Bagues d'Homme de Yves Gastou, Van Cleef Arpels

L'ECOLE VAN CLEEF ARPELS can always be depended upon for astonishing exhibits. Run, don't walk to see the ring collection of YVES GASTOU. His gallery of rare antiques is still on 12, rue Bonaparte next to the school of Beaux Arts. But 669 rings from his collection of a thousand can be seen for the first time at l'Ecole, 6, rue Danielle Casanova until 30 November. Above the pink topaz of a bishop.

'Jewelry is a talisman, becoming part of the wearer just as it bestows strength and confidence'.

Monsieur Gastou at the opening

There are seven themes in his collection. Here neoclassical rings. Other themes represented; chivalry (signet rings), Gothic, religion, vanitas, ethnic jewelry and curiosities.

An amazing display for the rings is in the shape of a medieval cross, especially designed by interior architect Jérome Thénot.

Gastou grew up near CARCASSONE. Medieval themes of Jean d'Arc and armor abound.

I spent only a week drawing in Carcassone last year and felt positively medieval. Growing up nearby could definitely make one prone to myths, heraldry and armor.

These turret rings - did they hide poisons..? Every ring in the collection tells a story.

Some rings date back to Egypt. Gastou was given his first ring at age four. He started collecting seriously at sixteen.

Moroccan ethnic rings.

A surprise to see university or even high school signet rings.

And quite a collection of 70s biker's rings

The top of this ring opens to hold who knows what?

The hor d'oeuvres at l'ECOLE VAN CLEEF ARPELS are always jewel-like. They offer a host of excellent jewelry classes at all levels.

I did wonder briefly whether M. Gastou ever considered collecting the toy rings inside Cracker Jack boxes. Somehow I think not... a riveting experience to visit this exhibit and very highly recommended.Thanks for reading Parisbreakfast. If you'd like to receive Parisbreakfast letters, maps and watercolors in your mailbox 📮, look in my Etsy shop. 

Bonne Vendredi PBers!