Remix founder Tim Phin visits Paris with Van Cleef & Arpels
As far as Remix Founder Tim Phin, is concerned, Paris is always a good idea—especially when the itinerary includes a glimpse at the workings of one of the world’s most revered jewellery workshops.
When I was invited to Van Cleef & Arpels’ L’Ecole School of Jewellery Arts in Paris, I had the highest expectations. This Maison is quite literally a master of its craft—something proven by the hands investing thousands of hours of time and skill into each piece of its latest collection. The location is a secret, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, almost like a hidden world of luxury. But stepping into this space was like entering the heart of high jewellery, where enduring legacies, precision craftsmanship, and avant-garde artistry join as one.
It’s hard to describe what it’s like to witness jewellery being created at this level. L’Ecole is where Van Cleef & Arpels’ rich heritage comes alive—a place where the brand’s virtues are passed down through generations of makers. Watching them, you could tell it wasn’t just about the finished piece; it was about the years of expertise and passion that went into each piece created by their hands. The jewellers here let me in on their secrets; the four C’s, for one, which translate to cut, clarity, colour and carat, are the most important considerations for any stone, and I learned how they understand the emotion of a stone—that is, what stones might conjure different emotions in the wearer.
While I was there, I had the chance to see the Maison’s recent Treasure Island high jewellery collection in the making, but what stood out to me wasn’t just the exquisite pieces; it was the sense of reverence and dedication to the craft that defined the experience. There’s something remarkable about seeing how each design comes together—how a vision, a story, and a material all merge to create something extraordinary. The Hispaniola Clip and Poissons Mystérieux were breathtaking, but even more so was the knowledge that these pieces were being made by true masters, carrying forward centuries of skill and creativity.
It’s probably no surprise that what made this experience so unforgettable, alongside an excuse to visit Paris, was not just the beauty of the jewellery but the sheer talent that creating it. There’s something incredibly humbling about witnessing that level of dedication and artistry that results in pieces as finite and exquisite as Van Cleef & Arpels are known to produce. L’Ecole is a place where you don’t just learn about jewellery—you understand the soul of it: the years of skill and passion it takes to turn raw materials into something truly extraordinary. To see it all unfold in front of you is an experience that most never get to have, and one I’m sure I’ll never forget.
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