Tourmaline: Art & Science (In-Person Conversation)

A gem known and used since Antiquity, tourmaline never ceases to intrigue both scientists and gemologists.

Every year, new mineral species of tourmaline are discovered. While in the 50s, only 4 species were known, there are now 40 identified. Among these wonders of nature, one stands out: the Paraíba tourmaline, with its fascinating neon blue color.

Join our speakers as they dive into the world of tourmaline and discover its extraordinary deposits in Brazil! 

In-Person Conversation (in French):
Tuesday, October 8th, 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

Speakers:
With Lætitia Gilles-Guéry, Gemologist and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts
& Florent Guérif, Gemologist and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts 

Photo: Tourmaline Family (Rough Bicolor or "Watermelon" Tourmaline and Rough Pink Tourmaline on matrix (quartz)) © L'ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels, photo: Florine Casimir

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.