Until 26 April 2025, L’ÉCOLE Middle East, the School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai, is hosting Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection, an exhibition that brings together 705 rings from the late French collector and antique dealer Yves Gastou. Marking the collection’s first appearance in the Middle East, the exhibition takes visitors on a captivating journey through the history, symbolism, and artistry of men’s rings.
This is the largest edition of the touring exhibition, following previous stops in Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. New additions have been made exclusively for the Dubai presentation, expanding the already rich narrative of Gastou’s collection. From ancient Egyptian rings to 1970s American biker rings, the show captures the breadth and evolution of ring design through the ages.
Gastou spent over 40 years building his collection. First unveiled to the public in 2018 at L’ÉCOLE in Paris, it spans centuries and continents and is notable for its mix of precious and mass-produced pieces. The rings represent everything from symbols of marriage and power to amulets, tokens of mysticism, and statements of individuality.
The exhibition comprises five sections: History, Gothic, Christian Mysticism, Vanitas, and Eclecticism, each reflecting the historical and cultural contexts of the rings as well as Gastou’s passion for the dramatic and the unconventional. The scenography adds another layer of experience. Three rooms — Dark, Red, and White — are designed to reflect different moods and facets of Gastou’s personality. The Dark Room evokes a nighttime street ambiance, the Red Room pulses with energy and boldness, and the White Room offers a minimalist, introspective contrast. Carefully curated lighting throughout the space highlights the craftsmanship and details of each piece on display.
For Yves Gastou, men’s rings were personal artifacts, full of meaning and history: objects to be worn, not hidden away. His collection reflects a lifelong fascination that began in childhood and remained central to his identity. With this exhibition, his vision and legacy continue to shine, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the world of men’s rings.
To get more information about Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection, please visit the official web page of the exhibition.
In addition, we would recommend that you visit the Dubai Pearl Museum and Sharjah Archaeology Museum. You might also be interested in reading our article about the Varanasi-style necklace on view at MIA.
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