Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, aquamarines, turquoise, etc… Extracted from the depths of the earth, coveted and sought after for thousands of years, gems (precious stones worked on by human hands) have always been considered as instruments of power and objects of seduction. Furthermore, since the 18th century, they have become the subject of various scientific studies. In collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels, “Gems”, the exhibition of the French National Museum of Natural History, immerses visitors in several fields which are closely connected and yet rarely brought together: mineralogy, gemology and the art of jewelry making.
[Video] Live guided tour of the fabulous “Gems” exhibition
This unique exhibition, open to the public until August 22nd, brings together some 360 minerals, gems and objets d’art from the Museum’s collections (including pieces from the former French royal collections), more than 250 jewelry creations from Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as 50 exceptional loans from Mines ParisTech, the musée de la Légion d’honneur and international great private collectors.
We offer you to discover this exhibition, from the comfort of your home, with: François Farges, Distinguished Professor, mineralogist at the French National Museum of Natural History, scientist-in-charge of the National Gems’ Collection, and scientific co-curator of the “Gems” exhibition & Inezita Gay-Eckel, Art Historian and Professor at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts