A Dazzling Affair: Experience the Enchantment of Historic Jewels at Divine Jewels: The Pursuit of Beauty exhibition in Paris

"...During Paris Fashion Week, legend_th had the opportunity to visit an exclusive exhibition titled “Divine Jewels: The Pursuit of Beauty” set at the elegant Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, the newest Parisian site of L’École School of Jewellery Arts. This exhibition invites visitors to explore a mesmerising world of unique and historic jewellery. This exclusive showcase, organised byL’École School of Jewellery Arts, features approximately twenty remarkable pieces from the prestigious Albion Art collection of the renowned Japanese collector Kazumi Arikawa..."

^{Ballerina brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, c. 1951. Platinum, diamonds and sapphire © Albion Art Jewellery Institute,}

^{Photo Tsuneharu Doi from 'Divine Jewels'}

Amidst the charm of antique cameos and 19th-century naturalistic creations, guests will encounter iconic masterpieces, including a Renaissance-revival pendant
with nymphs, a delicate ballerina brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels from 1951, and a breathtaking garland-style tiara crafted by Filippo Chiappe in 1909. Additionally, Arikawa's recently released book, “Divine Jewels: The Pursuit of Beauty,” enhances the exhibit by honouring his remarkable collecting career and providing an engaging narrative guide through the exhibition's ten captivating chapters.

“Divine Jewels: The Pursuit of Beauty” (published by Flammarion) is a collaborative work by Arikawa and jewellery historian Diana Scarisbrick, featuring photography by Nils Herrmann. The book features images and descriptions of 250 significant pieces that have come through Arikawa’s hands.

The exhibition is highly exclusive, available only by reservation, ensuring an intimate and enriching experience with guided tours limited to small groups. Expert historians from L’École des Arts Joailliers will lead these 30-minute explorations, and our session is particularly distinguished by the privilege of being guided by Dr. Léonard Pouy, a professor of jewellery history at L'ÉCOLE. This private tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the passion, craftsmanship, and heritage that define each exquisite piece. This exhibition allows jewellery enthusiasts to witness jewellery art at its finest, and the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau provides a remarkable journey into the captivating realm of exquisite jewels.

^{Giardinetti necklace Mid 18th century made of gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, amethysts, from a private collection}

^{© Albion Art Jewellery Institute, photo by Tsuneharu Doi, from 'Divine Jewels,' Flammarion}

^{Renaissance-revival pendant with nymphs Alexis Falize (1811–1898) and Lucien Falize (1839–1897)
Late 19th century Gold, enamel, sapphire, emeralds, pearls Private collection © Albion Art Jewellery Institute  Photo Tsuneharu Doi,from Divine Jewels, Flammarion}

^{Choker necklace Boucheron c. 1910 Platinum, diamonds Private collection
© Albion Art Jewellery Institute - Photo Nils Herrmann, from Divine Jewels, Flammarion}

^{Orpheus pendantGabriel Falguières (active 1888–1922) c. 1900 Gold, diamonds, chalcedony, pearl Private collection
© Albion Art Jewellery Institute - Photo Nils Herrmann, from Divine Jewels, Flammarion}

^{Pink topaz parure from the royal house of Hohenzollern Probably Germany c. 1810 Gold, silver, diamonds, pink topazesPrivate collection
© Albion Art Jewellery Institute - Photo Nils Herrmann, from Divine Jewels, Flammarion}