Precious Ornamental Stones (In-Person Conversation)

Long before Pliny the Elder (1st century C.E.) listed fine and precious stones in his Natural History, Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations used lapis lazuli in ornaments and amulets, alongside ribbon agate, rock crystal, carnelian, and turquoise.

The Middle Ages revived glyptic art, with ornamental stones adding color to cameos, intaglios, and religious talismans. By the 17th century, Italian refinement influenced French craftsmen, leading to the 19th-century European trend of decorating furniture with elaborate hardstone marquetry.

Join our speakers as they explore the revival of ornamental stones, from their historical significance to their resurgence in the 1970s, when societal and spatial conquests reignited interest in long-neglected materials like malachite.

In-Person Conversation:

Wednesday, April 16th, 2025
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm Welcome Reception
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Conversation in English
@L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Dubai
Dubai Design District, Building 10, Ground Floor, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Speakers:

With Dr. David Usieto Cabrera, Art Historian and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Dubai
& Chandra Horn, Gemologist and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Dubai

Necklace of Sithathoryunet, Amethyst, carnelian, lapis lazuli, green feldspar, yellow gold, Middle Empire, circa 1887-1878 B.C., Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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.