STYLE Editor in Chief, Michael McHugh attended the prestigious event hosted by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts. Olivier Segura, Managing Director, L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific, School of Jewellery Arts shared a glittering array of insights, gemological wonders, and history.
From October 31st to November 4th, Sydney’s Bellevue Hill will be the backdrop to this exclusive occasion as Van Cleef & Arpels invites guests to private L’ÉCOLE classes and enlightening talks at the iconic Barford House.
Founded in Paris in 2012, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, has been an unparalleled source of knowledge in the world of high jewellery. This institution has now spread its wings, with a presence in multiple global locations, and has garnered a reputation for offering an exclusive program centred on the three pillars of savoir-faire, the art history of jewellery, and the captivating world of gemstones.
Diamond Week is a unique concept masterminded by L’ÉCOLE. It encapsulates the spirit of “Discover, Learn, Wonder,” providing a platform for everyone to delve into the fascinating world of diamonds, bridging history and science.
Highlights of the courses offered during Diamond Week:
Throughout the five-day event, attendees can immerse themselves in a rich program of two-hour classes and one-hour talks, guided by two gemologists from L’ÉCOLE. These courses and talks have been meticulously crafted to be accessible to individuals without a specialised background in gemology, adding a practical dimension to the learning experience.
- Diamond: History & Symbols: This class offers a journey into the historical and cultural significance of diamonds.
- Diamonds around the World: Explore the historical and geographical dimensions of diamonds, from their mines to cutting centres and economic importance, spanning from Antiquity to the present day.
- Diamond: A Gemological Exception: Dive into the scientific aspects of diamonds, unraveling their chemical composition, atomic structure, and unique properties. This course also covers cutting techniques, treatments, and synthetic diamonds.
- Diamond: The 4Cs: An essential part of the diamond market, this course delves into the criteria for evaluating diamonds, focusing on Carat, Colour, Cut, and Clarity.
These engaging courses offer practical insights, including hands-on observation, gemological equipment usage, and the opportunity to explore and appreciate the world of diamonds.