from November 21 to 28, 2026

Stone Expertise

BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

Focus on the 6th edition

The “de Mains en mains” initiative is coming back to Lyon from November 21 to 28, 2026.

This year, the event will highlight the Maison’s expertise in the field of stonesthrough its various professions, as well as the Mystery Set technique, patented in 1933. This week of discovery and interaction will include: Savoir-Faire Pathway, giving visitors the chance to meet Van Cleef & Arpels craftsmen, a brand-new exhibition of heritage and contemporary creations illustrating the Maison’s expertise and creativity, as well as lectures, roundtables and more.

A brand-new program about stone expertise

Built around four main themes, the "de Mains en mains" event aims to help you discover more about the jewelry professions

During the Savoir-Faire Pathway, artisans share their daily lives and experiences. The discovery takes place across six areas, each dedicated to a craft: Gouache Painter, 3D Designer, Polisher, Stone Expert, Jeweler, and Gem-setter.

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Delve into the Maison’s palette of materials and colors with the "Stone Expertise by Van Cleef & Arpels" exhibition. You can explore a stone expert’s “mental library,” the cerebral catalogue of gems developed through years of observation.

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The Maison’s Human Resources teams present round tables co-moderated by representatives of training centers and professional organizations.

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To continue exploring the world of jewelry making, book a course or a workshop with L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.

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Programmation

Filters

Exhibition

The exhibition

Visitors delve into the Maison’s palette of materials and colors with the Stone Expertise by Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition. They explore a ...

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Exhibition

The exhibition

Visitors delve into the Maison’s palette of materials and colors with the Stone Expertise by Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition. They explore a stone expert’s “mental library,” the cerebral catalogue of gems developed through years of observation.

Book now
Round tables

Round Tables

The Maison’s Human Resources teams present round tables co-moderated by representatives of training centers and professional organizations.

Book now

Round tables

Round Tables

The Maison’s Human Resources teams present round tables co-moderated by representatives of training centers and professional organizations.

Book now
Pathway

Savoir-Faire Pathway and Exhibition

Discover the Mystery Set technique through demonstrations by the Maison's experts and artisans.

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Pathway

Savoir-Faire Pathway and Exhibition

Discover the Mystery Set technique through demonstrations by the Maison's experts and artisans.

Book now
Courses

Make your Vanity Case (9-11 years old)

In this creative workshop, children make their own vanity case and decorate it in their own style, inspired by Art Deco.

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Courses

Make your Vanity Case (9-11 years old)

In this creative workshop, children make their own vanity case and decorate it in their own style, inspired by Art Deco.

Book now
Talks

Meeting with an enameler

Discover the profession of an enameler during this encounter with Philippe Ratinaud, enameler and teacher at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts...

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Talks

Meeting with an enameler

Discover the profession of an enameler during this encounter with Philippe Ratinaud, enameler and teacher at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.

Book now
Talks

Meeting with a stone cutter

Discover the profession of a stone cutter during this encounter with Anaëlle Cadario, teacher of lapidary art at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry ...

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Talks

Meeting with a stone cutter

Discover the profession of a stone cutter during this encounter with Anaëlle Cadario, teacher of lapidary art at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.

Book now

The presented professions

Lapidary

Lapidaries cut and polish stones, either precious (diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds), or ornamental (turquoise, lapis lazuli, onyx, etc.).

DISCOVER
Jeweler

Jewelers shape jewelry pieces made from precious metal (gold or platinum), often adorned with stones.

DISCOVER
Stone expert

Equipped with expert knowledge of precious and ornamental stones, they purchase and select gemstones to breathe life into future creations.

DISCOVER
Designer

Using sketchwork, designers imagine new creations around a central theme set out by the Maison’s Artistic Director. This is the first step in the creative process.

DISCOVER
Gem setter

The role of gem setters is to adorn jewelry pieces with stones, either precious (diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds), or ornamental (turquoise, lapis lazuli, onyx, etc.).

DISCOVER

Practical information

Access the event

Access

Tram T1 / Metro A & D / Bus Guillotière, Bellecour & Cordeliers
Hours

The event is open from Nov. 21 to 28, from 10AM to 6PM, depending on the areas
Ticketing

Access to the event is free and requires an online reservation

Map

"de Mains en mains" is held at the InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, 20 Quai Jules Courmont, 69002 Lyon, in the Académie space within the "Cour du Cloître".
You can access it via Rue de la Barre, Rue Bellecordière, Quai Jules Courmont, and Place de l'Hôpital.

A question?

We strongly recommend reserving your ticket to ensure admission to the exhibition and Savoir-Faire Pathway. However, if your preferred time slot is sold out, you can still ask at the welcome desk: should room become available, we will be happy to welcome you!

Visitors set their own pace, and generally spend between one and two hours exploring the Savoir-Faire Pathway, depending on their level of interest. The visit continues with the exhibition, which takes around 30 minutes.

Reservations are individual. Please book a ticket for each visitor.

If the round table you wish to attend is listed as full, come to the venue 15 minutes before the session begins. Should space become available, we will make every effort to accommodate you. Otherwise, you can still visit the career guidance area, where members of the Van Cleef & Arpels HR team, representatives of partner jewelry schools, and agents of the French national employment agency will provide you with information tailored to your career goals.

“de Mains en mains” aspires to promote transmission of savoir-faire and to highlight professions rooted in craftsmanship. As such, all audiences are welcome to discover the exhibition and Savoir-Faire Pathways.

Discover the FAQ