RIYADH: The director of a French jewelry school praised Saudi designers and the Kingdom’s growing creative scene after a recent event held in Riyadh.
“It is amazing to see how they take inspiration from their heritage, whether it’s from architecture, traditional motifs or patrimony jewelry, and reflect this in their own designs,” Sophie Claudel, director of L’Ecole Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts, told Arab News.
The event took place at the French ambassador’s residence with a discussion about diamonds, art and science, led by Caroline Boneti and Laetitia Gilles-Guery, both lecturers and gemologists from L’Ecole School of Jewelry Arts, Paris.
As a frequent visitor to the Kingdom, Claudel said she is always impressed with the creativity and passion of Saudi Arabia’s jewelry designers, highlighting the way they embrace culture in their designs.
“It’s also wonderful to see the incorporation of materials and stones taken from their past, such as pearls, lapis lazuli, coral, gold and of course diamonds.
“Jewelry plays a vital role across all cultures and a pivotal part across history, craftsmanship and true know-how. It really is a fascinating world once you start to learn about it.”
She emphasized Saudi Arabia’s growing artistic movement, an evolution that is a very important moment of history.
“It will for sure contribute more and more to global conversations around jewelry culture in the future,” she said.
L’Ecole Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts, is supported by Van Cleef and Arpels, a French jewelry brand.
The school organized courses last year during the AlUla Arts Festival, and this week’s talk at the French ambassador’s residence.
Claudel said the school has plans to broaden its horizons in Jeddah, AlUla and Riyadh.
“We cannot wait to collaborate with Saudi cultural institutions to fuel the curiosity and passion for jewelry arts in the Kingdom.
“We were proud to host our first talk for L’Ecole Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts in Riyadh at the French ambassador’s residence.
“This was a very symbolic moment for us as it demonstrates our long-standing friendship and the support of connecting dialogues between France, the home of our maison, and the Kingdom.”
