[Summer special series] Historical Jewels

[Historical Jewels] E04⏐Catherine de Medici's Love Talisman

2026-08-13T03:00:00+00:00

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.

[Historical Jewels] E03⏐Salammbô, the quintessential femme fatale and the unique brooch by René Lalique

2026-08-06T03:00:00+00:00

“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.

[Historical Jewels] E02⏐The “lechuga”: the 1,400 emeralds monstrance

2026-07-30T03:00:00+00:00

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.

[Historical Jewels] E01⏐Jeanne du Barry's Necklace, or the Diamonds of Courtesans

2026-07-23T03:00:00+00:00

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.

Delve into the historical jewels of L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

2026-07-16T03:00:00+00:00

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.