[Precious romances] E02⏐Napoleon’s Immortal Scarab Beetle

[Precious romances] E02⏐Napoleon’s Immortal Scarab Beetle

From Voice of Jewels by L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

February 19, 2026 · 13 min · Episode 2

About this episode

The episode explores Napoleon Bonaparte's belief in the supernatural power of jewelry, focusing on his creation of a scarab beetle talisman.

Can a piece of jewelry save a life? Or guarantee eternity? Napoleon Bonaparte believed this to be the case. His military campaigns around the world had already introduced him to the supernatural power of jewelry... But it was after escaping death a first time that his faith in the power of jewelry was properly set. So much so that he imagined a strange talisman, a lucky charm and symbol of his love, sculpted in the shape of… a scarab beetle! 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 Inezita Gay-Eckel, Jewelry 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.

People in this episode

Hosts: Martin Quenehen, Aram Kebabdjian, Edoardo Ballerini

Guest: Inezita Gay-Eckel

Topics covered

  • jewelry
  • history
  • Napoleon
  • supernatural
  • talisman
  • scarab beetle

Keywords

  • Napoleon
  • jewelry
  • scarab beetle
  • talisman
  • supernatural power
  • history

Sponsors

Van Cleef & Arpels

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Bababam

Places: France

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