Drawing inspiration from a beloved literary masterpiece, Van Cleef & Arpels recent High Jewellery showcase in Thailand was an immersive, fantastical journey into the world of exquisite treasures.
Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, a swashbuckling tale of buried gold, treacherous pirates, and the courageous young Jim Hawkins, has captivated imaginations since its publication in 1883. This enduring classic, with its yellowed maps, memorable characters like Long John Silver, and the allure of uncharted lands, has cemented its place in literary history, influencing countless works of art across various mediums. It seems almost serendipitous, then, that Van Cleef & Arpels chose the exotic shores of Phuket, Thailand, as the backdrop for their high jewellery showcase, ‘Treasure Island’. This sun-drenched paradise, with its history steeped in seafaring tales and the promise of hidden beauty, felt like the perfect real-world embodiment of Stevenson’s fantastical island. The warm air, thick with tropical scents, and the turquoise waters lapping at the shore created an atmosphere ripe with the spirit of adventure, setting the stage for a truly dazzling discovery of new treasures.
The collection, presented as a trilogy, began its narrative journey with the very act of ‘Setting Sail’. The Hispaniola brooch, a miniature marvel, captured the grandeur of the ship that carried Jim Hawkins and his companions towards their destiny. Its diamond-pavéd sails, meticulously outlined in white gold, billowed with an almost palpable sense of movement, the golden hull tilted as if battling the very waves that lapped gently against the shore just beyond the resort. The level of detail, the delicate stripes of the laminate and the intricate rigging spoke volumes of Van Cleef & Arpels’ unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. The very spirit of adventure,
the anticipation of the unknown, had been captured in this single, stunning piece.
As the Hispaniola ventured further into the narrative, the ‘Adventure At Sea’ unfolded in a riot of colour and motion.
necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels
The Poissons Mystérieux brooch, with its traditional mystery-set sapphires transitioning from deep blues to vibrant purples, perfectly evoked the dynamic underwater world encountered on the journey. You could almost see the schools of fish darting and weaving through the depths. The Onde Mystérieuse jewellery box, inspired by the vastness of the seven seas, was a treasure in itself. Its base of carved blue quartz, topped with hammered white gold and an enamelled ocean cover depicting swimming fish, was a miniature diorama of the ocean. Two interchangeable clips, one featuring Mystery Set sapphires and diamonds and the other set with diamonds, blue tourmalines, and sapphires, are shaped with shell-like curves and can be attached to the lid of the box, adding an element of transformability. But the final treasure was a hidden diamond-paved watch dial beneath the clips — an elegant secret waiting to be discovered.
The arrival at the fabled “Exploring The Island” chapter brought with it a shift in scenery and a new palette of vibrant greens and earthy golds. The Palmeraie Merveilleuse necklace, inspired by the lush canopy of a palm leaf crown, was a breathtaking centrepiece. The magnificent 47.93-carat egg-shaped emerald, suspended as a detachable pendant, held the verdant heart of the island within its depths. The articulated design of the necklace, with its organic, irregular lines, draped around the neck like the very foliage it emulated. Accompanying this was the Ondulations Marines earrings, their spiralling gold structures punctuated by the delicate hues of lilac and pink sapphires, mirroring the marine life found along the island’s shores.
The final act, ‘The Treasure Hunt,’ was a dazzling culmination of the entire adventure. The Carte au trésor brooch, a meticulously hand-engraved gold map tied with a rose gold rope and playful tassels, was a work of art in miniature. Each location — Tourmaline Corner, Pearl Island, Ruby Valley, Sapphire Island, and Emerald Lagoon — was carefully marked, with a ruby pinpointing the ultimate prize. Even the compass on the reverse, a detail often unseen, spoke volumes of the Maison’s dedication to perfection. And then, of course, were the treasures themselves, manifested in a breathtaking array of rings, bracelets, necklaces, and brooches. The Coffre précieux ring, with its intricately engraved hollow setting showcasing sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, was a miniature treasure chest, its 14.32-carat cushion-cut sapphire the ultimate jewel within.
I have had the immense pleasure to witness several Van Cleef & Arpels’ high jewellery showcases, and once again, the Treasure Island collection proved the Maison’s remarkable ability to translate a concept (in this case, a beloved literary work) into exquisite one-of-a-kind, wearable jewels. Years of meticulous sourcing of exceptional gemstones and the creation of truly one-off designs have resulted in a collection that not only reflects the narrative of Stevenson’s classic but embodies its very spirit of adventure and discovery. Each piece stands as a testament to Van Cleef & Arpel’s enduring vision and their unparalleled ability to capture the essence of a theme in the most breathtakingly beautiful way.
