Christmas gifts. 6 beautiful books to recommend to jewelry and stone lovers

Spreading jewelry culture to as many people as possible, in France and all over the world… This is the mission that the School of Jewelry Art of Paris has set since its opening in 2012 in Place Vendôme with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. Program? Quality training in three main areas: jewelry history, jewelry know-how and the world of stones. Driven by the public’s enthusiasm, the school expanded its openings with a second Parisian address, the 18th-century Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau. in a mansion on the Grands Boulevards, but also in different corners of the world (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai). In addition to these permanent addresses, the concept travels with occasional trips to Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon or even New York and Tokyo.

Like any major institution, the School of Jewelry has its own research department, which is a competence of scientific publications, to complete the experience, the Hotel Mercy-Argenteau has a library and a bookstore led by its manager Daniel Mitchell gives to consolidate their culture thanks to about 3000 carefully selected titles. From these many works, the expert has selected the 6 beautiful ones books you can recommend or treat yourself to with your eyes closed.

The color pink and its many facets

“In this engaging essay, the great historian Michel Pasteur traces the cultural and symbolic history of the color pink. Although associated with tenderness and love in Western societies, this color has carried different and sometimes contradictory meanings over the centuries. An erudite reflection that sheds light on the role of color in our societies. Good news. A box is available at L’Escarboucle that brings together Pastoureau’s previous studies of other colors. Pink By Michel Pastoureau, Éditions Seuil, 192 pages, €39.90.

The fine pearl, a Parisian story

Did you know that Lafayette Street was home to about 300 fine pearl merchants between the wars? Today, devastated by the dominance of cultured pearls (95% freshwater or 5% seawater), they can be counted on the fingers of one hand there could be so many of them. How did Paris become the capital of fine pearls? Why did this flourishing trade almost disappear? All these questions are answered by Leonard Puy. “This work establishes itself as a new reference for the delicate pearls available to all. By elucidating these fascinating biomineral mysteries, it highlights its influence on Parisian jewelers and artists. From the Roaring 20s to the present day, a true ‘pearl mania’ has been expressed in all the arts: opera, cinema.” , in painting, photography, posters, and illustrations.This book mentions the pearl as an important symbol of Parisian elegance and creativity at the dawn of the 20th century,” explains Daniel Mitchell. Good news. “Paris, the capital of pearls” is the theme of the exhibition, which will be open until June 25, 2025 at the school of jewelry arts at the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau. Paris, The Pearl Capital by Leonard Puyjointly published by L’École des arts joailliers and Éditions Norma, 240 pages, €42.

Experiments around touch

It is a real sensory experience that Woshibai offers us throughout the pages. The author evokes different sensations, from the tingling of the fingertip to the spicy color of the rose, the viscosity of the fish or even the roughness of the wood… He also invites us to experiment with other things: make circles in the water. , throw the vase, smash the mosquito. The ton is made up of a T-shirt with his tattooed hands on it. “A work composed of simple lines and silence. The absence of colors and words in no way alters the beauty or expressive power of our most basic gestures. A poetic exploration of the hand through painting,” emphasizes Daniel Mitchell. Tap By Woshibai from Édition des Grandes Personnes, 48 ​​pages, €15.

An original introduction to the world of jewelry

Art historian Guillaume Glorio, director of the teaching and research department of the School of Jewelery Art, deconstructs prejudices In this work by scientific director Guillaume Glorier, the authors break down these prejudices by examining the cultural, historical and material roots of jewellery. Enriched with illustrations, this book offers an original introduction to this fascinating universe where craftsmanship meets symbolism,” explains Daniel Mitchell. Got jewelry ideas Under the direction of Guillaume Glorieux, published jointly by L’École des Arts Joailliers and Le Cavalier Bleu, 280 pages, €22.

An 18th century treasure

Bringing together a college of historians and specialist curators, this work updates the knowledge of the Choiseul snuffbox, acquired by the Musée du Louvre in 2023. The jeweler Louis Roussel’s precious gold setting serves as the setting for six miniatures by Louis Nicolas Van Biarenberghe, depicting the magnificent Duke of Choiseul. Louis XV’s minister in all aspects of his daily life Why Daniel? Mitchell advises: “This small object (3.7 x 7.8 x 6 cm) is a real treasure from the 18th century. Behind its modest size, it reveals many details that reflect the refinement and immense artistry of the Duke of Choiseul. Collection: An exceptional editorial and historical work highlights this masterpiece in miniature. La Tabatière Choiseul. 18th century monument by Michèle Mimbenet-Privat, Éditions Faton, 256 pages, €49.

Air to eternal beauty

The product of an unprecedented literary and artistic collaboration, Divine Jewels. In search of beauty By Kazumi Arikawa and Diana Scarisbrick, presents the exclusive collection of the world’s foremost collector of historical jewelry.Co-authored with jewelry history specialist Diana Scarisbrick, this book is a journey through ten thematic chapters, from the Hellenistic period to the 1940s. than a simple chronological overview of the history of jewelry. it is an ode to timeless beauty.This work explores all eras through the prism of the grace and elegance of jewelry.Richly illustrated, it materializes and establishes itself as an essential reference for lovers of truth, beauty, and the jewelry arts. Divine Jewels. In search of beauty By Kazumi Arikawa and Diana Scarisbrick, Styles & Design Collection, Éditions Flammarion, 520 pages, €95.