Paris, city of pearls
From 21 November 2024
to 1 June 2025
L’Ecole des Arts Joailliers
Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau
16 bis, boulevard Montmartre
75009 Paris
We are all familiar with pearls. Sought-after since ancient times, they still inspire the great modern jewelers.
But how many people know that they were at the heart of an intense trade between the Gulf and France from the late 19th to the mid-20th century?
How many remember that they were at the center of the luxury industry and Parisian culture for decades?
Organized by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, the exhibition Paris, City of Pearls, from November 21st, 2024 until June 1st, 2025, recounts the forgotten history of this amazing artistic, commercial and human adventure.
“Belle Époque” five strand natural pearl necklace, circa 1910
Private Collection, courtesy of Albion Art Institute
© Albion Art Jewellery Institute