“de Mains en mains” 2025

The 6th “de Mains en mains” took place in Lyon from November 24 to 30, 2025. Our thanks to the 7,200 visitors who came to discover jewelry professions!

A rich program

InterContinental Lyon—Hotel Dieu hosted this week-long celebration of discovery and interaction. Visitors to the Savoir-Faire Pathway had the chance to meet the Maison’s craftsmen and watch them ply their trade, while the brand-new "Les métiers autour d’une création d’exception" (The Professions behind an exceptional creation) exhibition displayed a stunning selection of creations from Van Cleef & Arpels’ heritage and the current day. The event also included lectures and roundtables focused on professional orientation and career change perspectives. L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts participated as well, offering courses, an exhibition and its L'Escarboucle bookshop.

Naissance de l'Amour automaton

Van Cleef & Arpels has stood out since its founding for the creation of precious, awe-inspiring objects. As part of this tradition, automatons epitomize a dialogue between artistic engineering, High Jewelry and the artistic crafts.

Excellence in savoir-faire

The highlight of the exhibition, the Naissance de l'Amour automaton was put on display at “de Mains en mains” 2025. The precious object combines the art of telling time with an enchanting spectacle thanks to the pooled expertise of many different professions, several of which were featured in the tour of the event.

The 2025 exhibition in pictures

Exhibition showcase
Bracelet, 1952
Bracelet, 1952
Butterfly clip, 1974
Butterfly clip, 1974
Cadenas wristwatch, 1945
Cadenas wristwatch, 1945
Long necklace, 1968
Long necklace, 1968

Spotlight on the enameler

Enamelers are craftsmen specialized in the creation of jewelry and watchmaking pieces using enamel.

Job profile

The initiative in figures

2021
creation of “de Mains en mains”
310
participating Van Cleef & Arpels employees
36000
visitors hosted over 6 years

Testimonials

"“de Mains en mains” gives us the chance to share our savoir-faire with young people. More than simple demonstrations, our workshops put kids in the shoes of gem setters, jewelers, polishers and designers, helping them discover the different steps in the jewelry production process. It’s very gratifying to see that the students appreciate the experience, and they say so.”

Mathéo gem setter
"I was very happy to experience the Savoir-Faire Pathway. I enjoyed polishing the most. This profession seemed accessible to me, and I was proud to be the first in my group to finish my piece. After the visit, I came up with a list of professions I’d like to pursue: journalist, archaeologist and... jeweler!"

Kevin 7th grade, 2022