Learners will get to explore a variety of topics, including mineralogy and gemology (All photos: L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts)
These unprecedented times have disrupted the delivery of traditional education. As online learning platforms gain traction, schools and universities around the globe have followed suit and are embracing digital learning. This is perhaps the most opportune time for the home-bound to pick up a new language or skill that previously required more commitment, time and money.
The options are numerous and, frankly, often overwhelming for those who want to dip their toes into something new, not so much as to make a career out of it, rather just for the sake of satisfying one’s curiosity. The topic of jewellery and arts may often slip under the radar, but if learning about the history of precious stones or the representation of jewels — beyond the scope engagement rings — appeal to you, the free online videos published by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts, is a fitting place to start.
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Supported by high jewellery maison Van Cleef & Arpels, the online series covers three main themes: The Universe of Gemstones, Art History of Jewellery and Savoir-Faire. Learners will get to explore a variety of topics, including mineralogy, gemology, the process of crafting a masterpiece and the representation of jewels in European history — guided by leading scholars and experts in the fields of craftsmanship, science, art and history.
Established in Paris in 2012, L’ÉCOLE is a first-of-its-kind institution that provides accessible, hands-on engagement for the public to the world of bejewelled arts without any prerequisite or prior skill. After many successful travelling editions to Asia, L’ÉCOLE opened a new permanent school in Hong Kong last year, making it the first outpost outside of France.
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L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific is located in Hong Kong’s K11 MUSEA, a cultural-retail destination overlooking the iconic Victoria Harbour. There, students are offered a full-year programme that includes workshops for young people, evening conversations and curated exhibitions showcasing jewellery arts from the most magnificent private collections as well as creations by contemporary artists.
While physical workshops are temporarily on halt, these online videos are uploaded to offer a glimpse into their classes and to expand the public’s knowledge of high jewellery and gemstones.
View all the online videos here.
