This marks the second exhibition at the Singapore location, following its debut with "Precious Nature" earlier this year, which showcased the maison’s interpretation of natural motifs.
A Focus on Rubies
The new exhibition, titled "Ruby," offers an in-depth exploration of this singular gemstone. Unlike previous exhibitions that centered on finished jewellery designs with broader themes, "Ruby" narrows its focus to celebrate and examine rubies in all their forms.
Educational and Immersive Experience
"Ruby" is the first exhibition at Les Jardins Secrets to be presented by L’École, the school of jewellery arts founded with Van Cleef & Arpels' support. Olivier Segura, managing director of L’École’s Asia Pacific arm, explains that the school aims to invite the public to discover and learn about jewellery—from its art historical aspects to the artisanal crafts and gemological details.
Part of the “Discover the Gemstones” series, "Ruby" will guide visitors through the journey of rubies from rough, uncut stones to polished gems that adorn high jewellery creations.
Global Origins and Gemological Insights
The exhibition features ruby samples from deposits and mines around the world, including renowned sources like Myanmar (Burma) and newer ones such as Greenland. Visitors can observe how rubies appear in their natural state, still embedded in their mother rock, before they are extracted, cut, and polished.
The scenography of the exhibition enhances its gemological focus, with microscope photographs by award-winning photomicrographer Billie Hughes. These images provide a detailed view of the fascinating inclusions and crystal structures of ruby gemstones.
High Jewellery Creations
Complementing the scientific and educational displays are ruby-centric high jewellery creations by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Maison has curated a selection of pieces from its archives and private collectors that showcase the brilliance and versatility of rubies in its designs.
One standout piece is a brooch featuring star rubies from the Maison’s archives. Star rubies exhibit an optical effect that reflects light in a six-rayed star pattern, making them some of the most prized gemstones. This brooch is set with nine cabochon star rubies, framed by diamonds in a floral design with trailing diamond fringes, each anchored by oval cabochon star rubies.
"Ruby" will run from July 29 to October 20, 2024, at Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels, located in the Raffles Hotel Arcade. Admission is complimentary, and visitors can register for entry. This exhibition promises to be a captivating experience for gem enthusiasts and jewellery lovers alike, offering a rare glimpse into the world of rubies through the lens of one of the most prestigious jewellery Maisons.