Museum of Decorative Arts (Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Paris), the Petit Palais - Fine Arts Museum of Paris, heritage collections of the Maisons Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Fred, or the exceptional Albion Art private collection. 

After a gemological introduction on the origins of pearls, the exhibition traces the history of jewelers’ passion for pearls from the late nineteenth century to the present day.

Photo: "Belle Époque" five strand natural pearl necklace, circa 1910
Private Collection, courtesy of Albion Art Institute
© Albion Art Jewellery Institute