Pierres Précieuses exhibition with Van Cleef & Arpels at Paris National Museum - last days

Last days to discover the sublime exhibition "Pierres précieuses, des minéraux aux bijoux" at the Muséum national. Produced in partnership with jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels, this exhibition runs until August 22, 2021, so come and admire the gems produced by the Earth and sculpted by Man.

The exhibition Pierres précieuses, des minéraux aux bijoux (Precious stones, from minerals to jewels ) once again illuminates the Grand Galerie de l'évolution at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, located in the Jardin des Plantes, with an immersive journey through over 800 minerals, gems, objets d'art and jewelry creations. Conceived and presented in association with French jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels, the sublimeexhibition is on view until August 22, 2021.

For the occasion, the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution brings together over 500 pieces from the collections of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle. The exhibition takes us back 4.56 billion years, to the creation of the Earth. The exhibition retraces the entire process of mineral formation. The tour highlights all the circumstances that led to the creation of emeralds, sapphires and turquoise.

Alongside these raw minerals, the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle showcases jewelry and objets d'art dating from prehistoric times to the present day, illustrating mankind's long fascination with precious stones. Among the exhibits are 300 jewelry creations by Van Cleef & Arpels. These professionally-created pieces show us how gems and minerals can be worked and sublimated by humans.

Minerals and worked objects interact throughout the exhibition in the forty or so showcases installed in the main gallery. Projections and interactive screens enable us to learn more about the geological mechanisms behind mineral formation. We also discover the properties that give gems their color and brilliance, important criteria for jewelers and lapidaries (craftsmen who cut and engrave precious stones).

At the end of the tour, the exhibition takes a look at the latest scientific advances that have enabled the reconstruction of historic pieces such as Louis XV's Golden Fleece. Don't miss the last piece in the exhibition, a fine jewelry object designed especially for the occasion by Van Cleef & Arpels, which required 6,400 hours of work.

Strolling among these precious stones is like walking through colors, plays of light and showcases that retrace, step by step, the evolution of the gem into a fine jewelry object. We also appreciate the short explanatory videos that punctuate the visit without weighing it down. An enchanting and impressive tour, demonstrating the expertise andexcellence of French craftsmen. To be seen again and again, and again and again, without moderation!

Due to the health situation linked to Covid-19, a time slot must be reserved to access the temporary exhibition at the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution.