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Voice of Jewels

L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

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Click here to subscribe. Jewels are everywhere. We admire them in the windows of master jewelers, and in the collections of the world's greatest museums. Young lovers, movie stars, and heads of state each have their treasures: objects of desire, fascinating ornaments, or symbols of power. But every piece of jewelry also holds its secrets. Secrets of fabrication… but also… relationships. Stories of love and separation. Myth and curses. Moments of glory or downfalls. The height of an empire or ...
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‘Konfekt’ is a sharp, elegant and well-turned-out magazine from the creators of Monocle. ‘Konfekt Korner’ is the podcast: listen now and discover why celebrating chic, understated glamour, seeking out lesser-known stories and opening closed doors has never been more important. Join ‘Konfekt’ editor Sophie Grove and style director Marcela Palek as they take their seats alongside Gillian Dobias every month. Like a really good dinner party, listeners can count on great conversation, insights, i ...
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We delve into summer’s sensory landscape. We speak to architect Alice Loumeau about sound in design, hear how the garden inspired photographer Cecil Beaton and visit the Barbican Centre’s ‘Feel the Sound’ exhibition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Monocle
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[Summer of Epics] Some superheroes draw their powers from precious stones. Well, gems, to be more precise. Gems that are endowed with the power to control time or space, or even the mind. This is the saga of an out of this world piece of jewelry that was first published in an American comic book in the early 70’s, and now brought to the silver scre…
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Summer is the season of getaways and grand adventures! It’s the perfect time for Voice of Jewels to whisk you far from home… across turquoise waters, into emerald-colored jungles, and even up into silver-tinted clouds! Rediscover an impressive necklace made of golden claws, a lucky charm belonging to a fearless aviator, a pirate’s earring hiding a …
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We’re in Dakar with designer Khadija Aisha Ba of L’Artisane. Then: we speak with Claridge’s archivist, Kate Hudson, about the hotel’s art-deco heritage. Plus: perfumer Maya Njie, who blends precision with deep personal narratives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Monocle
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In Paris, in the 1920s, a myriad of languages ​​was spoken. Elegant ladies from all over the world flocked to the French capital to shop to their heart’s content. The city, a veritable crossroads of influences, drew inspiration from the most diverse sources. But if there was one country whose charms enchanted high society, it was China. Shanghai wa…
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Can jewelry be used as an instrument in liberation or a tool in the struggle for freedom? It is the early 20th century. The world is abuzz with countless battles: those that tear nations apart, but also those for women’s rights. It is in this tumultuous context that the Art Deco movement emerges. The jewelry pieces born from this artistic movement …
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Movie stars have always worn jewelry. In the 1920s, the Art Deco style gradually took over red carpets and film reels. Worn by some of the greatest actresses of the day, from Louise Brooks to Brigitte Helm, Art-Deco jewelry was the epitome of modern beauty. Raymond Templier, one of the leading jewelry-makers of that time, seized this opportunity to…
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We have officially passed the vernal equinox. The sun has crossed the celestial equator, bringing near equality to day and night. This episode is dedicated to beautiful things crafted well, collectors, makers and inimitable interior style. We’ll visit the Finnish master of pattern, Marimekko, and discover the intricacies of its in-house printing mi…
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Where do new ideas come from? What is the genesis of those masterpieces that have redefined Modernity? At the beginning of the 20th century, a revolutionary artistic movement emerged, with the ambition of changing everything. This movement was Art Deco. A new style, with clean, pure lines that owes its name to an event with global repercussions, he…
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Jewelry is often turned towards the future… In the interwar period, changes were stirring in the world of creative design. Jewelry was imbued with Modernity: radical forms, new materials, speed, lightness... These novel jewelry pieces reflected the changing standards of beauty. In this new season, Voice of Jewels takes listeners to the heart of a c…
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This episode is a burst of unbridled beauty to nudge us out of the winter torpor and into the spring light of March. We’ll reflect on the balance of graft and inspiration as we head to the Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Dance Reflections’ festival, discover Lebanese embroidery with the duo behind Bokja and explore the world of tarot as we embark on a journey …
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He is known as the most important American artist of the second half of the 20th century. A Pop icon par excellence, rumor has it that he once declared: “It would be glamorous to be reincarnated as a great big ring on Liz Taylor’s finger.” In a sense, that is exactly what he did. When he died, a veritable treasure trove was discovered, hidden in hi…
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Some treasures tell beautiful stories. Others are connected to tragedies... As is the case with the Jewish Treasure of Colmar. Hidden in dramatic circumstances, it was miraculously preserved. The treasure, comprising objects of a rare luxury, along with more modest items, is the witness to a past filled with darkness, but also with light. Voice of …
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Treasures have been found at the bottom of the sea, in the jungle, in fields … usually far removed from human habitation. But there have been some remarkable exceptions! A few feet underground, in the middle of one of London’s busiest streets, the Cheapside wooden chest managed to conceal its secrets for three hundred years. Without doubt, the most…
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Some treasures disappear forever ... but others resurface. Like the sunken treasure of Belitung. Once submerged in a reef, somewhere in the Java Sea, the treasure now holds pride of place, in the heart of the Asian Civilizations Museum in Singapore. Presented in a display that evokes the benevolent and impetuous waves on which it once sailed, the B…
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Music, books and art are what sustain us through a period of hunkering down, so it should come as no surprise that these are also the themes of this month’s episode. We head to the Swiss town of Baden to meet musician Daniela Weinmann, who goes by the moniker Odd Beholder; speak with Irish writer Eimear McBride and head to Burgundy for a site-speci…
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In this second special episode of ‘Konfekt Korner’, brought to you in collaboration with Swiss haute horologist Audemars Piguet (AP), we discuss the driving forces that unite us and the power of serendipitous encounters. We are in our London studio to discover how the worlds of luxury watchmaking and music come together to push human talent and fos…
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Swallowed by the sea, buried, hidden behind walls or concealed… True treasure troves have always known the best place to hide. And when to reappear and surprise us! Harboring tales worthy of an adventure novel, they often contain fascinating secrets. In this new season of The Voice of Jewels, we travel from the Java Sea to the entrails of London to…
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A special episode of Konfekt Korner, brought to you in collaboration with Swiss luxury powerhouse Audemars Piguet, on the driving forces that unite us and the power of serendipitous encounters. We convene in Zürich at the prestigious AP House to discover how the worlds of haute-horlogerie and hospitality come together to deliver an extraordinary ex…
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The first days of January are for rest and recuperation but also new ideas, resolutions and, above all, dreams. This month we’re at London auction house Bonhams for a conversation that reflects on jewellery design and human emotion with expert Kate Flitcroft. We’ll meet British artist and stage designer Es Devlin and discuss her incredible show at …
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Some jewels have only ever existed in books, and this is probably why they are so famous. Tolkien’s rings are amongst those mythical jewels found only in fiction, created thanks to their talented author. However, Tolkien did in fact, attempt to anchor his iconic rings to a true story and it is possible that a very real jewel served as his inspirati…
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We muse on the cultural obstacle course the festive period presents us as we seek to escape from the cold – but not without the promise of winter sun. We’ll drop into London’s Tate Modern for the Gucci-backed exhibition, ‘Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet’, then we’ll look at Alpine fashion with outdoors manufacturer Helly Han…
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“It was in Megara, a suburb of Carthage, in the gardens of Hamilcar…” This is the opening sentence of Salammbô, Flaubert’s great historical novel, which has become a cult classic. Just like its heroine … the Carthaginian princess with dazzling finery and a tragic destiny. Salammbô was a profound source of inspiration to the artists of the Belle Épo…
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In 1895, Sarah Bernhardt, then known as ‘the empress of the theatre’, had just acquired a theatre in Paris, on the Place du Châtelet: the Théâtre de la Renaissance. And to launch it, she needed a play. Or rather: a success. Sarah Bernhardt commissioned a young up-and-coming playwright, Edmond Rostand, to write a historical drama in her honour, enti…
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It's well known that the sword is the prerogative of knights and musketeers. But did you know that the weapon could also be transformed into a living symbol of the talents of men and women of letters? And sometimes even into exceptional pieces of jewellery... In 1955, Jean Cocteau faced a major challenge: to become the first academician to design h…
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This episode is something of an ode to jewels, goldsmithing and design – but also the human urge to collect. We’ll visit the imposing and eccentric Geneva home that inspires Maison Belmont; chat to the founder of jewellery brand Annoushka about the symbolism and personal history that infuses her work; and delve into the history of Persian jewellers…
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Jewels can tell stories… they can also inspire them… The greatest writers, actresses, and poets have forged masterpieces from jewels, gems, and precious metals. While some pieces really exist, others do so only in the realm of the imagination. This new season of Voice of Jewels takes listeners on a journey of discovery… From a cursed gold ring to t…
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This is the penultimate chapter in the story of Cixi, Empress Dowager of the Qing dynasty, renowned for her enduring love of different types of jade. Even more precious than gold or diamonds, jade is considered the ultimate good luck charm. Over time, it has become a symbol associated with China’s emperors and empresses. Steeped in legends and myth…
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Can a piece of jewelry save a life? Or guarantee eternity? Napoleon Bonaparte believed this to be the case. His military campaigns around the world had already introduced him to the supernatural power of jewelry... But it was after escaping death a first time that his faith in the power of jewelry was properly set. So much so that he imagined a str…
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Have you ever heard of abraxas? These are talismans in the shape of oblong shields, covered with motifs inspired by Egyptian, Greek, and Roman mythology, and engraved with Kabbalistic prayers, Hebrew words, and magical symbols. One could easily believe that these strange jewelry pieces belong to the wizards of tales and legends… And yet, they were …
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This episode is something of an homage to autumn style: we gather in Zürich for a discussion on the seasonal wardrobe with designer Noële Nana Schaffner from sumptuous Swiss brand Nomadissem. We reflect on the creative resilience of a nation at war as we report on Ukrainian Fashion Week, hear the esoteric sounds of Portuguese musician Ana Lua Caian…
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Pilots are sometimes superstitious, and Jackie Cochran, one of the first female pilots in the American Air Force, is no exception… She is never injured and never has an accident. Her luck seems endless. But there is a reason for this, a necklace assembling a variety of lucky charms into a single object. A charm necklace…a piece of jewelry said to b…
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There’s something enchanting about jewelry. Some pieces more than others… Imagine a bracelet with the power to win the favor of the gods, an amulet that makes someone fall in love, and a ring that brings eternal life! Down through the centuries, some of history’s greatest men and women have used talismans in their quest for sovereignty or protectio…
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As crisp, golden leaves begin swirling in the air, it’s time to reboot our energy. That’s why this episode has a restorative theme: we discuss the future of dermatology with pioneering doctor Emma Craythorne, join the Sauna Social Club in London as it brings music to the hot-box and talk about the legacy of nurse Florence Nightingale. Plus: the bea…
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The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures… Eiichiro Oda’s manga One Piece is one of the most popular manga in the history of comics. In typical shonen fashion - a shonen is a tale of adventure and initiation – One Piece tells the story of a young hero on a quest for nothing less than… a treasure! Discover the full season "Iconic Jew…
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The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures… Pearls have always been considered precious. Almost miraculous. According to more than one legend, they fell to Earth from the Moon! Others say that they are the fruit of thunder. Some say that they are the seed or even the tears of the gods… That is why the attempt to find the very first p…
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The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures… If I told you there is an African country whose soil harbors a mineral with amazing powers that is used for making stunning, magical objects! Well, this country does exist and is no imaginary land. And the fascinating metal that was extracted from it was none other than gold. It’s the gold …
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The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures… Our journey takes us around the world, from the Indian empire to King Louis XIV’s court in Versailles. It is one of the world’s most famous diamonds as well as probably the most intriguing. It disrupted the lives of all who approached it, including that of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, the man w…
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We dive into the heady heat of summer and journey to the remote island of Tinos to find out about its cuisine. Then: we meet Jouissance founder Cherry Cheng, who has distilled sensual stories into perfume, and we cast off to the Finnish archipelago of Turku, where summers are spent eating crayfish and taking midnight dips in the cool sea. Plus: we …
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The origins of a jewel often lie in a story of adventures… The quest of those who crossed oceans, traveled around continents and conquered our imaginations. They explored buried treasures from pre-Columbian kingdoms to the Indian Ocean, via the shores of the United Arab Emirates. A treasure quest through History with 4 episodes highlights from prev…
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Forget gold chains and big stones! One of the most sought-after accessories for male celebrities in Hollywood and elsewhere is none other than the pearl necklace! A$AP Rocky, Usher, Joe Jonas, Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, Shawn Mendes, Pharrell Williams… The list of wearers and admirers is endless. But do you know the story behind Marilyn Monro…
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It’s time to set sail and make for the coast. This month we stroll in the gardens of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, meet hotelier Valéry Grégo in Nice and reflect on the emotional power of cartography. Plus, we discover a Portuguese fashion brand that captures the spirit of the country’s breezy, joyous summers. See omnystudio.com/liste…
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Far from being round and regular, “baroque pearls” have strange and unique shapes. Long considered wonders of nature, they inspired goldsmiths throughout the Renaissance and into the Baroque and Neo-Classical periods. Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, known as the last descendent of the House of Medici, had a passion for such pearls. Voice of Jewels, a …
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Richard Burton, one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, decided to give his beloved an extraordinary piece of jewelry... For Richard’s heart belonged to a star. An immense, internationally renowned star by the name of Elizabeth Taylor. And his gift is unlike any other... It's a royal pearl, once worn by the queens of England and Spain: La Pere…
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Pearls have always been considered precious. Almost miraculous. According to more than one legend, they fell to Earth from the Moon! Others say that they are the fruit of thunder. Some say that they are the seed or even the tears of the gods… That is why the attempt to find the very first pearl is a fascinating quest, shrouded in mystery! Voice of …
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This episode reflects how early summer days are full of promise. We meet Swiss born Kia Schwaninger, whose jewellery collection is inspired by the art deco architecture of Miami, sit down with Sudanese-Dutch musician Gaidaa in Amsterdam and discuss colour and the meaning of home with purveyor and creator of paint Cassandra Ellis. Plus: historian Hi…
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Tears of Aphrodite or drops fallen from the sky, symbols of purity and majesty... Pearls have long been a source of fascination. The latest season of Voice of Jewels takes you on a journey... Meet pearl fishermen from Neolithic times, a famous Renaissance queen, and two of Hollywood’s best-loved stars. Get ready to embark on a quest to discover jew…
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Today we’re live in front of an audience at London Craft Week to explore the world of mindful manufacturing. Mud Talks, set at the Vitsoe shop in London’s Marylebone, brought together Mud Australia’s Shelley Simpson, Vitsoe’s managing director, Mark Adams and David Mellor’s creative director, Corin Mellor, to discuss the intricacies of how to balan…
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