French luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels to launch 18 days program in Dubai for jewelry design and watchmaking

As part of its Nomadic program, L’ÉCOLE will present a full set of classes led by professional jewelers, art historians, gemologists, and watchmakers. Evening conversations, several exhibits and other activities around jewelry, will complement the offering of the first visit of the jewelry school to the Middle East.

Founded with the support of the French luxury brand, Maison Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris in February 2012, L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels is the world’s first school established for the general public to discover the savoir-faire, history and culture of fine jewelry and watchmaking. Although located in an 18th century mansion in Place Vendome – the cradle of Parisian jewelry - L’ÉCOLE will be taking its nomadic school to Tokyo, New York and Hong Kong, before arriving in Dubai.

“Bringing L’ÉCOLE to the GCC is part of our commitment to give back to the region we operate in. It allows us the opportunity to transmit our knowledge of fine craftsmanship, jewelry and watchmaking, a profession which the Maison Van Cleef & Arpels has been at the heart of for over a hundred years.” said Alessandro Maffi, Managing Director Middle East & India Van Cleef & Arpels. “We are honored that our initiative is being supported with reputed educational and cultural institutions from our region. We look forward to inspiring the new generation and gaining their interest in the art of jewelry design and watchmaking.”

Enrollment for classes will open in September, 2017.