Paris, City of Pearls (In-Person Conversation)

Given in the context of exhibition “Paris, City of Pearls”, presented from November 21st, 2024 until June 1st, 2025 at the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, this conversation will trace the history of jewelers’ passion for pearls from the late nineteenth century to the present day.

Dive into the secrets of pearls with Léonard Pouy, co-curator of the exhibition and Content and Transmission Manager at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts and Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton,Gemologist, Art Historian and Lecturer-Researcher at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.

In-Person Conversation (in French):
Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 
7.30pm - 8pm: Cocktail
8pm - 9pm: Conversation
@ L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts (Paris - Grands Boulevards)
Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, 16 bis boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris

Photo: 
Gourdji necklace Natural pearls, diamond clasp
Collection Faerber
© Katharina Faerber

The talks take place in an exceptional setting, steeped in history. Built in 1778 on the Grands Boulevards, the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau is one of the few buildings of its era to have been preserved, earning it a place on the City of Paris' inventory of remarkable buildings. The private mansion owes its name to the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, ambassador to Empress Marie-Thérèse of Austria, who was responsible for negotiating the marriage between the future Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.

Brought together by their curiosity and love of jewelry culture, speakers and listeners are invited to meet at a cocktail reception preceding the talk. Often initiated during this convivial moment, exchanges prove to be as spontaneous as they are instructive. They continue to grow throughout the talk, which is organized around L'ÉCOLE's three main pillars: the History of Jewelry, the World of Gemstones and the Savoir-Faire.

Participating in these conversations hosted by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts allows you to join a community of curious enthusiasts eager to discover and learn.