The exhibition represents the fourth part in the “Through the Eyes of a Connoisseur” series, in line with the previous editions, including Inaugural 20th-century American Jewelry Collection in New York (2018), followed by treasures from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (L’ÉCOLE Middle East, Dubai, 2018), and the prestigious Art Nouveau pieces curated by Kazumi Arikawa (L’ÉCOLE Japan, Tokyo, 2019). 

Featuring around 50 diverse creations, the exhibition represents a fusion of Western and Eastern aesthetics. It showcases European and Chinese masterpieces, reflecting the expertise of a private collector and connoisseur. Visitors discover the concept of beauty from different cultures over 300 years of art history. 

The exhibition is divided into three chapters, each representing a unique facet of the collector’s passionate journey. All pieces come from the Illuminata Collection, except for the first section.

The main section features approximately 40 pieces of Western jewelry from the 18th and 19th centuries, spanning styles from the Baroque, Victorian, Belle Époque, and Edwardian eras.

In addition, a selection of contemporary pieces by renowned designers such as JAR and Carnet is on display, highlighting the intimate connection between jewelry and the wearer’s body. To illustrate this personal dimension, three ladies' garments are paired with precious ornaments, revealing the freedom that collectors possess in expressing their personal style with jewelry.

The last section of “An Eye for Beauty, the Illuminata Jewelry Collection”, devoted to Qing court jewels, provides an overview of the heritage and its evolution across generations. Traditional Chinese pieces are displayed, for example a beautiful Amber chi-dragon pendant or a Jadeite pendant, combining tourmaline, jadeite, pearls and silk.

The exhibition is led by Nicolas Luchsinger, President of Van Cleef & Arpels Asia Pacific, with valuable contributions from Mathilde Rondouin, Art Historian at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.

L'ÉCOLE invites visitors to immerse themselves into the enchanting world of “An Eye for Beauty, the Illuminata Jewelry Collection”. They will discover the captivating stories behind these extraordinary pieces, which are being unveiled to the public for the very first time.