For this project, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts is partnering with the Centre Archéologique de Montans, the Musée d’Archéologie Nationale at Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Barbara Armbruster at the CNRS (The National Centre for Scientific Research, the largest French public research organization). These experts seize the opportunity to delve into a material, gold, and, beyond that, to understand a Celtic neck ring of singular complexity dating back over 2,500 years. Goldsmith Antoine Legouy, a master chaser and Meilleur Ouvrier de France (a title awarded exclusively in France, certifying the acquisition of a high level of qualification in the practice of an activity), helped recreate and understand these very delicate forms, in collaboration with archaeologists and Gregory Weinstock, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Director of High Jewelry Métiers.

Considering form through manual techniques was at the heart of their shared concerns. Referring to the Celts, Antoine Legouy indicates he considered the challenge from their point of view, aiming “to follow in their footsteps” and rediscover forgotten techniques.

The exhibition is accompanied by a cultural program including panel discussions. It will then travel to Lyon from November 24th to 30th, 2025 as part of “de Mains en mains”, an event organized by the Maison Van Cleef & Arpels dedicated to the transmission of jewelry savoir-faire.