Often drawing inspiration from distant lands, Van Cleef & Arpels’ penchant for exploration has driven some of its most visually alluring collections. This adventurous spirit is further explored in the maison’s newest collection Treasure Island.
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling novel of the same name, the collection is presented in three “chapters,” paying homage to the story of a young boy who boards a pirate ship to search for treasure, encountering far-away tropical paradises along the way.
For Catherine Rénier, CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, creating a narrative adds to the depth and artistry of each creation—and draws people in to appreciate the craft of fine jewellery making.
“It inspires people to look into the story and look behind the jewellers, and try to understand either the craft or the reasoning behind the creation,” said Rénier. “It’s not just making a beautiful necklace, but it’s for people to appreciate, understand, whether they’re clients or not.”
The Treasure Island collection embodies the sought-after treasure of its namesake, as well as the adventures that led the novel’s characters to it. It offers a selection of wearable art that evokes the bright colours of coral reefs and flowers, unique sea creatures, and life aboard an adventuring ship.
The hardware and materials of a mariner are reimagined as precious items. A good sailor has to know their knots—a motif that Van Cleef & Arpels has long been fascinated with. In 1947, the maison released rope-inspired ring mounts, playing with the appearance of knots and movements. The Amure De Saphir Rose ring—with white gold, rose gold, diamonds, and an oval-cut pink sapphire of 4.52 carats—elevates and enhances the rope motif.
Set Sail on A Tropical Adventure With Van Cleef & Arpels New Treasure Island Collection
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The Cap Vers Le Trésor—“sailing towards the treasure”—bracelet, made with yellow gold, rubies, and diamonds, mimics the chains on anchors dropped at shore, signifying the arrival at a destination. The Ondulations Marines earrings pay homage to the colourful life teeming below the waves—curled like a seashell, the 18K yellow gold is encrusted with diamonds. Each earring has a precious stone dangling from the spiral shell shape—one 5-carat mauve sapphire and one 4.55-carat pink sapphire—to create a dynamic mixed visual.
From the sand to the sea, tortoises can be seen along tropical coasts—their playful imagery inspired the Tortue de Cocos clip, with a radiant yellow-gold shell and sparkling diamonds, which play with the light.
Coral reefs are the heart of colourful undersea life—these brightly hued animals provide life essentials for many other vibrant creatures, making it no surprise that Van Cleef & Arpels pulled inspiration for its show-stopping necklace. The Récif Corallien necklace, with a mix of white and yellow gold thoroughly encrusted with diamonds and rubies, boasts an oval-cut ruby of 5.33 carats and a round DVVS1 1.01-carat diamond with pristine clarity.
Much like Claude Arpels—grandson of one of the company’s founders, Julien Arpels—who travelled around the world to find the finest gems and stones for the maison, the story of beauty, wonder, and adventure in Treasure Island resonates with the brand’s search for unseen beauties. “Every stone has a soul of its own,” says Arpels, whose message speaks to the maison’s determination to uncover the world’s beauty.
All jewellery from Van Cleef & Arpels Treasure Island High Jewellery Collection.
Photography by Marc Santos
Prop Styling by Dani Reynolds (Cadre Artists)
