Voice of Jewels

In Emerald City, the enchanted city in The Wizard of Oz, everyone wears glasses with green lenses. But did you know that this practice actually dates back to ancient times? To a Roman emperor in fact, and his passion for a precious green stone: the emerald. For centuries, the emerald was believed to have almost magical properties, including the ability to improve eyesight.  Fascinated by this stone, Emperor Nero always carried one with him. According to legend, he even watched chariot races while looking through an emerald. And as surprising as this may seem, some believe that this was the very first pair of sunglasses!  Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s most fascinating jewels.With the participation of Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, gemologist and art historian at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[Winter tales]From museums to exhibit spaces, one cannot stop marveling at this artist’s work. Daniel Brush had a golden touch. Painter and sculptor, Brush crafts gold with finesse and creativity, as if he were an alchemist. He can improvise with as much spontaneous creativity as a jazz musician during a jamming session…The Second Dome is one of his most iconic creations. This small gold dome is a childhood dream come true. It’s the story of his life. Brush’s personal saga…Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s most fascinating jewels.With Olivia Brush, artist, Daniel Brush’s wife, life and work partner for more than 50 years.Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[Winter tales]Some jewels have only ever existed in books, and this is probably why they are so famous. Tolkien’s rings are amongst those mythical jewels found only in fiction, created thanks to their talented author. However, Tolkien did in fact, attempt to anchor his iconic rings to a true story and it is possible that a very real jewel served as his inspiration.This is the story of a magic ring and a curse. Of course...Voice of Jewels, a podcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. Unveiling the stories and secrets behind History’s most fascinating jewels.With the participation of Charline Coupeau, doctor in art history, jewelry specialist, gemologist and researcher at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Jean Ann Douglass and produced by Bababam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Spanish, the word “lechuga” means lettuce. But it is also the nickname for a sacred object, a monstrance adorned with so many emeralds that it takes on the color of lettuce. These precious stones come from the famous mines of Colombia, known for centuries by the native populations. Even today, these mines are the source of some of the world’s most beautiful emeralds.  The monstrance, a masterpiece of goldsmithing and a symbol of the encounter between indigenous and European cultures, has survived time and history. Now a national treasure, it once almost disappeared forever. Without a doubt, it is truly miraculous that this remarkable object can thankfully be still admired today.  Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, gemologist and art historian at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since antiquity, emeralds have frequently been seen as symbols of eternity. Yet, paradoxically, they are often at the heart of stories where time is counted. As is the case here. This is the story of a dagger intended for Nadir Shah. When a story begins with a dagger, we usually expect a crime or a tragedy... But this blade is unique. Encrusted with gigantic emeralds—including some of the most spectacular ever mounted on a weapon—it fascinates. Dazzles. And for centuries, this dagger has attracted envy and attention. It even inspired a cult comedy movie by the name of Topkapi. But the story of Nadir Shah’s dagger is far from a comedy. It is an epic. A fresco of war and peace, of conquests and betrayals… An adventure worthy of the greatest Hollywood stories. Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, gemologist and art historian at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City…”  In The Wizard of Oz, as elsewhere, the emerald is synonymous with mystery, desire, and wonder. And indeed, how could one not be awed? Its hypnotic green color, its refinement, and its preciousness... A symbol of power, protection, or love, depending on the culture, it has become one of the most iconic stones in jewelry. Since antiquity, this gem has continued to fascinate and inspire stories.   This season takes us on the discovery of emeralds: enjoy front row seats at a chariot race across ancient Rome, discover the precious belt of a Chinese prince, experience the twists and turns of a diplomatic mission between the Ottoman Empire and Persia, and participate in a procession through the streets of Bogotá, where a stunning monstrance shines a miraculous green. Allow yourself to be seduced by the irresistible charms of the emerald…   The Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  With the participation of Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, gemologist and art historian at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, and Bei He, art historian and lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.