Have you ever heard of abraxas? These are talismans in the shape of oblong shields, covered with motifs inspired by Egyptian, Greek, and Roman mythology, and engraved with Kabbalistic prayers, Hebrew words, and magical symbols. One could easily believe that these strange jewelry pieces belong to the wizards of tales and legends…

And yet, they were made by a human hand! No surprise then that the Queen of France, the feared Catherine de’ Medici, had her very own talisman, one that would fuse jewelry art … and alchemy!

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 Edoardo Ballerini and produced by Bababam.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“It was in Megara, a suburb of Carthage, in the gardens of Hamilcar…”

This is the opening sentence of Salammbô, Flaubert’s great historical novel, which has become a cult classic. Just like its heroine … the Carthaginian princess with dazzling finery and a tragic destiny.

Salammbô was a profound source of inspiration to the artists of the Belle Époque and particularly, one of its avant-garde jewelers: the audacious René Lalique.

But how did a jeweler dare to give substance to such a sensual, extravagant masterpiece?

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 the participation of Charline Coupeau, doctor in art history, jewelry specialist, gemologist and researcher 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.

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, 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 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.

Diamonds are often thought to have been exclusively reserved for kings and queens, treasures meant for royalty. However, there is another category of individuals who adorned themselves with these precious gems, treating them as trophies and even weapons for liberation - the courtesans!

At the forefront of these courtesans is a woman whose romantic destiny captivates hearts and even opens the Cannes Film Festival: Jeanne du Barry. Born into the common folk, she rose to the rank of a countess and became the favorite of the King of France! She left behind a legacy as a defender of writers and artists - from Voltaire to Fragonard - and also as an avid collector of jewelry.

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 Léonard Pouy, Professor of Art History 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 jewels are like history books… The most beautiful and mysterious pieces have often belonged to famous figures, and the events they have witnessed are worthy of an adventure novel! This summer, Voice of Jewels invites you on a voyage through space and time, from ancient Carthage to Versailles and Bogota, to the Age of Enlightenment, as well as taking in the intrigues of the French court during the Renaissance! Rediscover stories of love and power, where jewels are synonymous with faith, bravery, and luck!

Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s most fascinating jewels.

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, 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 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.

Pearls have always been considered precious. Almost miraculous. According to more than one legend, they fell to Earth from the Moon! Others say that they are the fruit of thunder. Some say that they are the seed or even the tears of the gods…

That is why the attempt to find the very first pearl is a fascinating quest, shrouded in mystery!

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 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.

The Hope Diamond has lived through its own veritable Odyssey. From the time of its first sale in London at the beginning of the 18th century, all the way to its sudden appearance in Washington, hidden in a brown paper envelope with a two dollar postmark …

This fabulous blue diamond is now at home under high-security glass in the Smithsonian Institute. And yet, this heavenly-colored gem still oozes with secrets and mysteries that have yet to be brought to 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 Lætitia Gilles-Guéry, Gemologist 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.

This is the penultimate chapter in the story of Cixi, Empress Dowager of the Qing dynasty, renowned for her enduring love of different types of jade. Even more precious than gold or diamonds, jade is considered the ultimate good luck charm. Over time, it has become a symbol associated with China’s emperors and empresses. Steeped in legends and myths, jade is believed to bring wisdom to all those who wear it... and maybe even eternal life.

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 Edoardo Ballerini and produced by Bababam.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the dawn of time, precious stones have been a source of wonder. Their beauty is such that secret virtues are sometimes attributed to them. Thus, the rarest gemstones have accompanied princes and princesses, adventurers and poets… 

Voice of Jewels adorns itself in green, blue, and a myriad of iridescent reflections, inviting you to rediscover the legends and histories of these precious gemstones. 

Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s most fascinating jewels.

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.