Ruby

Venue

Raffles Hotel, Singapore

When

Audience

Open to Public

Ruby

Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels

29th July to 20th October 2024

Raffles Hotel, Singapore

From 29th July to 20th October 2024, L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts will present “Ruby”, its first exhibition at Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels, in Raffles Hotel Singapore.

Part of the “Discover the Gemstones” series, the exhibition will take visitors on an extraordinary journey to observe gems in their natural state, from the depths of the earth to the skilled hands of lapidaries. With more than 20 exhibits, it will trace the path of these exquisite stones long before they adorn the finest jewelry creations, illustrating the marriage between nature’s gift and human creativity.

Ruby is one of the most popular precious stones. The chemical element of chromium within corundum gives rise to this magnificent gem, named after the Latin word «ruber», meaning red. Beyond its vibrant colors lies a tale that unfolds the very essence of our planet. For gemologists, ruby is a testament to the wonders of Mother Nature, revealing the Earth’s history through its formation and inclusions that lie within.

Alongside a selection of High Jewelry creations from Van Cleef & Arpels Collection, archival documents, exceptional loans from private collectors and rough mineral specimens from Lotus Gemology, Pala International and the collection of L’ÉCOLE will be displayed. Visitors will be also be able to observe the ruby’s up-close inclusions, as they dive into the infinitely small and fascinating world of the gem through the lens of Billie Hughes, award-winning photomicrographer and gemologist at Lotus Gemology.

This exhibition warmly invites visitors to immerse themselves into the enchanting universe of the ruby. By contemplating the links between the world of gemstones and jewelry arts, it resonates with the mission pursued by L’ÉCOLE since its creation in 2012, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. With a presence in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts spreads jewelry culture to the widest possible audience through courses, talks, books and exhibitions.

Established in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts aims to introduce the public to all aspects of jewelry culture. It is an initiation school, open to everyone – complete beginners as well as enlightened amateurs, collectors and those with a curiosity for the world of jewelry.

L’ÉCOLE offers courses in three major fields: the history of jewelry, the world of gemstones and

the savoir-faire of jewelry-making techniques, taught by art historians, gemologists, jewelers and artisans. The classes are all practice-based and the students experiment with gestures, skills and tools, guided by their lecturers. It also offers other activities: exhibitions, books, videos, podcasts as well as in-person and online talks. Creative workshops were also created for children and teenagers.

L’ÉCOLE now has five permanent locations: two in Paris, one in Hong Kong, one in Shanghai and one in Dubai. Moreover, since its inception, L’ÉCOLE regularly travels abroad, in Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East, for talks, exhibitions or travelling course programs that can last one to three weeks. L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts therefore contributes to the promotion and visibility of jewelry culture on an international scale.

Practical Information