What is L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts?
Founded in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts offers the public the chance to discover the craftsmanship, gemology and history of jewelry-making through a range of courses, talks, research projects, exhibitions and publications, in Paris and across the world. Open to all, the exhibitions participate fully in the core mission of L'ÉCOLE to promote the art of jewelry to the general public.
How has L'École Middle East integrated into the local community through its partnerships?
L'ÉCOLE has actively integrated into the local community by establishing key partnerships with Dubai Cares and Dubai Culture. Through collaborations, L'ÉCOLE has been able to support educational initiatives, promote cultural heritage, and engage with the local community in meaningful ways. These partnerships allow us to not only enhance our educational offerings but also contribute to the broader social and cultural fabric of Dubai, fostering a strong connection between our school and the community.
Do I need to have done any training prior to registering for L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts?
It's not required as courses are open to everyone without prerequisites.
Does L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts provide professional training or lead to a qualification?
L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts is not a professional training school and does not issue qualifications. However, we do regularly welcome professionals looking to improve their knowledge of the jewelry-making world in the fields of jewelry history, gemology and jewelry craftsmanship. We issue certificates upon completion of the course.
Do I need to follow courses in a specific order?
There is no need to follow the courses in a specific order. Throughout the year, L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts offers an exclusive program of around 20 courses, chosen à la carte, according to your preferences and availability.
Please contact us to establish a program that will best suit you.
Please be aware that the lapidary class is composed of two parts and it is essential to have taken the first course before registering for the second.
How do you sign up for a course?
After you have checked the calendar and selected a course, you can enroll online on this page. Follow the secure payment process to carry out your purchase. In order to do this, you will be asked to create an account, or if you already have one you can just log in.
You will then receive a confirmation email and your enrollment will be validated.
You can also reserve, pay or ask for advice by phone on: +971 4 451 3200
How much do courses in L'ÉCOLE cost?
Exhibitions are free and In-Person Conversations cost 50 AED. The price of our courses varies from 150 AED (for children) to 800 AED.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept bank cards for online payments.
What is the duration of a course?
L'ÉCOLE offers an exclusive program of courses, to be chosen à la carte, in English.
Lasting 2 to 4 hours, they are led by gemologists, art historians, master jewelers and artistic craftspeople, according to original teaching methods.
We ask students to arrive to the school at least 15 minutes before the start of classes to get to know their lecturers while enjoying a buffet in the main lounge. Participants of different courses will have the chance to meet each other and talk during breaks.
Who are the students?
The school's students come from a diverse background of over 50 nationalities, aged from 5 to over 90 years old, from stone enthusiasts to those passionate about craftsmanship or simply just interested in discovering a new world and type of art offered by jewelry.
Where do the courses take place?
In Dubai. The student's entrance is at Building 10, Ground floor at d3 .
Are your exhibitions free? And where will they take place? Is it necessary to register before visiting?
Our exhibitions are free to access at Building 10, Ground floor at d3 and you do need to register beforehand for a guided tour by exhibition docents.
Are your exhibitions open to groups?
Yes of course, groups (of more than 15 people) are welcome. However, for group visits, you need to make a reservation beforehand by phone on +971 4 451 3200 or by email (lecole_me@vancleefarpels.com).
I made a mistake when ordering or the course date I chose no longer suits me, how can I change it?
If you have any doubts about the validation of your enrollment or you wish to change an order, email us at lecole_me@vancleefarpels.com or phone us on +971 4 451 3200.
We must be informed of any cancellation at least one week before the course begins.
I have not received a confirmation email after ordering, will my enrollment still be valid?
To make sure your enrollment has been confirmed, you can check your order history within the "my account" section. If you have any questions, please email us at lecole_me@vancleefarpels.com or phone us on +971 4 451 3200.
What do the talks involve?
The talks take place once a month, usually in the evening, and bring together 50 people alongside two experts. Each conference focuses on a subject related to contemporary creation, jewelry traditions or historic jewelry. Curiosity and exchanges are the keywords of these exclusive moments.
To access the schedule of future talks and sign up for them, go to the school's website in the "Talks" section.
Is it possible to organize a private course with L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts?
Yes, it's possible to organize one or several private courses for individuals or companies.
Our options range from hiring one of our spaces to organizing tailored courses. Please do not hesitate to email us at lecole_me@vancleefarpels.com or phone us on +971 4 451 3200.
How often do courses take place and what is the schedule and program for the courses?
L'ÉCOLE offers monthly sessions (with the exception of August) to be chosen à la carte, in English. The program for classes is available a few terms in advance. You can consult the calendar, the program for monthly sessions and reserve your place at this address.
What is the schedule for the courses?
Courses take place from Monday to Saturday from 10:00am - 6:00pm.
How many students are there per course?
Courses are arranged in small groups. There can be 6, 8, 12, or 24 participants depending on the course, to encourage an exclusive interaction with the lecturers, allowing you to experiment with movements, become familiar with ancient jewelry and learn about the different jewelry professions and their craftsmanship.
What languages are the courses taught in?
Our courses are taught in English.
Is there a minimum age required to take part in the courses offered by L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts?
With the exceptions of the workshops designed for children (6-12) and teenagers (12-16), courses, and talks, offered by L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts are intended for adults (over the age of 18).
Do I need to have any specific material to be able to attend courses?
The school provides you with everything you will need. As such, it is not necessary to bring any specific material.
I am no longer able to attend your courses, can I follow the program online?
L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts does not offer online courses. Its unique journey of interaction and discovery works with the experimentation and interaction between students and their lecturers.
However, we do provide you with free educational content "To go further" aimed at increasing your exploration of the world of jewelry in the e-library section of our website: Videos To Go Further | L'ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts (lecolevancleefarpels.com)
We also provide Past Online Conversations every month which you can listen here: https://www.lecolevancleefarpels.com/me/en/past-conversations-1
Who are the instructors at the school?
The teaching team is made up of six lecturers : jewelers, gem setters, lacquerers, enamelers, designers, model makers, art historians, gemologists, plastics artists, stone cutters and more.
They have all been chosen for their wealth of expertise in their respective fields and their passion for teaching and sharing their knowledge.
Is there another location of L'ÉCOLE in Dubai?
No, L'ÉCOLE Middle East Campus is located in Dubai Design District (d3), however, we are excited to announce as part of a significant step in expanding our presence and in partnership with Dubai Culture, we have launched our very 1st library corner in Al Safa Library dedicated to jewelry art, marking a pioneering moment on a global scale.
I had booked a group visit to the exhibition. How can I reschedule it?
Please contact us at lecole_me@vancleefarpels.com.
I would like to book a group visit to the exhibition. Is this available? What are the conditions?
Please note the following conditions for group visits:
- The service includes a 30-minute guided tour of the exhibition
- 20 people maximum per group
Will L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts close during the summer?
The school will remain open during the summer, except the month of August.
What is the library opening hours?
The library is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 6pm.
Is the site accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Please note the campus is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Any other questions?
Email us at lecole_me@vancleefarpels.com or phone us on +971 4 451 3200.