Van Cleef & Arpels and the Legacy of Craft: A Mission Beyond Time
As I grow older, I often reflect on the idea of transmission – not just in the world of luxury craftsmanship but in life itself. I think of the quiet wisdom in my grandparents' hands, the stories embedded in my parents' voices, and the fleeting moments that slip away too quickly.
In an era of rapid technological advancements, the age-old concern for transmission – how savoir-faire is passed from generation to generation – remains a cornerstone of haute joaillerie and horology. These fields contain an extremely high concentration of rare know-how, such as glyptic (hardstone or gem engraving) or the plique-à-jour enameling technique.
The concept goes beyond mere training; it is an act of preservation, an investment in the future, and, ultimately, a mission. For the storied maisons like Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and other industry titans, transmission is not only about innovation and creating exceptional products but about ensuring the continuity of craftsmanship that defines luxury.
Guardians of Craftsmanship: Global Initiatives in Transmission
Luxury houses have long played a vital role in safeguarding their métiers. Some have even established institutions solely dedicated to their craft.
For instance, Cartier’s Maison des Métiers d’Art, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, stands as a temple to traditional watchmaking and jewelry techniques. Here, artisans master skills such as granulation, filigree, and glyptic carving – techniques that date back centuries yet find contemporary expressions in Cartier’s timepieces and high jewelry collections.
Similarly, LVMH’s Institut des Métiers d’Excellence (IME), founded in 2014, is a vocational training program with a work-study format. It offers aspiring artisans the opportunity to train under master craftsmen while gaining formal academic qualifications. The IME bridges the past and the future, ensuring the transmission of savoir-faire within LVMH’s numerous maisons, spanning fashion, jewelry, leather goods, and watchmaking.
Yet transmission is not only about perfecting technique but also accessibility. Without new generations willing to take up these demanding crafts, even the most revered traditions risk extinction. This is where Van Cleef & Arpels’ commitment transcends its business interests and becomes a unique mission.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ de Mains en Mains Initiative
If transmission is a mission, then Van Cleef & Arpels’ de Mains en Mains is its masterclass. More than just an initiative, it’s a movement that breaks down barriers and makes recruitment in the world of haute joaillerie more accessible, not just for the privileged few but for anyone with a passion for craftsmanship or who is curious about the craft.
Now in its fourth year, the program cultivates connections between students (aged 13 to 16), career changers, and master artisans through a structured series of activations designed to demystify the craft.
One of its foundational pillars is its collaboration with middle and high school students through mentorship and classroom interventions. Co-created with educators, these sessions seamlessly integrate the world of fine jewelry into the curriculum. For instance, gemstones are examined in physics and chemistry, medieval jewelry is explored in history, and hands-on design workshops are conducted in fine arts classes.
This preparation led to the Parcours Métiers (Professional Pathways), a pivotal November event held in Lyon last November, and the upcoming event in Clermont-Ferrand, France, from February 12th to February 16th.
Over a week, students interact with artisans from Van Cleef & Arpels’ ateliers, gaining insight into every stage of creation. At the workbench, they experience firsthand the precision and patience required to bring a jewel to life, while the Maison’s HR team offers guidance on potential career pathways.
On the weekends, de Mains en Mains extends its reach to the general public, allowing visitors to witness expert demonstrations in a workshop-style setting, explore training opportunities, and navigate potential career prospects. The highlight of the Parcours is the “Discovering Jewelry with Van Cleef & Arpels” exhibition – an inspiring journey through the Maison’s artistry and savoir-faire.
As it did at the Lyon event, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, founded in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, will bring its educational platform to Clermont-Ferrand. Through workshops, conferences, and interactive sessions, L’ÉCOLE democratizes jewelry culture for all ages. Young enthusiasts can take their first steps in gemology by crafting their own treasure chests or designing pieces of jewelry.
Meanwhile, free Histoires de Métiers conferences will illuminate key professions and offer an insider’s view of the creative process. Additionally, this year, two specialized talks – one on the art of polishing and one on the craft of enameling – will explore the intricacies of these essential techniques.
Rounding out the experience, L’Escarboucle, L’ÉCOLE’s curated bookstore, presents a handpicked selection of literature dedicated to the world of jewelry.
To learn more about the de Mains en Mains initiative, check out the Van Cleef & Arpels website.
(Front image by Pierre Vogel)