Van Cleef & Arpels’ latest high jewellery collection, Treasure Island, pays homage to Robert Louis Stevenson’s much-loved 1883 literary classic. The Maison’s unparalleled craftsmanship reimagines the tale of buried treasures and pirate adventures. Celebrated at a lavish debut in Miami’s Gilded Age Vizcaya mansion, the collection transported its audience into a world of imagination and wonder, blending artistry, storytelling, and precious stones into a captivating tribute to the literary classic.
Just as Stevenson’s novel unfolds in chapters, Treasure Island is divided into three thematic parts, each exploring different facets of the story’s adventurous spirit. The first chapter delves into the art of navigation, featuring designs that evoke maritime themes. Highlights include sailor knots crafted into the Cordage Infini necklace and earrings, and the Hispaniola clip, a ship made of white gold and diamonds. Rich blue hues mirror the ocean’s depth, capturing the allure of the open sea.
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The second chapter shifts focus to nature’s bounty, with motifs of seashells, flowers, and trees brought to life in vibrant colours. This celebration of natural beauty underscores Van Cleef & Arpels’ enduring connection to the organic world.
The final chapter embraces the thrill of discovery, inspired by treasures from cultures around the globe. From pre-Colombian influences to Asian aesthetics, the pieces weave a tapestry of adventure, inviting wearers to explore the unknown.
Among the collection’s most remarkable pieces is the Palmier Mystérieux clip, a true embodiment of the collection’s essence. This transformable jewel features interchangeable motifs — a boat, a sun, and a treasure chest — nestled beneath an intricate palm tree. The clip employs the Maison’s patented Traditional Mystery Set, a technique that renders the metal beneath the gemstones nearly invisible, enhancing the illusion of seamless brilliance. Other standout designs include a turquoise drop necklace and a diamond and emerald palm tree brooch, emblematic of Van Cleef & Arpels’ heritage. Playful yet intricate, the designs echo Stevenson’s narrative while offering a contemporary interpretation of high jewellery.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ commitment to preserving its artisanal legacy shines throughout the collection. “For us, the protection of craftsmanship, the respect of heritage, and the work of the hand are very important,” explains Catherine Renier, CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels. This ethos ensures that the Maison’s storied techniques remain vibrant and relevant. Renier draws a parallel between the adventurous spirit of Stevenson’s novel and Van Cleef & Arpels’ philosophy. “Who doesn’t want to remember playing pirates? Who doesn’t want to find a treasure chest? This story speaks to everyone in some way,” she remarks. The collection eschews a literal translation of Treasure Island, instead inviting audiences to connect the symbols of high jewellery to their own memories and dreams.
To mark the unveiling of Treasure Island, Van Cleef & Arpels hosted an extravagant gala that underscored the Maison’s soaring success. Guests were treated to a Michelin-starred dinner by chef Emmanuel Renaut and entertained by a troupe of performers in pirate costumes. Against the backdrop of a sunken ship, the evening felt like stepping into Stevenson’s world of pirates and buried treasure.
With Treasure Island, Van Cleef & Arpels has crafted a high jewellery collection that not only celebrates Stevenson’s classic tale but also underscores the Maison’s position as a leader in the world of luxury jewellery. Playful, sophisticated, and rooted in heritage, the collection invites us all to rediscover the magic of adventure and the treasures we hold dear.
