Stones and Reveries (In-Person Conversation)

Delve into the exceptional collection of the great twentieth-century French writer Roger Caillois (1913-1978), and explore his prose, deeply inspired by his "picture stones". 

Who was Roger Caillois? What were his sources of inspiration? How did stones influence his thought and writings?

These are all questions our speakers will try to answer.

With Pr. François Farges, curator of the exhibition "Stones and Reveries: The Poetry and Minerals of Roger Caillois" and scientist in charge of the MNHN’s collections of gems and objets d’art, and Laetitia Gilles-Guéry, gemologist and lecturer at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.

Before attending this talk, you will have the opportunity to visit the exhibition, from 7 p.m.; There is no need to book a time slot.

In-Person Conversation (in French):
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
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

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.