In the 9e arrondissement of Paris, a stone’s throw from Drouot, the Opéra-Comique or the Musée Grévin, a new cultural venue has opened its doors : at 16 bis Boulevard Montmartre, L’École des Arts Joailliers has just moved into the sumptuous Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau.
This new address is home to a library, an exhibition space, introductory jewellery workshops and now L’Escarboucle, a bookshop specialising in jewellery, the very first of its kind in Paris !
Article produced in collaboration with L’École des Arts Joailliers
A bookshop specialising in jewellery
With the opening of its new bookshop, L’Escarboucle, L’École des Arts Joailliers is taking the next step in spreading jewellery culture. Designed as a showcase, this warm, intimate venue is devoted entirely to jewellery and the art of jewellery.
The only bookshop in Paris dedicated to this theme, L’Escarboucle is the new meeting point for anyone wanting to learn more about jewellery or find a great gift for a loved one.
Why the name ” L’Escarboucle “?
Of course, this unusual name was not chosen at random! It comes from the Latin ” carbunculus ” which means ” little ember “, a term that has long been used to describe bright red gemstones such as ruby or spinel.
3,000 books referenced
On the shelves of this bookshop like no other, 3,000 books echo the world of jewellery. While most of the references are directly related to jewellery, the bookshop is also open to fields that interact with that of jewellery, such as fauna, flora, poetry, philosophy, the history of taste or collectors.
For example, there’s Marguerite de Cerval’s Dictionnaire international du bijou, L’herbier merveilleux by Jean-Michel Othoniel, and even Tintin et les Bijoux de la Castafiore by Hergé. A broad and assertive choice to spark everyone’s interest in jewellery through literature; from the curious to professionals in the trade.
More than a bookshop
More than just a bookshop, L’Escarboucle is above all a space where you feel good. The interior was designed by interior architect and scenographer Constance Guisset, using refined materials.
At the back of the bookshop is a small alcove where you can take time out to leaf through a book, while a few precious objects are displayed at the entrance like a small cabinet of curiosities.
Received ideas about jewellery, a new book to discover the world of jewellery
Since 2016, L’École des Arts Joailliers has been pursuing a publishing activity. In eight years, some sixty books have been published and can be discovered at L’Escarboucle. Among them, Idées reçues sur le bijou, a book that has just been published and dispels preconceived ideas about jewellery.
Co-authored by a team of professors and experts from L’École des Arts Joailliers under the direction of Guillaume Glorieux, this book explores the many facets of jewellery while deconstructing the stereotypes that are often associated with it, as an invitation to rethink everything we think we know about jewellery because jewellery is not just a simple accessory or luxury symbol, it carries stories, beliefs, and much deeper meanings.
Why is jewellery seen as an exclusively feminine or frivolous object? Is jewellery necessarily expensive and precious? Are diamonds really eternal? Is a grain of sand enough to create a pearl?… Through enriching, illustrated analyses, the authors plunge us into the history, the material and the know-how that shape each creation.
This book is for anyone who wants to look beyond appearances and discover a rich and fascinating world. Whether you are an amateur, curious or passionate about jewellery, Idées reçues sur le bijou invites you to see jewellery in a new light.
Idées reçues sur le bijou
276 pages
Editions Le Cavalier Bleu – L’École des Arts Joailliers
En savoir +
The École des Arts Joailliers : a centre of excellence
Created in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels to share jewellery culture with as many people as possible, L’École des Arts Joailliers gives everyone a foot in the world of jewellery.
Free exhibitions to share the art of jewellery
The School offers two exhibitions a year accessible free of charge, subject to booking. The next exhibition, ” Paris, Capitale de la Perle “, will open on November 21 and will be on view until March 23, 2025.
Fine pearls, platinum, Private Collection, Courtesy of the Albion Art Institute © Albion Art Jewellery Institute
Courses and conferences
Alongside the exhibitions, L’École regularly organises conferences, offered online or at L’École.
To take things a step further, small group classes offer the chance to learn more about jewellery. These include introductions to traditional techniques such as stone cutting or setting, as well as courses in the history of jewellery, gemmology… Each of these courses is taught by experts, jewellers, gemologists or art historians who share a passion for their craft.
A library dedicated to the jewellery arts
Accessible free of charge, the L’École des Arts Joailliers library brings together 6,000 books ranging from antiquarian books to exhibition catalogues, specialist press, university theses and sales catalogues. These books can be consulted by appointment in three magnificent rooms.
Don’t hesitate to discover this place of exchange and culture where jewellery is revealed in all its facets.
Practical information
Address:
16 bis boulevard Montmartre
Paris, 9th arrondissement
Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm
Article produced in collaboration with L’École des Arts Joailliers
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel