Voice of Jewels

My name is peridot. I am a transparent green gemstone. I was discovered by chance in the center of Patagonia… But I arrived there after a long and perilous journey through stars and sky. While most peridot stones are born in the Earth’s crust, my origin is rather different… I am extraterrestrial.  Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Laetitia Gilles Guery, gemologist and professor at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.   Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What am I? A mineral? A plant? Or... an animal?  I am called Corallium rubrum, Precious Red Coral, and I have sparked many lively debates in my time! Not only was my classification difficult to determine but to find me, curiosity is required... I am hard to find! One has to dive deep into the depths.    Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. With the participation of Ann Lee, gemologist and professor at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.  Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lapis-lazuli…The blue stone… Pliny the Elder described me as “a fragment of the starry firmament.” My color—ultramarine, a deep blue flecked with gold—has led many to believe that I am the gem of the gods. I have traveled practically all around the world and have even given rise to one of the oldest trade routes…  Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Laetitia Gilles Guery, gemologist and professor at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.   Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am the Cullinan Diamond, and I come from far away. Very far away, in fact. From the farthest reaches of the Universe and the depths of the Earth. Let me tell you about my remarkable journey…  Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. With the participation of Laetitia Gilles Guery, gemologist and professor at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.  Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One might think that gemstones, natural treasures adorning jewelry and ornaments, are static and immutable. But the reality is rather different and their history is one of constant movement.  In this season, be prepared to traverse the layers of the Earth with the diamond, to wander Oriental trade routes in search of lapis lazuli, to explore the seas on the hunt for precious coral, and to discover a strange peridot ... fallen from the sky.  Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. With the participation of Laetitia Gilles Guerry, and Ann Lee, gemologists and professors at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.  Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Spanish, the word “lechuga” means lettuce. But it is also the nickname for a sacred object, a monstrance adorned with so many emeralds that it takes on the color of lettuce. These precious stones come from the famous mines of Colombia, known for centuries by the native populations. Even today, these mines are the source of some of the world’s most beautiful emeralds.  The monstrance, a masterpiece of goldsmithing and a symbol of the encounter between indigenous and European cultures, has survived time and history. Now a national treasure, it once almost disappeared forever. Without a doubt, it is truly miraculous that this remarkable object can thankfully be still admired today.  Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, gemologist and art historian at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2001, in the village of Dahong, nestled in the heart of China’s Hubei province, the Lunar New Year was in full swing. As fireworks illuminated the night sky, another series of explosions, muffled and more sinister, suddenly resonated deep in the nearby mountain… The villagers immediately realized that tomb robbers were about to strike, and they alerted the police. Although the location of this tomb had been known about for a long time, its contents still remained a mystery… Upon entering the mausoleum, after the arrest of the looters by the police, the archeologists sent by the authorities discovered a veritable treasure trove, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The find included thousands of breathtakingly beautiful objects made from gold, jade, and precious stones … as well as emeralds from the other side of the world.  Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Bei He, art historian and lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since antiquity, emeralds have frequently been seen as symbols of eternity. Yet, paradoxically, they are often at the heart of stories where time is counted. As is the case here. This is the story of a dagger intended for Nadir Shah. When a story begins with a dagger, we usually expect a crime or a tragedy... But this blade is unique. Encrusted with gigantic emeralds—including some of the most spectacular ever mounted on a weapon—it fascinates. Dazzles. And for centuries, this dagger has attracted envy and attention. It even inspired a cult comedy movie by the name of Topkapi. But the story of Nadir Shah’s dagger is far from a comedy. It is an epic. A fresco of war and peace, of conquests and betrayals… An adventure worthy of the greatest Hollywood stories. Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, gemologist and art historian at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Emerald City, the enchanted city in The Wizard of Oz, everyone wears glasses with green lenses. But did you know that this practice actually dates back to ancient times? To a Roman emperor in fact, and his passion for a precious green stone: the emerald. For centuries, the emerald was believed to have almost magical properties, including the ability to improve eyesight.  Fascinated by this stone, Emperor Nero always carried one with him. According to legend, he even watched chariot races while looking through an emerald. And as surprising as this may seem, some believe that this was the very first pair of sunglasses!  Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, gemologist and art historian at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City…”  In The Wizard of Oz, as elsewhere, the emerald is synonymous with mystery, desire, and wonder. And indeed, how could one not be awed? Its hypnotic green color, its refinement, and its preciousness... A symbol of power, protection, or love, depending on the culture, it has become one of the most iconic stones in jewelry. Since antiquity, this gem has continued to fascinate and inspire stories.   This season takes us on the discovery of emeralds: enjoy front row seats at a chariot race across ancient Rome, discover the precious belt of a Chinese prince, experience the twists and turns of a diplomatic mission between the Ottoman Empire and Persia, and participate in a procession through the streets of Bogotá, where a stunning monstrance shines a miraculous green. Allow yourself to be seduced by the irresistible charms of the emerald…   The Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, gemologist and art historian at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, and Bei He, art historian and lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Paris, in the 1920s, a myriad of languages ​​was spoken. Elegant ladies from all over the world flocked to the French capital to shop to their heart’s content. The city, a veritable crossroads of influences, drew inspiration from the most diverse sources. But if there was one country whose charms enchanted high society, it was China. Shanghai was on everyone’s lips. The exotic name made people dream, and it inspired and offered a repertoire of new forms to designers.In the workshop of the Lacloche Brothers, a famous jewelry-making duo, traditional Chinese know-how influenced the most ambitious Art Deco creations. A door had opened onto a new world - a world that accompanied women in their desire for novelty and innovation.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.Xiaojia WANG WASZACK, Art Historian and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Jean Ann Douglass and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can jewelry be used as an instrument in liberation or a tool in the struggle for freedom? It is the early 20th century. The world is abuzz with countless battles: those that tear nations apart, but also those for women’s rights.It is in this tumultuous context that the Art Deco movement emerges.The jewelry pieces born from this artistic movement become symbols of modernity, freedom, and audacity. In their own way, they accompany the emancipation of women, in particular in the 1920s, nicknamed the “Roaring Twenties”! Their elegance stems from their audacity, mixed with an apparent simplicity. Yet, some of these jewelry items hide unexpected secrets... and even sly war strategies, like the famous Zouzou bracelet worn by Josephine Baker!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-Eckel, Jewelry Historian and Lecturer at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts. Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Jean Ann Douglass and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Movie stars have always worn jewelry. In the 1920s, the Art Deco style gradually took over red carpets and film reels. Worn by some of the greatest actresses of the day, from Louise Brooks to Brigitte Helm, Art-Deco jewelry was the epitome of modern beauty. Raymond Templier, one of the leading jewelry-makers of that time, seized this opportunity to free his creations from tradition, and mark his era with bold pieces, celebrating speed and pure lines.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-Eckel, Jewelry Historian and Lecturer at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts. Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Jean Ann Douglass and produced by Bababam.To go further: Raymond Templier, Le Bijou moderne by Laurence Mouillefarine and Valérie Ristelhuebe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where do new ideas come from? What is the genesis of those masterpieces that have redefined Modernity?At the beginning of the 20th century, a revolutionary artistic movement emerged, with the ambition of changing everything. This movement was Art Deco. A new style, with clean, pure lines that owes its name to an event with global repercussions, held in Paris in 1925: The International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts.At the heart of this avant-garde event, and amongst the jewels that were awarded the Grand Prix, was a bracelet. Its name: Fleurs enlacées, roses rouges et blanches or “Entwined Flowers, Red and White Roses”. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, this bracelet was the perfect combination of tradition and Modernity.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-Eckel, Jewelry Historian and Lecturer at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts. Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Jean Ann Douglass and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewelry is often turned towards the future… In the interwar period, changes were stirring in the world of creative design. Jewelry was imbued with Modernity: radical forms, new materials, speed, lightness... These novel jewelry pieces reflected the changing standards of beauty.In this new season, Voice of Jewels takes listeners to the heart of a creative explosion, where daring women and secrets abound, told through stunning jewels in an innovative, influential style … Art Deco.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-Eckel, Jewelry Historian and Lecturer at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.And, Xiaojia WANG WASZACK, Art Historian and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry ArtsWritten by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Jean Ann Douglass and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He is known as the most important American artist of the second half of the 20th century. A Pop icon par excellence, rumor has it that he once declared: “It would be glamorous to be reincarnated as a great big ring on Liz Taylor’s finger.” In a sense, that is exactly what he did. When he died, a veritable treasure trove was discovered, hidden in his apartment, including a small diamond heart containing plenty of secrets. Proof perhaps that fame often conceals even greater gifts...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 Léonard Pouy, Art Historian and Content and Transmission Manager at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts;Bei HE, Art Historian and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some treasures tell beautiful stories. Others are connected to tragedies...As is the case with the Jewish Treasure of Colmar.Hidden in dramatic circumstances, it was miraculously preserved. The treasure, comprising objects of a rare luxury, along with more modest items, is the witness to a past filled with darkness, but also with light.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 Léonard Pouy, Art Historian and Content and Transmission Manager at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Treasures have been found at the bottom of the sea, in the jungle, in fields … usually far removed from human habitation. But there have been some remarkable exceptions! A few feet underground, in the middle of one of London’s busiest streets, the Cheapside wooden chest managed to conceal its secrets for three hundred years. Without doubt, the most urban treasure story imaginable.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 Léonard Pouy, Art Historian and Content and Transmission Manager at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some treasures disappear forever ... but others resurface.Like the sunken treasure of Belitung.Once submerged in a reef, somewhere in the Java Sea, the treasure now holds pride of place, in the heart of the Asian Civilizations Museum in Singapore.Presented in a display that evokes the benevolent and impetuous waves on which it once sailed, the Belitung Treasure contains remarkable riches.It is also connected to the great history of the Silk Roads. Synonymous with human adventure, full of wonder and peril.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 Léonard Pouy, Art Historian and Content and Transmission Manager at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts;Bei HE, Art Historian and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Swallowed by the sea, buried, hidden behind walls or concealed…True treasure troves have always known the best place to hide. And when to reappear and surprise us!Harboring tales worthy of an adventure novel, they often contain fascinating secrets.In this new season of The Voice of Jewels, we travel from the Java Sea to the entrails of London to medieval Colmar in the east of France… We even make a visit to Andy Warhol’s room in New York!Discover the secrets of these remarkable treasures of gold, enamel, and rubies, coming from far-flung lands like Italy, China, and Colombia!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 Léonard Pouy, Art Historian and Content and Transmission Manager at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts;Bei HE, Art Historian and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.