Focus on: Around the World in Jewelry

Discover the evolution of jewelry through the ages and civilizations!

Grande Coiffe de danse, Bolivie, XXe siècle © musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais, Patrick Gries, Bruno Descoings

Each piece of jewelry tells a story. Gold, feathers, jade, enamel or even shells: no matter what form they take, interest in jewelry, ornaments and adornment is universal. But their symbolism or the craftsmanship treasures they hide are the result of history and cultures.

Accompanied by a gemologist and an art historian, discover in 2 hours and 30 minutes the tremendous evolution of jewelry through the ages and civilizations. Embark on a tour of the wonders of the planet. Without leaving Paris.

From Africa to Asia, through the Americas, Europe and Oceania, this world tour will invite you to discover the materials, the savoir-faire and the styles that have shaped jewelry, in the past as in the present.

Practical information

- Number of participants: 25 persons maximum
- Duration: 2h30
- Professors:  An art historian and a gemologist
- Language: French or English
- Price: 100€/participant

Dates and registration: click here

5 Continents, 5 Precious Stops

Discover a few excerpts of this world tour of jewelry, through our new video saga, realized with Beaux-Arts Magazine:

L'or d'Afrique

Episode 1: Gold, Africa's treasure

For thousands of years, gold has been the preferred material for jewelry in every continent and every culture. In this episode, discover why it has such particular importance on the African continent.

Click here to watch the video
Mésoamérique (Mexique) - Coiffe Aztèque - Bridgeman Images

Episode 2: America's Feathers

In Americas, many civilizations use feathers as a preferred material in adornment. In this episode, discover the craftsmanship and symbolism associated with this material.

Image: Mésoamérique (Mexique) - Coiffe Aztèque - Bridgeman Images

Click here to watch the video
L'émail d'Europe

Episode 3: On Enamel in Europe

Enamel is the art of melting glass onto jewelry. In this episode, find out why enameled objects are considered precious thanks to the quality and the expertise of this savoir-faire.

Click here to watch the video
Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shih-ning) - Lady Hoja 1760 - Age Fotostock

Episode 4: Jade, Asia’s secret

Jade is closely linked to Asian cultures, that attribute all sorts of virtues to it. In this episode, discover all the symbolism of this material, associated with luck, happiness, prosperity …

Image: Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shih-ning) - Lady Hoja 1760 - Age Fotostock

Click here to watch the video
Coquillages d'Océanie

Episode 5: Oceanic shells

In Oceania, where the sea is an extremely important resource, shells are highly valued and are used as currency but also as ornaments. In this episode, discover all the symbols and values to which they are associated according to the cultures.

Click here to watch the video