S10E04 - Emerald⏐The “lechuga”: the 1,400 emeralds monstrance

In Spanish, the word “lechuga” means lettuce. But it is also the nickname for a sacred object, a monstrance adorned with so many emeralds that it takes on the color of lettuce. These precious stones come from the famous mines of Colombia, known for centuries by the native populations. Even today, these mines are the source of some of the world’s most beautiful emeralds.  

The monstrance, a masterpiece of goldsmithing and a symbol of the encounter between indigenous and European cultures, has survived time and history. Now a national treasure, it once almost disappeared forever. Without a doubt, it is truly miraculous that this remarkable object can thankfully be still admired today. 

Voice of Jewels is a podcast by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.  

With the participation of Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, gemologist and art historian at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, 

Written by Martin Quenehen and Aram Kebabdjian, performed by Edoardo Ballerini, and produced by Bababam. 

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