Set Sail to Treasure Island with Van Cleef & Arpels’ Latest High Jewellery Collection

The classic 1883 novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson sets sail as the inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels’ latest high jewellery collection of the same name. Known for drawing from literary masterpieces—from Shakespearean plays to Grimm’s fairy tales—the Maison continues its tradition of transforming the written word into extraordinary craftsmanship. For Treasure Island, Van Cleef & Arpels’ artisans have crafted pieces that take wearers on a daring voyage through uncharted waters. Encompassing a wide palette of gemstones, the collection is also a nod to the explorations by Claude Arpels himself, who has travelled to every corner of the earth in search of the finest jewels and stones.

The story unfolds across three glittering “chapters.” The first chapter pays homage to one of the novel’s core themes—the art of nautical navigation and the spirit of sailing the open seas. Sailor’s knots, ship sails, and even a trio of playful pirates make their appearance in exquisite clips and necklaces. Through a brilliant interplay of colour, the ocean’s many moods come to life, with jewelled hues that range from vibrant turquoise to lush emerald green and deep, mysterious blues.

The second chapter is a tribute to nature—a recurring theme in the Maison’s history. Seashells, delicate flowers, and towering trees are rendered in vibrant gemstone compositions and intricate metalwork that the Maison is known for. The Traditional Mystery Set, a patented technique of Van Cleef & Arpels since 1933, is employed to create seamless colour transitions—such as in the emeralds that form a lush canopy beneath a sculpted rose gold palm tree.

The final chapter ushers us into the thrill of a global treasure hunt, where the mystique of pre-Columbian civilizations, Eastern traditions, and Far-Eastern artistry blend together in a captivating fusion. The Palmier Mystérieux clip serves as a synthesis of the journey, featuring interchangeable elements: a diamond-encrusted boat, a golden sun, and a gemstone-filled treasure chest. Each component showcases the Maison’s precision in goldwork, from hammered and polished surfaces to intricate gadrooning and golden beading. Blending mythology, literature, and the timeless art of goldsmithing, Treasure Island transforms into more than just jewellery—it’s a wearable story that calls for a voyage of wonder and adventure.