Shine of jewellery in shrine of education: AUS, L’ÉCOLE ally
- Last updated: March 1, 2025 | 09:17
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
As part of its commitment to global outreach and fostering transformative partnerships, American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, the globally renowned institution whose mission is to introduce the public to jewellery culture. The strategic partnership aims to bridge academia and the jewellery arts, offering AUS students and faculty access to industry expertise and hands-on learning experiences across L’ÉCOLE’s three pillars: the history of jewellery, the world of gemstones and the savoir faire of jewellery-making techniques.
The collaboration enables AUS students to have the opportunity to attend a variety of L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s specialised courses and gain practical insights by participating in courses, workshops, talks, exhibitions and networking events. AUS faculty also will benefit from professional development and knowledge exchange through opportunities that emerge from L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s global network and branches. The partnership has an academic cooperation aspect since it enables joint research projects, guest lectures and mentorship programmes. The agenda will also foster industry-academia engagement through co-hosted events.
L’ÉCOLE Middle East hopes to engage with AUS students and faculty on present and future initiatives, to ensure a continuous exchange of knowledge and expertise that enriches both the academic and professional development of the AUS community. Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Tod Laursen, AUS Chancellor said: “This agreement with L’ÉCOLE Middle East aligns with our strategic vision of providing students with global learning experiences, while ensuring our faculty remain at the forefront of industry knowledge and innovation.
“Partnerships like this reinforce AUS’ position as a hub where academic excellence intersects with industry leadership, empowering our students and faculty to shape the future of creative and cultural industries.” Alessandro Maffi, President of Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East and India, said: “The alliance of two esteemed institutions is a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ values of transmission, providing access of the jewellery culture to the widest possible audience.”
Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, said that “as 2025 is the UAE Year of Community, embracing this educational exchange exemplifies our commitment to fostering and engaging with different communities in higher education and research, to spread educational excellence and cultural collaboration. By bridging the gap between the academic world and the jewellery culture, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of creatives, providing them with unparalleled access to knowledge and expertise in jewellery craftsmanship, art history and gemology.”
AUS is known for its strategic partnerships and global collaborations. The university works closely with industry leaders, private and governmental entities and academic institutions, to create opportunities that add value to its academic environment and support student and faculty development. The partnerships elevate the university’s position as a leading institution that connects education with industry, empowering its community to contribute to regional and global progress.
AUS was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent excellence in teaching and research; it is accredited internationally and recognised by employers globally for developing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the new millennium.
AUS puts value on learners who are driven not only by academic success, but also on those who embrace its dynamic campus life that embodies ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. The combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures the uni is filled with world-class faculty and students, who become innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of today and tomorrow. Founded in Paris in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts is an initiation school, open to everyone, with no special prerequisites. L’ÉCOLE targets absolute beginners as well as enlightened amateurs, veteran collectors and those with a curiosity for the world of jewellery.
In line with its worldwide locations, L’ÉCOLE established its Middle Eastern campus in Dubai at d3 in 2024. The other 4 permanent locations are in Paris (Place Vendôme and Grands Boulevards), Hong Kong and Shanghai. Its courses, indicated above, are taught by art historians, gemologists, jewellers, artisans, jewellery historians, lapidaries, and Japanese lacquer and grand feu enamel experts. The classes are all practice-based and students are encouraged to experiment with innovations, skills and tools, guided by their lecturers.
L’ÉCOLE also offers activities such as exhibitions, books publishing, videos, podcasts, as well as in-person and online talks. Creative workshops have also been created for children and teens. All proceeds from L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s public courses and talks are donated to Dubai Cares to support youth education programmes - a fulfilment of its commitment to social responsibility and youth empowerment. Van Cleef & Arpels is a French luxury jewellery company founded in 1896 by Dutch diamond-cutter Alfred Van Cleef and his father-in-law Salomon Arpels, in Paris.