Following its debut in Paris and subsequent showings in Lyon, Seoul, and Shanghai, the exhibition arrives in Dubai, offering Middle Eastern audiences insights on a remarkable experimental archaeology research project, focusing on the recreation of a Celtic gold torque, a kind of neck collar, created more than 2,000 years ago, to rediscover lost goldsmithing techniques of early craftsmen from the Second Iron Age (450-25 BCE).

Research is one of the key educational pillars of L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, and lies at the heart of the new L’ÉCOLE Campus in Sharjah, set to open in 2029. This exhibition presents the result of a research project at the crossroads of archaeology, the history of techniques, and goldsmithing craftsmanship.

Visitors are invited to discover this unique presentation, created in partnership with the Centre archéologique de Montans and the Musée d’Archéologie nationale, and made possible thanks to the work of Antoine Legouy, Goldsmith Master Chaser, in collaboration with Barbara Armbruster, archaeologist and goldsmith, and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and Grégory Weinstock, Van Cleef & Arpels' Director of High Jewelry Métiers.

In partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Athar Dubai, the exhibition is accompanied by interactive savoir-faire demonstrations, as well as panel discussions, talks, podcast and workshops. Together, these activities invite visitors to explore the history, craftsmanship, and archaeology of gold, connecting the craftsmanship of the Celtic torque to the treasures found in the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site.

"This exhibition centres around research, a key educational path for L'ÉCOLE, by uncovering the goldsmithing techniques of an archaeological replica, a gold necklace from the Iron Age. Developed through a process of close collaboration across L'ÉCOLE’s researchers, jewellery historians and archaeologists, it serves as a significant presentation to bring jewellery knowledge and education to the public. We are excited to bring this exhibition to our Middle East audiences and create a meaningful connection with the artistic heritage of the region’s goldsmithing traditions and archaeological finds, through our especially curated cultural programme."says Sophie Claudel, Director of L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts – MEIAT

Tools and mastery

Visitors discover the lost techniques and craftsmanship of goldsmithing through infographics and tools, unveiling the display of the 24K gold torque reproduced faithfully to the original, alongside the tools and materials used in its creation, with each intricate detail step-by-step.

The documentary films retracing the recreation of the Torque of Montans is screened, with archaeologists, goldsmiths, and researchers discuss Celtic metalworking traditions, the social symbolism of the torque, and the sophisticated techniques required for its fabrication.

From seeing to experiencing

While preserving the content of the original presentation in Paris, the Dubai exhibition, “Recreating Gesture: Crafting a Gold Necklace from the Iron Age”, proposes a specially designed interactive experience for everyone. Visitors will have the opportunity to experiment with goldsmithing techniques firsthand, handling tools, feeling their weight, and transforming metal under guided instructions from L’ÉCOLE’s jewelers and lecturers.

To go further, visitors are invited to discover L'ÉCOLE's Podcast, "Voice of Jewels" within the exhibition space, through three episodes translated in Arabic. Each episode offers a delightful ten-minute foray through the history of gold through centuries and cultures. The translated episodes will be accessible to regional audiences, unveiling the stories and secrets behind history's most fascinating jewels.

To extend the exhibition experience, L’ÉCOLE has also curated a special cultural programme, inviting audiences to move from observation to hands-on experience, with the heritage of goldsmithing at their fingertips. The programme will connect the Celtic torque with the heritage of goldsmithing techniques in the region, and the explorative archaeological findings across the UAE.

L’ÉCOLE will host a series of cultural programmes through immersive visits titled “Jewels and Journeys” with partner museums and archaeological institutions across Dubai, Al Ain and Sharjah, to delve deeper into the history and archaeology of the region, while exploring goldsmithing heritage and traditions.

Transmission

Since 2012, the mission for L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, is to transmit and share the knowledge and culture of jewellery. It has organised initiatives around the world to foster dialogues, build bridges between the arts and weave ties between cultures. Through its various educational paths: courses, talks, exhibitions, books, research and podcast, L’ÉCOLE has positively encouraged discussions, inspired younger generations, and created spaces and artistic partnerships to broaden horizons across global communities.

Practical information

Dates: November 5th, 2026 to April 24th, 2027

Times: Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 19:00. Savoir-faire workshops for 5 days a month from November 2025 to April 2027.

Address: L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Dubai Design District (d3) Building 10, ground floor

Free admission, although registration is recommended.

About L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

Established in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts aims to introduce the public to all aspects of jewellery culture through various activities: courses, workshops, talks, exhibitions, books and podcast.

The courses are open to everyone, with no prerequisites: complete beginners as well as enlightened amateurs, collectors and those with a curiosity for the world of jewelry. Students experiment with gestures, skills and tools, guided by their lecturers – art historians, gemologists and craftsmen.

Programmes at L’ÉCOLE cover three main areas: the history of jewellery, the world of gemstones and savoir-faire.

L’ÉCOLE is deeply committed to research as a core component of its activities. A dozen research programmes have been initiated since 2017 on a variety of subjects, enabling to deepen the understanding of jewellery culture and its history across all the educational content developed and taught at L’ÉCOLE, in all its forms.

L’ÉCOLE now has four permanent addresses: in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai. In line with its worldwide locations, L’ÉCOLE established its Middle Eastern campus in Dubai at d3 in April 2024. All proceeds from L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s public courses and talks are donated to Dubai Cares to support youth education programmes, underscoring the school’s commitment to social responsibility and youth empowerment.

Moreover, since its inception, L'ÉCOLE regularly travels abroad, in Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East, for talks, exhibitions or travelling course programs that can last one to three weeks. L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts therefore contributes to the promotion and visibility of jewellery culture on an international scale.

For more information: www.lecolevancleefarpels.com/me