Van Cleef & Arpels, renowned for its commitment to the transmission of jewelry professions and expertise, is embarking on the third edition of its "de Mains en mains" initiative, a program targeted at young individuals, adults in career transitions, and the wider public. This year, the initiative is set to unfold from November 25 to December 3, 2023, at the InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu in France, with a dedicated focus on making the world of jewelry accessible to junior high school students.
With a rich legacy in the jewelry industry, Van Cleef & Arpels aims to shed light on the tradition of French savoir-faire that has resonated globally for centuries. While jewelry professions hold the promise of sustainable employment, these fields often remain unfamiliar, particularly to the younger generation. The "de Mains en mains" initiative, initiated in the wake of the first Covid lockdown in France, seeks to bridge this gap by introducing young people to the diverse and intriguing world of jewelry.
Marie-Aude Stocker, Van Cleef & Arpels People, Development, and Prospective Director, explains, "The Maison wanted to reach out to this population, with the aim of letting them discover jewelry professions and realize that these often-little-known occupations are accessible. Through these actions, we hope to continue inspiring vocations and opening the gates to the world of jewelry to the broadest audience possible."
The program, hosted at the InterContinental Lyon, encompasses a week of exploration into the intricacies of jewelry and associated professions. Professional Pathways seminars provide participants with insights into expert jeweling, stone expertise, polishing, stone-setting, 3D design, and artistic design. Students can gain hands-on experience by setting stones on an iconic Alhambra motif, polishing a Butterfly clip, or crafting a Lucky Animals clip.
Open to the general public on weekends, the Professional Pathways seminars offer everyone a chance to witness demonstrations and observe the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating jewelry masterpieces. Jewelry schools and counselors from the national employment office will also be present to showcase various training programs and employment opportunities.
Lyon, chosen as the location for this initiative, holds significance as it is home to one of Van Cleef & Arpels' Jewellery Workshops. The region boasts a dynamic jewelry culture with workshops and renowned jewelry schools contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.
To complement the hands-on experience, an exclusive exhibition, "Van Cleef & Arpels, à la découverte de la joaillerie" (Discovering Jewelry with Van Cleef & Arpels), is open to the general public throughout the event. The exhibition provides a comprehensive view of the Maison's commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and the artistry required for each piece of jewelry. Historic and contemporary creations, including the iconic Alhambra motif and High Jewelry collections, showcase the Maison's creativity and ingenuity.
Nicolas Bos, President and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, emphasizes, "For its third edition, the exhibition accompanying the ‘de Mains en mains’ initiative was devised as an immersion into the Maison's creation, at once instructive, entertaining, and designed for a broad audience. We are shining light on the very heart of our profession: jewelry."
The Maison collaborates with various partners, including L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts, which will offer classes and conferences during the event. Additionally, four other schools dedicated to jewelry professions collaborate with Van Cleef & Arpels, enhancing the learning experience for participants.
Detailed information about the "de Mains en mains" event can be found on the official website: [https://demainsenmains.vancleefarpels.com](https://demainsenmains.vancleefarpels.com).
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