For over a hundred years, Van Cleef & Arpels have created jewellery that tells a story. This is a Maison that values its gems’ character as much as their brilliance and quality – as Claude Arpels himself once put it, “Each stone has a soul of its own.”
The new High Jewellery collection from Van Cleef & Arpels is no exception, although it might be their most exceptional act of storytelling yet. Drawing inspiration from the classic 1883 adventure tale of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island is a magical collection that brings colour, fantasy and craftsmanship together. The result is a jewel-studded journey in three parts, accompanied by colourful illustrations by French artist David B.
In Chapter One, The Adventure At Sea, the collection sets sail with a series of pieces inspired by a nautical voyage. Sailor’s knots are translated in intricate diamond settings, while the designs reference the aquatic world with shapes that echo the ripples and waves of the ocean. White gold set with sheets of diamonds evoke a ship’s linen sailcloth in the Hispaniola clip, while the Poissons Mystérieux clip uses coloured sapphires to bring the movement of a school of fish to life in brilliant blue and violet tones. Sumptuous, bejewelled necklaces pay homage to 19th century painting traditions, while a playful trio of Pirate clips feature three colours of finely worked gold, studded with whimsical gems.
The journey continues in Chapter Two, Exploring the Island. Vivid green, ruby red and azure stones bring the tropical setting to life as we drop anchor in a fantasy land of dazzling riches. The Palmier Mystérieux, a transformable palm tree clip with interchangeable motifs, brings the Van Cleef & Arpels technical brilliance to the fore, while the Tortue de Cocos bleue clip uses pale blue sapphires to capture the sunlight dappling crystal waters.
In the final chapter, Treasure Hunt, the Maison celebrates its love for jewels from all corners of the globe. In the Van Cleef & Arpels tradition of drawing inspiration from the richness and diversity of cultures around the world, this collection pays tribute to the splendour and emotion of the gems themselves. The Carte au trésor clip’s golden scrolls, tied with a rose gold tassel, realises the childlike dream of finding a treasure map at the bottom of the ocean. And this collection is nothing if not a sumptuous treasure chest of pieces to collect and adore.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
