A stunning new exhibition dedicated to the allure of rubies is now open in Singapore, running until October 20, 2024. Titled “Ruby”, the show is organized by L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts, at the Van Cleef & Arpels’ Les Jardins Secrets, located in the historic Raffles Hotel Singapore.
Launched on July 29, the exhibition is part of the “Discover the Gemstones” series and offers visitors a unique journey into the natural beauty of rubies, from their origins deep within the Earth to the hands of master gem cutters. Through over 20 displays, the exhibition follows the life of these remarkable gems long before they are transformed into exquisite jewelry, showcasing the harmonious blend of nature’s wonders and human artistry.
One of the most beloved gemstones, rubies derive their vibrant red color from chromium within corundum, a mineral whose name comes from the Latin word “ruber”, meaning “red”. But beyond their striking appearance, rubies carry a rich story that connects us to the very core of our planet. For gemologists, rubies are more than just beautiful gems — they are a testament to the wonders of nature, revealing Earth’s geological history through their formation and unique inclusions.
The exhibition invites visitors to explore the fascinating world of rubies. By examining the intersection between gemstones and the art of fine jewelry, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, furthers its mission to promote the culture of jewelry to a broad audience, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.
In addition to showcasing a selection of High Jewelry pieces from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection, the exhibition also features archival documents, exceptional loans from private collectors, and raw mineral specimens from Lotus Gemology, Pala International, and L’ÉCOLE’s own collection.
To accompany the exhibition, L’ÉCOLE has produced a special booklet for visitors titled “Photomicrography: Intersection of Art & Science”. The booklet explores the intersection of gemstones, nature, art, science, and gemological expertise, with contributions from experts such as Billie Hughes and Richard Hughes (Lotus Gemology) and Paolo Minieri (IGR – Italian Gemological Review).
