VAN CLEEF & ARPELS: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF GEMS

Embark on a fascinating exploration of the inter-relationship between the science of mineralogy and the art of crafting the finest jewellery and gems at Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art and Science of Gems.

In this exhibition which is as beautiful as it is enlightening, you'll get an up close look at over 450 pieces of jewellery selected from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection, along with over 250 rare gems and minerals from the renowned Collection of the French National Museum of Natural History.

Visit the Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art and Science of Gems website where you can take a beautiful visual tour of the exhibition, and download the audio guide app.

23 April to 14 August 2016

Collection

Over 450 pieces of jewellery selected from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection are displayed over seven themes illustrating the poetry and ingenious craftsmanship of the Maison: Couture, Abstractions, Influences, Precious Objects, Nature, Ballerinas and Fairies, and Icons.

Explore the collection >

Mineralogy and Gemology

Be dazzled by over 250 gems and minerals from the renowned Collection of the French National Museum of Natural History. Learn about the seven major principles critical for the formation of precious stones: Pressure, Temperature, Transport, Water, Oxygen, Life and Metamorphism.

Discover the science of gems >

Public Programmes

Explore the specially curated series of public programmes to enhance your experience of Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art and Science of Gems exhibition.

View programmes schedule >

Gallery

About Our Partners

Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in 1906, at 22 Place Vendôme in Paris. Over the decades, the High Jewellery Maison established its reputation throughout the world. Its emblematic signatures – such as the Alhambra® motif, the Zip necklace or the Mystery Set™ technique – its selection of Pierres de Caractère™, exceptional gems that instill an emotion, and the savoir-faire of its Mains d’Or™, the craftsmen of Van Cleef & Arpels' workshops, have given birth to enchanting jewellery and watchmaking collections. Since 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has been combining virtuoso craftsmanship, technical prowess and refinement in its collections of high jewellery, jewellery and timepieces, to evoke a timeless world of harmony and beauty.

French National Museum of Natural History

Founded by King Louis XIII of France in 1626, the French National Muséum of National History is among the world’s foremost institutions investigating the Earth’s treasures and the impact of human activities on geo- and biodiversity. Its collections are still some of the richest in the world: over 60 million specimens are contained in an outstanding research environment that aims to promote an innovative way of understanding nature and its mechanisms. The mineral and gem collections in particular reflect the beauty of the natural world, along with the creativity of artists who have been inspired by it.