This is a tour report of places you'll want to visit if you're visiting Paris. On the final day of the trip, we'll visit the high jeweler maison at Place Vendôme, the heart of Paris.

■ Visiting the Atelier, the Heart of Van Cleef & Arpels

Place Vendôme, built during the reign of Louis XIV, is a beautiful octagonal square surrounded by historic buildings and is also a global center of high jewelry. Among the many jewelers, Van Cleef & Arpels is known for its outstanding craftsmanship and artistry.

We were given special permission to enter the Atelier, the heart of the maison, and report on our visit to the new salon, which just opened in February.



Our first stop was the atelier, which could be considered the heart of the Maison. Approximately 40 artisans known as "main d'or" (golden hands) create jewelry here every day, and the works of art they create continue to fascinate people from all over the world. The atelier, which underwent a complete renovation over a two-year period, is now a spacious 360 square meters, with all workshops grouped together on one floor under the Parisian sky. The atelier was built at the highest point of the building, reflecting the importance of natural light in jewelry production and the respect for the artisans who create the jewelry that is the life and soul of the Maison. Each step of the process is carried out in the light that pours in through the wide glass roof.







We toured the workshops separated by production processes, such as design, stone setting, and polishing, and witnessed the outstanding craftsmanship synonymous with the Maison, such as mystery settings and zip necklaces. We were reminded that it is the high technical ability and passion of each artisan that makes the enduring creativity of this unique high jeweler possible.

■A new destination on Place Vendôme

After experiencing the craftsmanship, we headed to the new salon at 20 Place Vendôme. Upon entering, we were greeted by a tranquil, sophisticated space decorated in muted colors, where numerous collections created by Maindor and others were displayed. The space, designed by the Juan Manck Agency, which also worked on the Eiffel Tower and the restaurants at Plaza Athénée, has an air of calm and secluded space, with embroidered leaves on the ceiling and reliefs of butterflies and birds. A staircase made of Parisian limestone connects the two floors, and visitors can view exhibitions of past collections, including heritage pieces, in addition to contemporary works.






Next time, we will visit CHAUMET, the jeweler of love and emotion.