STYLE Edit: Learn the dazzling secrets of Van Cleef & Arpels at L’École Asia Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts
The courses, led in English with optional Cantonese or Mandarin simultaneous interpretation for selected sessions, are taught by a range of experts including art historians, gemologists, jewellers, designers, mock-up artists, stone-setters and lacquer craftsmen. Split across the specialised areas “savoir faire”, the “art history of jewellery” and the “universe of gemstones”, sessions are guided by at least two experts at a time. Depending on your area of interest, you could choose sculpting a wax model of a butterfly jewel or mastering the art of stone-setting on a silver mounting. The sessions last for two to four hours and are open to 12 participants at a time.
Why L’École School of Jewelry Arts is opening a Hong Kong campus
L'École’s educational courses promise an optimal learning environment through conviviality, exchange and the sharing of knowledge across a wide range of subjects. While the art history classes offer students the chance to explore subjects including Gold and Jewelry: from Antiquity to the Renaissance Princes and details of Art Nouveau Jewelry, the savoir faire workshops like Trying out the Jeweller's Techniques and From Design to Mock-up are practice-based and allow participants to experiment with gestures, skills and tools. Not only do the participants get to admire some of the most rare and antique pieces from L'École’s collections during these sessions but they also get a unique opportunity to hone their skills as professional gemologists.
As part of the History and Legends, and Recognise the Gemstones courses, the participants are trained to identify different stones using professional instruments. The Engagement Ring: History, Gemology and Know-How, is another extensive course where an art historian, a gemologist and a jeweller reveal some of the workshop’s best-kept secrets. L’École also offers a playful and engaging educational experience for children who want to explore the richness of these creative professions.
From Van Cleef & Arpels to Graff: nature’s place in luxury jewellery
“We cannot wait to welcome everyone to join us at L’École Asia-Pacific and offer people around the region with the chance to explore the once-secret world of jewellery arts, by learning about the savoir faire behind jewellery-making techniques, the world of precious stones, and the art history of jewellery,” said Élise Gonnet-Pon, managing director of L’École Asia-Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts. “Our first series of classes are available on an à la carte basis, and suitable for students of all backgrounds. No prerequisite of education or skills is needed, only curiosity.”
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Based at Hong Kong’s K11 Musea in Tsim Sha Tsui, L’École Asia Pacific offers wannabe jewellers, gemologists and enthusiasts the chance to learn the tricks of the trade straight from historic Parisian maison Van Cleef & Arpels