Stones & Society
Society
Jewelry in culture: museums, exhibitions, patrons, historic collections and the arts.
Society
A Couture Repertoire: Van Cleef and Arpels Takes Its Own Measure in Geneva
Until 31 March 2027, the Van Cleef and Arpels boutique on the Rue du Rhone is showing nineteen creations from the maison's own Collection, each one an argument that jewellery begins as dressmaking: lace, belts, bows and cloth, translated into gold.
Society
The Habsburgs' Autumn: A Legendary Diamond Comes Out of the Vault
The 137-carat Florentine Diamond, missing for a century, is on public view for the first time in Quebec City. Three years ago, a separate Habsburg collection went under the hammer in Geneva. Two vaults, two cities, one family's jewels.
Society
The Divers Behind the Pearls
Before the cultured pearl there were the ama, the divers, overwhelmingly women, who freedove for oysters. Mikimoto's industry was built on their labour, and photographed by agencies like Agence Rol in its early years.
Society
The Body Transformed: The Met's Jewellery Travels to Hong Kong
Two hundred masterpieces, five continents, nearly 4,000 years, and the first major travelling showcase of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's jewellery collection. On view at the Hong Kong Palace Museum until 19 October 2026.