From December 4th, 2026, to June 13th, 2027, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts presents its new exhibition “The Emerald Routes” at the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau in Paris. At the crossroads of history and gemology, this exhibition invites visitors to discover how emeralds have circulated worldwide since antiquity and given rise to exceptional creations of jewelry.
From historic mines to cutting and trading centers, the exhibition reveals how emeralds have traveled among continents in commerce, conquest, and diplomacy, with Europe as a hub.
It also highlights the scientific analysis that have helped identify the geographic origins of emeralds and thus to reconstruct former trade routes.
The exhibition brings together historic jewelry, gemstones, minerals, sketches, paintings, and archival materials, including several jewels on public display for the first time.
Orb from “Nuestra Señora de Atocha” Treasure, early 17th century
Gold and Colombian Emeralds
Atocha Collection by Muzo Emerald Colombia
© Photo: L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts – Nils Herrmann
Portrait of Archduke Ernest of Austria, end of 16th century
Engraved Colombian Emerald Cameo, 9,06 ct
Greens of Cheltenham Collection
© Photo: L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Nils Herrmann
Pendant, 19th century
Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Sapphire, Pearl, and Engraved Mughal Emerald (probably 18th century), 36,29 ct
Private Collection
© Reserved Rights
Earings, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1949
Platinum, Diamonds, and Emeralds
Private Collection
© Reserved Rights
Emerald Crystal in Bedrock
Musée de Minéralogie de L’Ecole des Mines Paris PSL, ENSMP 6334
© Photo: Musée de Minéralogie de L’École des Mines Paris, PSL E. Gaillou
