Paris, France —Cameos from Antiquity and the Middle Ages, scarabs of carved carnelian, an emperor etched in a ruby. This is the fascinating world of hard carved stone, a precious art that has been handed down from Antiquity and today is practiced by only a very few specialized arts and craftsmen like Philippe Nicolas. It is not only rare, it is little known, it is a story of art, history and technique. It is a story of chalcedony, sardonyx, lapis lazuli, agates and more dream stones. And it is all being played out in an exhibition at the Ecole des Arts Joailliers in Paris in an exhibition entitled Engraved Stones, the Collection of Guy Ladrière.

It marks the first time that this exceptional collection is being shown to the public and the exhibition demonstrates that the glyptic arts as the engraving, cutting and sculpting of gemstones is collectively known has produced masterpieces, often by anonymous artists. Some 200 pieces are on display dating from Antiquity to the 19th century. Some were worn as signets, others as protective amulets. The Etruscans and Phoenicians loved them.

This exceptional collection was brought together by Guy Ladrière, a leading Parisian gallery owner specialized in tribal and medieval arts. L’Ecole, the School of Jewelry Arts, is supported by the world renowned jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, and brings the fascinating universe of jewelry to the world through exhibitions, classes and conferences, in both English and French. The School is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette
Exhibition until October 1st, are of charge, reservations obligatory at
https://www.lecolevancleefarpels.com/fr/en
31 rue Danielle Casanova
75001 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 70 70 38 40