Some jewels have only ever existed in books, and this is probably why they are so famous. Tolkien’s rings are amongst those mythical jewels found only in fiction, created thanks to their talented author. However, Tolkien did in fact, attempt to anchor his iconic rings to a true story and it is possible that a very real jewel served as his inspiration. This is the story of a magic ring and a curse. Of course... Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s most fascinating jewels. With th ..read more

“It was in Megara, a suburb of Carthage, in the gardens of Hamilcar…” This is the opening sentence of Salammbô, Flaubert’s great historical novel, which has become a cult classic. Just like its heroine … the Carthaginian princess with dazzling finery and a tragic destiny. Salammbô was a profound source of inspiration to the artists of the Belle Époque and particularly, one of its avant-garde jewelers: the audacious René Lalique. But how did a jeweler dare to give substance to such a sensual, extravagant masterpiece? Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by ..read more

In 1895, Sarah Bernhardt, then known as ‘the empress of the theatre’, had just acquired a theatre in Paris, on the Place du Châtelet: the Théâtre de la Renaissance. And to launch it, she needed a play. Or rather: a success. Sarah Bernhardt commissioned a young up-and-coming playwright, Edmond Rostand, to write a historical drama in her honour, entitled La Princesse lointaine. To further her triumph, Sarah turned to the great jeweller René Lalique, whom she asked to make her a crown... the likes of which had never been seen before! Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Art ..read more

It's well known that the sword is the prerogative of knights and musketeers. But did you know that the weapon could also be transformed into a living symbol of the talents of men and women of letters? And sometimes even into exceptional pieces of jewellery... In 1955, Jean Cocteau faced a major challenge: to become the first academician to design his own sword. Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s most fascinating jewels. With the participation of Charline Coupeau, doctor in art ..read more

Jewels can tell stories… they can also inspire them… The greatest writers, actresses, and poets have forged masterpieces from jewels, gems, and precious metals. While some pieces really exist, others do so only in the realm of the imagination. This new season of Voice of Jewels takes listeners on a journey of discovery… From a cursed gold ring to the sparkling crown of a princess in love to a most unique and unusual sword! Listen to the history of these jewels, springing not from the entrails of the Earth but from the pages of some of the most beautiful works of literature! Voice of Jewels, a ..read more

This is the penultimate chapter in the story of Cixi, Empress Dowager of the Qing dynasty, renowned for her enduring love of different types of jade. Even more precious than gold or diamonds, jade is considered the ultimate good luck charm. Over time, it has become a symbol associated with China’s emperors and empresses. Steeped in legends and myths, jade is believed to bring wisdom to all those who wear it... and maybe even eternal life. Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s most ..read more

Can a piece of jewelry save a life? Or guarantee eternity? Napoleon Bonaparte believed this to be the case. His military campaigns around the world had already introduced him to the supernatural power of jewelry... But it was after escaping death a first time that his faith in the power of jewelry was properly set. So much so that he imagined a strange talisman, a lucky charm and symbol of his love, sculpted in the shape of… a scarab beetle! Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s m ..read more

Have you ever heard of abraxas? These are talismans in the shape of oblong shields, covered with motifs inspired by Egyptian, Greek, and Roman mythology, and engraved with Kabbalistic prayers, Hebrew words, and magical symbols. One could easily believe that these strange jewelry pieces belong to the wizards of tales and legends… And yet, they were made by a human hand! No surprise then that the Queen of France, the feared Catherine de’ Medici, had her very own talisman, one that would fuse jewelry art … and alchemy! Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by ..read more

Pilots are sometimes superstitious, and Jackie Cochran, one of the first female pilots in the American Air Force, is no exception… She is never injured and never has an accident. Her luck seems endless. But there is a reason for this, a necklace assembling a variety of lucky charms into a single object. A charm necklace…a piece of jewelry said to bring good luck wherever its wearer. Even in the skies! Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s most fascinating jewels. With Inezita Gay ..read more

There’s something enchanting about jewelry. Some pieces more than others… Imagine a bracelet with the power to win the favor of the gods, an amulet that makes someone fall in love, and a ring that brings eternal life! Down through the centuries, some of history’s greatest men and women have used talismans in their quest for sovereignty or protection. Discover their fascinating powers in this latest season of Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. With Inezita Gay-Eckel, Jewelry Historian and Lecturer at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry ..read more