With a long-standing commitment in the transmission of its crafts and savoir-faire, Van Cleef & Arpels created a new initiative, "de Mains en Mains", for which the Maison invited young people and the public to discover the jewelry crafts. The event took place in Lyon from December 11th to 17th 2021.

 

The project is composed of two main axes: the Crafts Path, dedicated to junior high school students, and L'Ecole, School of Jewelry Arts in Lyon, which proposed lectures and conferences through the week, open to all.

 

During a week of discussions, participants had the chance to go behind the scenes of the creation and discovered precious savoir-faire through meetings with craftsmen and free conferences.

 

This event was organized with the help of Van Cleef & Arpels' associated workshops, of L'Ecole, School of Jewelry Arts, of Ministry of National Education, of several jewelry schools and associations.

Professional pathways

Over the course of a week, craftsmen from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Lyon workshop shared and discussed about their experience, their everyday life and their passion with groups of students. These students tried their hand at stone setting or polishing pieces, particular techniques to these crafts dear to the Maison.

 

Several jewelry schools presented to students the different trainings dedicated to these traditional savoir-faire. Representatives of Van Cleef & Arpels's associated workshops shared their experience and the potential openings within companies.

Jewelry professions
Polishing of a Perlée sweet clovers bracelet. Van Cleef & Arpels.

Drawing illustrating a threader's work

Drawing illustrating a stone expert's work. Van Cleef & Arpels.

Drawing illustrating a stone expert's work

Drawing illustrating a CAD's work. Van Cleef & Arpels.

Drawing illustrating a CAD's work

Drawing illustrating a polisher's work. Van Cleef & Arpels.

Drawing illustrating a polisher's work

Drawing illustrating a founder's work. Van Cleef & Arpels.

Drawing illustrating a founder's work

L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewerly Arts in Lyon

As part of this initiative, L’École, School of Jewelry Arts, set at place Vendôme in Paris, moved to Lyon to propose a program composed of more than 20 lectures in gemology, conferences, or workshops towards adults or youngsters. Van Cleef & Arpels thereby proposed to discover the  jewelry crafts and bringing them to the greatest number.

A collection of films and podcasts

On the dedicated website of this initiativeVan Cleef & Arpels proposes a sery of content giving a true dive in the life of the Maison. 

 

A selection of videos and podcasts gives the chance to discover each craft and gives to the Maison's workers a chance to speak, in order to highlight the meticulousness and excellence required for these exceptional savoir-faire.

  • Final checks on a Bridal ring. Van Cleef & Arpels.

    Final checks on a Bridal ring