The Lesotho Legend, the diamond at the origin of the Legend of Diamonds collection by Van Cleef & Arpels

What are the specific technical steps that have to be taken to make High Jewelry? What expertises are involved in the process of creation of a jewel? Today, just like in times gone by, many different kinds of savoir-faire must be combined in order for an exceptional piece of jewelry to come into being.

From the depths of the earth to the workshops of Van Cleef & Arpels, dive into the story of an exceptional diamond. Before your eyes, the Lesotho Legend, a 910-carat rough gemstone will turn into 25 creations, to form the Legend of diamonds – 25 Mystery Set Jewels High Jewelry collection.

In this course, you will travel through Lesotho to explore the origin, formation, and extraction of this extraordinary gem. Along the way, you will observe replicas of the diamond as you make a stop in Antwerp to delve into the cutting process, from the study of the rough stone to its polishing. For your final destination, take a peek inside the Van Cleef & Arpels Parisian workshops to discover how the 67 cut stones were set. In the expert hands of the Mains d'Or™, the Maison’s master craftsmen, each diamond expresses its particular light, surrounded by a Mystery Set composition. Finding inspiration in the world of couture, dazzling creations emerge.

• This class is conducted by two gemologists.
• You are welcomed by your teacher before the class starts: a chance to meet each other and share experiences.
• All the necessary material will be provided on site.
• A certificate is given at the end of the class.
• After each class, teachers deliver a list of books, podcasts, websites, museums related to the course attended.