I just returned from a quick trip to Paris.  Once I had loaded up on hard-to-find French pharmacy favorites….. (Sorry for the photo quality)

…and indulged in lots of food, wine and beautiful sweets…

…and shopped at fun Parisian stores like Merci, Colette, Isabel Marant, visiting Celine’s Flagship store…

..I was fortunate to attend L’ École Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA). The legendary Parisian jeweler runs jewelry education classes and since I learned of the program, I have been eager to attend. The school is located in the storied Place Vendome the brand’s the famous store and is located in an incredible townhouse. My class on investigating stones was held on the school’s 1-year anniversary and we were greeted with champagne to celebrate. Our professor, Dominique Dufermont, is a top VCA gemologist and it was pleasure to learn from him.  We always struggle to find the perfect stones for projects and I was always under the impression that VCA would have their pick of fine stones from vendors all over world.  However, Dominique said that finding the right stones is the biggest challenge for Van Cleef as well.  They attend the same gemstones shows and visit the same vendors.

Can’t wait to go back to attend more of them! Here’s a peek of the classroom and the incredible building.