Page 182 - BALL52 ENG

Founded in 2012 with the support of the Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, the École des Arts Joailliers is hosting a magnificent exhibition until June that traces the history of the pearl saga in Paris.
In a former private mansion on the Grands Boulevards, near rue Lafayette, the former address of fine pearl merchants, a hundred precious pieces are exhibited. These excep- tional beauties come from Parisian museums, the heritage collections of the Maisons Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Fred and the private collection, Albion Art.
Between the end of the 19th century and the middle of the 20th, a major pearl trade was established between the Arabian-Persian Gulf and Place Vendôme.
Real fortunes were built on the trade of pearls transported to Paris by land, sea and then air routes.
A good portion of the pearls fished in the Arabian-Persian Gulf arrived in Paris to be drilled, sometimes peeled, then strung or mounted in the most prestigious houses.
The exhibition also presents account books, period photographs, paintings, posters from the world of cinema and the Opera. Thus, the famous couturier Jeanne Lanvin wore her legendary pearls all the time, as evidenced by her portrait.
Around 1900, with the Belle Époque period, jewelry was distinguished by its bril- liance and whiteness.
Brooch, circa 1925, fine pearls, diamonds, platinum. Private collection.
© Photo L’École des Arts Joailliers – Benjamin Chelly