NEWSROOM

"Voice of Jewels", a podcast by L’ÉCOLE,

School of Jewelry Arts

12 February 2024

Photo: Reproduction of Salvador Dalí’s "Ruby Lips" brooch by Henryk Kaston. © Photo Robin Hill

L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, presents its podcast "Voice of Jewels", supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, unveiling the stories and secrets behind the most fascinating jewels.

 

What do Bianca Castafiore and Rihanna have in common? What about the Andes Mountains and the Château de Versailles? Or J.R.R Tolkien and James Cameron?

Here is a hint: they have been around since the dawn of time, inducing passion and powerful emotions. Sometimes quaint or ostentatious... they are jewels.

Whether connected with feelings or power, whether mythical, magical or romantic…their beauty has unveiled many mysteries and unfolded a slew of adventures!

Since its creation in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts has embraced the mission of sharing the culture of jewelry with the general public. Today it is proud to present its newest offering, the “Voice of Jewels” podcast. Its aim: to allow the widest audience possible to discover the captivating world of jewels.

As is customary, L’ÉCOLE collaborated with experts to create a podcast that is as accessible and entertaining as it is meticulous. Working in tandem, scriptwriters Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian drew on their discussions with lecturers and postdoctoral researchers from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts. Their script is brought to life by the actor Edoardo Ballerini, with each episode offering a delightful ten-minute foray through centuries and cultures.

 

From King George IV’s “lover’s eye” to the “grillz” (a type of dental jewelry worn over the teeth) that rapper ASAP Rocky gave to Rihanna during his marriage proposal, a necklace that once belonged to Louis XV’s favorite mistress, Jeanne du Barry, and a ring that poet Guillaume Apollinaire crafted from shell aluminum on the front lines, season 1 is as intriguing as the most thrilling TV show.

Season 2 is just as exhilarating, taking listeners to the Court of Louis XIV and across the Atlantic as it recounts the fascinating history of the French Blue Diamond (which was later recut into the Hope).

  • "Voice of Jewels", a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

    The new podcast of L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, is available in English and French (as “La Voix des Bijoux”) on all audio platforms.

     

    Listen to the episode of your choice here.

     

    Season 1: Sentimental Jewels

    Episode 1: The Lover’s Eye, or the secret love of King George IV

    Episode 2: Jeanne du Barry’s necklace, or the diamonds

    of courtesans

    Episode 3: Lou’s ring, or Apollinaire’s war poems

    Episode 4: Rihanna’s wedding grillz, or the making of a myth

     

    Season 2: The Blue Diamond’s One Thousand and One Lives

    Episode 1: Louis XIV’s Great Blue Diamond

    Episode 2: The Golden Fleece Insignia

    Episode 3: The captivating Hope diamond

    Episode 4: The final mysteries of the Great Blue Diamond

     

    Let yourself be captivated by other stories

     

    Photo: Reproduction of Salvador Dalí’s "Ruby Lips" brooch by Henryk Kaston. © Photo Robin Hill