Van Cleef & Arpels: The Treasure Island Collection
Van Cleef & Arpels Explores New Territory with the Treasure Island Collection.
Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled its latest high jewelry collection, Treasure Island, a series inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel of the same name. The collection draws heavily from the book’s themes of adventure, exploration and discovery, successfully turning literary inspiration into intricate works of art.
The collection presents an imaginative take on Stevenson’s story, where characters brave unknown territories in search of treasures hidden on a distant island. Van Cleef & Arpels, known for blending storytelling with craftsmanship, has transformed this classic narrative into a three- part journey that explores the sea, land and the treasures to be found.
The first chapter (part) of the collection, themed as an “adventure at sea,” reflects the long-standing allure of maritime exploration. It is inspired by sailors, pirates and the art of navigation, featuring nautical pieces that evoke sailors’ knots and seafaring instruments. The colour palette is, of course, dominated by oceanic shades of blue, from turquoise to emerald green. These colours capture the transient allure of the sea, as its colours shift with the changing sun and glow with silver as the moon rises above it.
In the second chapter of this Treasure Island collection, the journey moves from the sea to land. Here, Van Cleef & Arpels shifts focus to the natural world, a longtime and cherished theme of its jewelry. Seashells, flowers and trees are central to this chapter, with pieces that aim to capture an island’s unique biodiversity. Colour plays a key role once again, with gemstones bursting with the same vivid hues found in palm trees, birds of paradise or tropical flowers. The maison’s designers and craftsmen have attempted to replicate the shapes and textures of flora and fauna in a way that feels both imaginative and grounded in reality.
The final chapter of the collection, the treasure hunt, takes a more global approach. This chapter takes inspiration from a variety of faraway cultures and histories, pulling from the ancient treasures of the Americas and Asia. The pieces in this part of the collection are crafted using a broad spectrum of materials and gemstones, each piece chosen for its unique characteristics and reflecting the idea of hidden riches waiting to be discovered across the globe.
“The Treasure Island Collection Is Not Just About Capturing The Essence Of The Beloved Novel But Also About Pushing The Boundaries Of Jewelry Design.”
Van Cleef & Arpels emphasizes the importance of the stones in its new collection. The words of Claude Arpels, “Every stone has a soul of its own,” demonstrate the maison’s belief in the emotional value of gemstones. The collection showcases sapphires, emeralds, pearls and diamonds, each chosen for its colour, clarity and individual appeal. The maison has combined these stones in ways that are intended to feel both innovative and classic, with a focus on surprising colour combinations and unexpected contrasts.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ designers and artisans have incorporated a mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques to create pieces that aim to feel timeless yet contemporary. This blend of old and new is reflected in the choice of materials, design elements and the overall structure of the collection, which moves fluidly from one theme to the next.
While Treasure Island offers a nod to Stevenson’s adventure novel, the collection is ultimately a showcase of the maison’s approach to high jewelry. It balances literary references with a focus on the material qualities of each piece, underscoring Van Cleef & Arpels’ commitment to both narrative and craftsmanship. This High Jewelry collection invites wearers and collectors alike to experience the thrill of exploration, whether through the glimmer of a gemstone or the storytelling embedded in each design.
