This article first appeared in the JNA March/April 2024 issue.

L’ÉCOLE Asia-Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts, which is supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, is eyeing fresh initiatives towards its mandate to provide comprehensible gemmological education that is within reach of trade professionals and the public alike. Olivier Segura, managing director of L’ÉCOLE Asia-Pacific, sits down with JNA to shine the spotlight on the institute’s innovative courses and partnerships in 2024.

JNA: Name at least three of L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific’s significant accomplishments in the past year.

Olivier Segura: One milestone is the opening of L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific’s 7th exhibition, “An Eye for Beauty, the Illuminata Jewelry Collection.” It was one of two successful exhibitions in 2023 that featured works of art never before shown to the public. We are also back to full capacity post-pandemic. In addition, we launched new courses in 2023, including Diamond Grading, which is a rising favourite among students, as well as new jewellery workshops for students aged 13 to 17.

JNA: What were the most sought-after courses in 2023 and what do these indicate in terms of consumer awareness of and appreciation for jewellery in the region?

Segura: Our courses are based on three pillars – Savoir Faire, Art History of Jewelry and The World of Gemstones. This gives students an introductory understanding of the jewellery world through several aspects. Gemmology classes, where students learn the different characteristics of gemstones, are always popular. Savoir-Faire is also sought after since it offers hands-on experience in our Design Studio or Atelier. Diamond Grading, meanwhile, helps consumers understand the qualities of diamonds. L’ÉCOLE is open to anyone – collectors and beginners, including young people. We also offer a vast resource of educational materials.

JNA: L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific opened its third permanent campus in Shanghai in September 2023. How is the market response in China?

Segura: The general feedback was positive as many courses and conversations were fully booked in our first week. We also opened a permanent campus in Dubai, which hosts free exhibitions and talks. Courses will be offered beginning 2024. We likewise conduct talks, workshops and ‘nomadic’ schools in other cities like Lyon and Seoul. Overall, our aim is to provide more accessible educational programmes across the globe.

JNA: What will be the focus of L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific moving forward with you as managing director?

Segura: We plan to develop new research projects in Hong Kong, which has a long jewellery history. Extensive research will fuel our future content programmes and make them more relevant to local audiences. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with varied institutions, museums and organisations to explore other educational formats like exhibitions, research and more.

JNA: Are new courses/materials in the works? What fresh initiatives can we expect in 2024?

Segura: We are always working on new topics, supported by our research programmes from Paris to Hong Kong. We are now developing a course on Jade; and Pearls & Mother of Pearls, and preparing our next exhibition, which promises a fresh visitor experience. This is in partnership with an educational institution in Hong Kong. Moreover, we are translating L’ÉCOLE publications to Chinese, the latest of which is “Discover Gems.” We launched our first publication in Traditional and Simplified Chinese, “The Art of The Jeweler,” in 2022 and it has been our best seller since.

JNA: How crucial is the role of educational institutions in the jewellery trade today where information is easily accessible online?

Segura: Information has become easier to access online nowadays, but it cannot always be trusted. At L’ÉCOLE, we have a Scientific Council tasked to develop educational content based on years of research. Our team of experts, meanwhile, teaches lessons using easy-to-understand concepts for a broad range of students. The in-person experience is also unique. Dialogues and interactions are critical to learning and understanding topics such as jewellery art and history. Savoir Faire and gemmology courses, meanwhile, require hands-on experience. L’ECOLE was founded in Paris 11 years ago by Van Cleef & Arpels and the idea was to transmit expert knowledge on gems and jewellery to students using materials prepared by professionals designed for beginners. This makes our role evermore critical in today’s jewellery industry.