Voice of Jewels

[Summer of Epics] E02⏐Corto Maltese’s Gold Earring

[Summer of Epics]

In comics, jewels are often at the core of the plot. But they also may be the hero’s attribute like in the adventures of Corto Maltese, the famous romantic pirate born out of the imagination of Italian author Hugo Pratt in 1967.

What turned Corto Maltese into an icon is precisely the jewel he always wears on his left ear : a gold hoop earring.

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.

References :

Corto Maltese - Vol.1 - La ballade de la mer salée

Hugo Pratt - Casterman - 1975

[Summer of Epics] E01⏐The Pre-Columbian Claw Necklace

[Summer of Epics]

Many legends have been told about the gold of Pre-Columbian civilisations of the Americas. Imagine… Finding gold deep in the middle of the jungle is a dream that has long tantalized the Western world. The peoples of South America did leave traces and genuine treasures behind them…

Among these wonders, there is an odd, striking piece which looks as sublime as it is frightening: the Zenù people’s golden claw necklace.

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

Paul Paradis, 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.

Discover Summer of Epics, a summer special series from L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

Summer is the season of getaways and grand adventures! It’s the perfect time for Voice of Jewels to whisk you far from home… across turquoise waters, into emerald-colored jungles, and even up into silver-tinted clouds! 

Rediscover an impressive necklace made of golden claws, a lucky charm belonging to a fearless aviator, a pirate’s earring hiding a tender heart - and even a fabulous treasure, lost in the depths of the Java Sea. 

S09E04 - Art Deco⏐Paris-Shanghai, a dialog of styles

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.

S09E03 - Art Deco⏐Josephine Baker’s secret bracelet

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.

S09E02 - Art Deco⏐Raymond Templier, a passion for speed

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.

S09E01 - Art Deco⏐A bouquet of roses by Van Cleef & Arpels

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.

Delve into the splendor of Art Deco treasures

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 Arts

Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Jean Ann Douglass and produced by Bababam.

S08E04 - Treasure⏐The Secret Treasure of the High Priest of Pop Art

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.

S08E03 - Treasure⏐The Hidden treasure of Colmar

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.

S08E02 - Treasure⏐An Urban Treasure : The Cheapside Hoard

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.

S08E01 - Treasure⏐The sunken treasure of Belitung

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.

Discover the tales of history's great treasures

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.

S07E04 - Literature⏐Tolkien and the power of the ring

Some jewels have only ever existed in books, and this is probably why they are so famous. Tolkien’s rings are amongst those mythical jewels found only in fiction, created thanks to their talented author. However, Tolkien did in fact, attempt to anchor his iconic rings to a true story and it is possible that a very real jewel served as his inspiration.

This is the story of a magic ring and a curse. Of course...

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.

S07E03 - Literature⏐Salammbô, the quintessential femme fatale and the unique brooch by René Lalique

“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.

S07E02 - Literature⏐Sarah Bernhardt, the Jewels of The Princess Faraway

In 1895, Sarah Bernhardt, then known as ‘the empress of the theatre’, had just acquired a theatre in Paris, on the Place du Châtelet: the Théâtre de la Renaissance. And to launch it, she needed a play. Or rather: a success. Sarah Bernhardt commissioned a young up-and-coming playwright, Edmond Rostand, to write a historical drama in her honour, entitled La Princesse lointaine. To further her triumph, Sarah turned to the great jeweller René Lalique, whom she asked to make her a crown... the likes of which had never been seen before!

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.

S07E01 - Literature⏐The extraordinary academician’s sword of Jean Cocteau

It's well known that the sword is the prerogative of knights and musketeers. But did you know that the weapon could also be transformed into a living symbol of the talents of men and women of letters? And sometimes even into exceptional pieces of jewellery...

In 1955, Jean Cocteau faced a major challenge: to become the first academician to design his own sword.

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.

Discover the history of these jewels from the pages of some of the most beautiful works of literature

Jewels can tell stories… they can also inspire them…

The greatest writers, actresses, and poets have forged masterpieces from jewels, gems, and precious metals. While some pieces really exist, others do so only in the realm of the imagination.

This new season of Voice of Jewels takes listeners on a journey of discovery… From a cursed gold ring to the sparkling crown of a princess in love to a most unique and unusual sword!

Listen to the history of these jewels, springing not from the entrails of the Earth but from the pages of some of the most beautiful works of literature!

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.

S06E04 - Talismans⏐The Jade Bracelets of China’s Empress Cixi

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.

S06E03 - Talismans⏐Napoleon’s Immortal Scarab Beetle

Can a piece of jewelry save a life? Or guarantee eternity? Napoleon Bonaparte believed this to be the case. His military campaigns around the world had already introduced him to the supernatural power of jewelry... But it was after escaping death a first time that his faith in the power of jewelry was properly set. So much so that he imagined a strange talisman, a lucky charm and symbol of his love, sculpted in the shape of… a scarab beetle!

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.

S06E02 - Talismans⏐Catherine de Medici's Love Talisman

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.

S06E01 - Talismans⏐Jackie Cochran’s Charm Necklace

Pilots are sometimes superstitious, and Jackie Cochran, one of the first female pilots in the American Air Force, is no exception… She is never injured and never has an accident. Her luck seems endless. But there is a reason for this, a necklace assembling a variety of lucky charms into a single object. A charm necklace…a piece of jewelry said to bring good luck wherever its wearer. Even in the skies!

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.

Discover the Secrets of Talisman Jewelry

There’s something enchanting about jewelry. Some pieces more than others… Imagine a bracelet with the power to win the favor of the gods, an amulet that makes someone fall in love, and a ring that brings eternal life!

Down through the centuries, some of history’s greatest men and women have used talismans in their quest for sovereignty or protection. Discover their fascinating powers in this latest season of Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels.

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.

[Summer Odysseys] E04⏐One Piece, on a quest to pirate treasures

The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures…

Eiichiro Oda’s manga One Piece is one of the most popular manga in the history of comics.

In typical shonen fashion - a shonen is a tale of adventure and initiation – One Piece tells the story of a young hero on a quest for nothing less than… a treasure!

[Summer Odysseys] E03⏐The First Pearl

The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures…

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!

[Summer Odysseys] E02⏐The Rao Golden Pectoral

The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures…

If I told you there is an African country whose soil harbors a mineral with amazing powers that is used for making stunning, magical objects! Well, this country does exist and is no imaginary land. And the fascinating metal that was extracted from it was none other than gold. It’s the gold that jewels and holy objects were made out of. The same gold that was used to design this otherworldly jewel called the Rao pectoral.

[Summer Odysseys] E01⏐Louis XIV’s Great Blue Diamond

The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures…

Our journey takes us around the world, from the Indian empire to King Louis XIV’s court in Versailles. It is one of the world’s most famous diamonds as well as probably the most intriguing. It disrupted the lives of all who approached it, including that of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, the man who discovered it.

Discover The Great Odysseys, a summer special series from L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures… The quest of those who crossed oceans, traveled around continents and conquered our imaginations. They explored buried treasures from pre-Columbian kingdoms to the Indian Ocean, via the shores of the United Arab Emirates. A treasure quest through History with 4 episodes highlights from previous seasons.

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 Cécile Lugand, Doctor in Art History and Editorial content project manager, Heritage and Culture referent at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts ;

Paul Paradis, Art Historian and Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts ;

Léonard Pouy, Art Historian and Editorial Content Manager at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts ;

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.

S05E04 - Pearls⏐Marilyn's Pearls

Forget gold chains and big stones! One of the most sought-after accessories for male celebrities in Hollywood and elsewhere is none other than the pearl necklace!

A$AP Rocky, Usher, Joe Jonas, Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, Shawn Mendes, Pharrell Williams… The list of wearers and admirers is endless. But do you know the story behind Marilyn Monroe’s pearl necklace? Or the secrets of cultured pearls?

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.

S05E03 - Pearls⏐A Craddle of Pearls

Far from being round and regular, “baroque pearls” have strange and unique shapes. Long considered wonders of nature, they inspired goldsmiths throughout the Renaissance and into the Baroque and Neo-Classical periods. Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, known as the last descendent of the House of Medici, had a passion for such pearls.

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.