5 Wishlist-Worthy Pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Treasure Island Collection

One of the draws of high jewellery is that it tells a story — an exquisite narrative that unfolds in the language of precious stones and expert craftsmanship. For its latest high-jewellery collection, Van Cleef & Arpels took things one step further and looked to a literal story for inspiration.

That story is Treasure Island, the 1883 novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. The book tells tales of buccaneers and buried treasure, of seafaring adventures and the lush beauty of tropical islands. It’s a rich jumping-off point. The collection, which the brand unveiled in the fittingly oceanside setting of Miami, unfolds in three parts, each one referencing an aspect of the novel.

First, there’s the voyage at sea. The stunning Balancine de Diamant ring features gold rope motifs, while the Écume Mystérieuse collar necklace centres on sapphires that evoke the colour of the deep ocean and curled motifs that echo the intricate decorative carvings of wooden ships.

Next, the collection comes ashore, taking inspiration from the creatures and verdant plants found on Caribbean islands. The showstopper here is the Palmeraie Merveilleuse necklace with white and yellow gold and diamonds and a detachable pendant featuring a jaw-dropping cabochon-cut emerald.

Finally, we’re whisked away on a treasure hunt. Here, the collection goes ultra maximalist and joyful. Gleaming rubies, emeralds and yellow sapphires (which Van Cleef & Arpels sourced specifically for their colour, size and rarity) are featured prominently on cocktail rings. Elsewhere on this magical island, a yellow gold, rose gold, ruby and diamond clip is shaped like a folded treasure map, bringing the lineup full circle.

“Each chapter celebrates Stevenson’s story but also pays tribute to Van Cleef & Arpels’s heritage,” says CEO Catherine Rénier, who is seated in a private suite at the storied Faena Hotel in Miami’s South Beach, holding up delicate watercolour illustrations of each piece in the collection. Rénier describes this latest offering as playful and imaginative. “Treasure Island is a story that reminds us of our childhoods and fond memories of adventure and discoveries,” she adds.

The theme might be lighthearted, but the techniques used to create these one-of-a-kind pieces are rooted in serious craftsmanship. Some of them, like the twisted gold used on a necklace in the collection, can be found in Van Cleef & Arpels designs from the 1940s and ’50s. Another trick that’s special to the maison is the mystery setting, in which jewellers “hide” metal directly underneath precious stones to give them more dimension.

One particularly challenging piece to create was the Moussaillon necklace, recalls Rénier. It was made to look like a sailor’s neckerchief, and the fluidity of the gold makes it appear almost molten. “For this to move and look like fabric, and be so comfortable, was quite the technical challenge,” she says.

Much like buccaneers in search of buried treasure, the jeweller—and its fleet of craftsmen — is undaunted, constantly pushing the boundaries of design and luxury. The result? High jewellery inspired by the high seas — a thrilling tale indeed.

Hidden Treasure

Our top picks from the whimsical collection.

Balancine de diamant ring

A gold braided rope motif (that’s just slightly more luxurious than the kind you’d find aboard a pirate’s ship) envelopes this ring’s stunning 5.06 carat diamond.

Palmeraie Merveilleuse necklace

Inspired by the lush greenery of a Caribbean island, this necklace is crafted from sparkling diamonds as well as white and yellow gold. Plus, its showstopping cabochon-cut emerald is actually a detachable pendant, which can be removed and reattached as you please.

Moussaillon necklace

With its fluid, fabric-like appearance, this necklace mimics the look of a sailor’s cravat. Yet, in classic Van Cleef style, it’s elevated with a breathtaking 23.47 carat oval-cut fiery orange spessartite garnet that adorns the middle of its bow.

Écume Mystérieuse necklace

Deep sapphire jewels mimic the ocean, while an array of carefully placed diamonds and 18k white and rose gold gems create the appearance of waves on this collar necklace.

Carte au Trésor clip

“X” quite literally marks the spot with a hidden ruby on this one-of-a-kind yellow and rose gold folded treasure map pin.

Embark on the three-part adventure for yourself and view the rest of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Treasure Island collection here.