Jewelry & Watches
The High Jewelry Collection Treasure Island by Van Cleef & Arpels
Rim Nsouli
17-December-2024
Van Cleef & Arpels embarks on a dazzling voyage with its latest High Jewelry collection, Treasure Island. Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s literary masterpiece, this collection is a poetic interpretation of adventure, nature, and treasures, brought to life through exquisite craftsmanship and extraordinary gemstones.
The collection opens with the Palmier Mystérieux Clip, a masterpiece symbolizing three chapters of the saga with its interchangeable motifs: a boat, a sun, and a chest of treasures.
Adventure at Sea: Maritime Elegance and Daring Designs
The collection’s opening chapter, Adventure at Sea, celebrates the mystique of oceanic voyages. Here, nautical motifs, shimmering gems, and intricate details capture the spirit of navigation and aquatic wonder.
Hispaniola Clip: Paying homage to the legendary ship, this clip features a sail-like design in white and rose gold, encrusted with diamonds. Its three-dimensional structure evokes the strength of the winds propelling the ship forward, complete with intricate metal engravings that mirror traditional shipbuilding techniques.
Poésie de la Mer Clip: A masterpiece crowned with a 61.73-carat blue-green tourmaline cabochon, this clip embodies the enchantment of tropical seas. A mermaid, adorned with rose-cut diamonds and sapphire cascades, emerges from the depths, a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ legacy of mythological artistry.
Écume Mystérieuse Necklace: Inspired by 19th-century marine paintings, this necklace uses Mystery Set sapphires and diamonds to depict ocean waves. White gold creates intricate lines that mirror the foam of the sea, blending asymmetry and motion into a wearable masterpiece.
Poissons Mystérieux Clip: This clip captures an underwater ballet of fish with Vitrail Mystery Set sapphires in blue and violet tones. Diamonds and stylized silhouettes add texture and light, creating a harmonious oceanic scene.
Cordage Infini Transformable Necklace and Earrings: Inspired by sailor’s knots, this fluid design intertwines rows of diamonds and sapphires, culminating in tassels adorned with pear-shaped sapphires. The transformable elements highlight versatility and intricate craftsmanship.
Trio of Pirates Clips: Depicting the adventurous characters John, David, and Jim from Treasure Island, these playful clips capture their spirited personalities. Each clip combines three shades of gold with accents of rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. The lifelike poses and intricate sculpting of their garments and accessories bring these whimsical figures to life.
En Haute Mer Transformable Necklace and Ring: Crafted with braided yellow and white gold ropes, this piece features a detachable 55.34-carat emerald-cut sapphire. The intricate knot motifs and maritime symbolism elevate this transformable design into a true treasure.
Onde Mystérieuse Box: This exquisite box combines blue quartz, Mystery Set sapphires, and rose gold to depict oceanic depth and movement. Two detachable clips with sapphire and diamond spirals further enhance its versatility.
Moussaillon Necklace: Resembling a sailor’s scarf, this necklace features a tied bow design in yellow, rose, and white gold. A 23.47-carat spessartite garnet at its center adds a vibrant focal point, surrounded by diamond and sapphire tassels that mirror the fluidity of fabric.
Exploring the Island: Nature’s Splendor in Precious Creations
This chapter celebrates the luxuriant beauty of tropical landscapes, seashells, and the untamed wilderness of the island.
Palmeraie Merveilleuse Necklace: A crown of palm leaves encircles the neckline in articulated yellow gold. The centerpiece, a detachable 47.93-carat emerald cabochon, evokes the lush greenery of a tropical oasis.
Coquillage Mystérieux Clip: This intricate piece merges rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and a sculpted pearl into a treasure-holding seashell. The reverse features a delicately sculpted fairy, underscoring the Maison’s storytelling prowess.
Tortue de Cocos Bleue Clip: This delightful tortoise features a shell adorned with blue sapphires, enhanced by openwork gold craftsmanship. Emerald eyes and diamond accents bring this marine-inspired creation to life.
Coquilles Mystérieuses Bracelet: Inspired by Rococo art, this bracelet features buff-topped sapphires and white gold scalloped edges. Its flexible design mimics the organic curves of seashells.
Ondulations Marines Earrings: These earrings pay tribute to marine creatures with their spiral shapes. Mauve and pink sapphires totaling 9.55 carats add a striking contrast, while hammered gold enhances the naturalistic design.
The Treasure Hunt: Gems from Distant Horizons
The final chapter journeys across the globe, celebrating cultural influences and the allure of hidden treasures.
Carte au Trésor Clip: A golden treasure map, complete with engraved landscapes and ruby markers, transforms into a wearable work of art. This whimsical clip captures the romance of unearthing hidden riches.
Ornement d’Alexandrina Ring: This Victorian-inspired piece features a 12.69-carat mauve sapphire surrounded by emeralds, rubies, and spessartite garnets. Its bold design celebrates cocktail ring traditions with modern sophistication.
Splendeur Indienne Rings: This trio of rings blends Mughal floral motifs with vibrant stones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Their multilevel structures showcase intricate craftsmanship inspired by Indian art.
Coffre Précieux Ring: Inspired by treasure chests, this design centers around a 14.32-carat cushion-cut sapphire surrounded by rubies and emeralds. Engravings and gold gadroons add historical depth.
Dorestad Ring: Paying homage to medieval ports, this ring showcases a 13.87-carat yellow sapphire, nicknamed “Tiny Sun.” The hammered gold band, offset by diamonds and spessartite garnets, mirrors ancient craftsmanship.
Lanternes Mystérieuses Necklace: With 31 lavender jadeite beads totaling 930.21 carats, this transformable long necklace nods to traditional Chinese lanterns. Mystery-set rubies and sapphires add vibrant, radiant details.
Figuras Bracelet: Evoking pre-Columbian figurines, this bracelet features diamond-set golden faces expressing various emotions. Hammered and beaded gold accents add a playful, artistic touch.
Libertad Transformable Earrings: With pear-shaped and oval diamonds weighing over 12 carats, these earrings draw inspiration from Chimú goldsmithing traditions. Their detachable pendants allow for versatile styling.
Dieu du Vent and Dieu du Ciel Clips: Inspired by Mayan mythology, these clips depict the gods of wind and sky with intricate headdresses and vibrant gemstones. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires elevate their majestic silhouettes.
Roi d’Uxmal, Gardien de Palenque, and Danseur de Tikal Clips: These clips honor Mayan imagery with rose-cut diamonds as faces and gold craftsmanship that mimics ancient techniques. Each showcases a symphony of gemstones, including pink and blue sapphires.
With the Treasure Island collection, Van Cleef & Arpels marries its storied history with imaginative storytelling. Each piece is a tribute to masterful design, transporting wearers into a world of maritime mystery, natural beauty, and timeless treasure. This collection, replete with exceptional stones and innovative techniques like the Maison’s iconic Mystery Set, reaffirms its place as a pioneer in High Jewelry.
Step into the enchanting universe of Treasure Island and discover the unparalleled artistry of Van Cleef & Arpels.