Online conversation

Journey into Crystal

Reliquary chest.jpg Full

How much do you know about rock crystal?

Journey into Crystal

Found as far back as 5,000 BC, notably in the form of pearls, rock crystal is the most widespread variety of quartz. Its name comes from the Greek word "krustallos" meaning "ice", which has long been attributed to a divine creation, and has clearly contributed to enriching the collective imagination. 

The mineral has played an important role in the history of jewelry, from Mesopotamian pieces, including a necklace dating from the 4th millennium BC that was discovered in Tello within present-day Iraq, to lavish rings with female heads from the Roman era. The medieval period also produced a wealth of power instruments and religious and liturgical silverware, such as reliquary caskets, monstrances and shrine caskets made in Limoges in the 12th century. While rock crystal tableware was very popular in the West during the Middle Ages, it also made its appearance in Italy and India in the 17th century. 

The "Journey into Crystal" exhibition currently presented at the Musée de Cluny - Musée National du Moyen Âge, where this conference will be filmed, is an incredible opportunity to discover this fascinating, transparent material. 

Join us on November 20th at 7:00 pm, for an exciting journey through history and material.

Speakers:
Isabelle Bardiès-Fronty, General Heritage Curator at the Musée de Cluny – musée national du Moyen Âge 
Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, Gemologist, Art Historian and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

This online conversation will be broadcast from Musée de Cluny - Musée National du Moyen Âge in Paris. For audiences in Europe and Americas, and for the conversation conducted in French, please click here for the other available timeslots.

Online Conversation

Developed by the teams at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts to offer a new look at the world of jewelry, these online talks bring together two experts for a 45-50 minute conversation that is followed by a Q&A session during which you may submit your questions by instant messaging.

Should you wish to learn more, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts will send you a detailed bibliography following the event.

These talks are held in French and English and simultaneously interpreted in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Japanese. You will also find them available for viewing on YouTube at your leisure once the event has come to a close.

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.

Photo: Reliquary chest. Circa 1200, Northern France (?). Cut rock crystal
Paris, Musée de Cluny - Musée national du Moyen Âge
Photo: RMN-Grand Palais (Musée de Cluny - musée national du Moyen Âge) / Michel Urtado