The Power of Jewelry: Amulets, Talismans and Lucky Charms

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Discover the wealth of legends associated with talisman jewels. You will discover the powers which stones have been believed to harbor and their meanings, as well as superstitions attached to animals and planets.

The history and geography will take you on a voyage through centuries and civilizations; you will learn how designs and collections made by famous jewelers have derived inspiration from this mysterious parallel universe of the imagination. This course will make you discover the evolution of the jewel from different angles: history, culture, style, symbolism…

An amulet is a lucky object, known for its protective meaning. While every culture has its positive motifs, Luck itself also has universal attributes. From the Great Mughals to Napoleon, from Catherine de Medici to Elizabeth Taylor, all were fascinated by the legends and beliefs associate with talisman jewels.

Notes:

• This course is taught in English by two art historians.
• You are welcomed by your lecturer before the class starts: a chance to meet each other and share experiences
• You don’t need to bring any specific material
• A certificate is given at the end of the class
• After each class, lecturers deliver a list of books, podcasts, websites, museums related to the course attended