Cover Gouvernails earrings in white and yellow gold set with two sapphires of 5.33 and 5.52 carats, two emeralds of 2.55 and 2.09 carats, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds; Écume Mystérieuse necklace in white and rose gold set with sapphires and diamonds; Traversée Mystérieuse bracelet in rose gold set with sapphires and diamonds; Regard Vers Le Ciel ring in yellow gold set with a 7.04 ct sapphire and diamonds
Gouvernails earrings in white and yellow gold set with two sapphires of 5.33 and 5.52 carats, two emeralds of 2.55 and 2.09 carats, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds; Écume Mystérieuse necklace in white and rose gold set with sapphires and diamonds; Traversée Mystérieuse bracelet in rose gold set with sapphires and diamonds; Regard Vers Le Ciel ring in yellow gold set with a 7.04 ct sapphire and diamonds
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Discover the maritime-inspired masterpieces from the first chapter of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Treasure Island collection, unveiled at an enchanting launch event Tatler attended in Miami
A collective gasp was heard in Miami’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens when the first pirate jumped out and burst into song. Moments later, more performers joined in, and soon, a band of pirates were dancing around the tables while belting out sea shanties like Wellerman, and Drunken Sailor. The initial shock of the crowd quickly turned to amusement and delight as everyone enthusiastically clapped along.
Surrounded by elaborate storybook-illustration style scenography—complete with wooden barrels, thick nautical ropes, old lanterns, and ship wheels—as well as a view overlooking a realistic concrete sailing ship functioning as a breakwater protecting the estate, it was easy for everyone to forget that we were not, in fact, making merry in a pirate’s tavern. Instead, we were an exclusive group of invited international media attending a black-tie gala dinner hosted by Van Cleef & Arpels—in November last year—to commemorate the launch of its latest high jewellery collection, Treasure Island.
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Above Illustration by David B. for Van Cleef & Arpels’ Treasure Island
Above Illustration by David B. for Van Cleef & Arpels’ Treasure Island
Illustration by David B. for Van Cleef & Arpels’ Treasure Island
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This colourful theme was inspired by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1882 children’s classic of the same name, which also explains the choice of Miami in the US state of Florida as the venue. Famous for its sun-drenched shores, beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, the coastal city aptly mirrored the collection’s spirit of seafaring, adventure, and discovery.
All of this came together to create the most enchanting setting for the collection’s launch and to say that the maison has nailed the Treasure Island theme is an understatement. It has brought an entire universe reminiscent of Stevenson’s novel to life—one where daring characters embark on a quest for hidden treasures amidst lush landscapes and untamed nature.
Further adding to this literary-inspired collection, Van Cleef & Arpels collaborated with comic book artist and author David B. for a series of vibrant, intricately detailed illustrations that enriched the collection’s narrative depth and visual appeal. “By offering the chance to draw for Treasure Island by Van Cleef & Arpels, the maison gave me the freedom to interpret the world of Robert Louis Stevenson, echoing the creations of the collection,” said B.
Above At the launch event in Miami, creations from the Adventure at Sea chapter were presented among scenography of a ship on the water
At the launch event in Miami, creations from the Adventure at Sea chapter were presented among scenography of a ship on the water
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As one of the few Southeast Asian media invited to the event in Miami, Tatler had the privilege of an exclusive preview of the collection, and the opportunity to wholly immerse in the whimsical world of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Treasure Island. During the gala dinner, we were treated to a four-course menu by acclaimed French chef Emmanual Renaut of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Flocons de Sel in Megève, France. The exquisite dishes paid homage to the evening’s theme through details like a compass-shaped cracker atop an appetiser of caviar and vegetable hearts in a floral broth, as well as a dessert of baba au rhum, which is a cake soaked in sweet syrup and rum—famously known to be a pirate’s drink of choice.
As we dined, we had our first up-close look at the new high jewellery collection, styled on models who glided gracefully across the room in flowy gowns with some even donning pirate hats and head scarves. This mesmerising model show unfolded alongside a performance by American musical group, CocoRosie, also dressed in elaborate pirate costumes.
The next morning, we discovered the Treasure Island pieces in small group presentation sessions at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Once again, the maison pulled out all the stops with stunning scenography across three rooms representing the three chapters of the collection: Adventure at Sea, Exploring the Island, and The Treasure Hunt. Each distinct chapter offers a unique perspective on themes of exploration and discovery that define this remarkable collection.
Above Catherine Rénier, CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels
Catherine Rénier, CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels
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During an interview with Catherine Rénier in Miami, the chief executive officer of Van Cleef & Arpels shared, “For us, it’s important to have a symbolic story that resonates with the public. And Stevenson has, with his text, created very strong symbols that resonate still today, whether it’s with our children, with ourselves or across generations. When we imagine a pirate, we very much imagine the eyepatch and the way pirates were described in Stevenson’s book. When we imagine a deserted island, we are in the luxurious Caribbean setting. When we imagine treasure, we think about a chest full of stones and gold. It’s all this symbolism that, in addition to the beautiful text of Stevenson, we are paying tribute to with this collection.”
She adds: “This collection evokes childhood memories, the allure of the pirate universe, and the adventure of discovery.” The pieces are designed to appeal to both those familiar with the text and those who are not, capturing universal symbols that spark wonder like sailboats, maps, ropes and knots, as well as treasure chests, alongside the maison’s commitment to artistry and storytelling through every gem and design detail.
Above Noeuds marins necklace in white gold set with a 31.99ct emerald, emeralds, turquoise, and diamonds; Hispaniola clip in white and rose gold set with diamonds; Itague de tourmaline ring in white gold set with a 6.77ct blue tourmaline, sapphires, and diamonds
Noeuds marins necklace in white gold set with a 31.99ct emerald, emeralds, turquoise, and diamonds; Hispaniola clip in white and rose gold set with diamonds; Itague de tourmaline ring in white gold set with a 6.77ct blue tourmaline, sapphires, and diamonds
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The journey towards discovering Treasure Island begins with the first chapter, Adventure at Sea, which is an invitation into the swashbuckling maritime world that Stevenson so vividly portrayed. More than just a setting, the sea also embodies adventure and discovery, which the maison embraces.
The collection opens with pieces that echo sailor’s knots and navigation instruments, and celebrate the ocean’s allure through a spectrum of blues—from turquoise to deep emerald green. The Écume Mystérieuse necklace, for instance, references the genre of marine paintings—depicting ships and the sea—that were popular in the 19th century, when Stevenson was writing Treasure Island. The necklace captures the movement of rolling ocean waves through its intricate design of superimposed lines of white gold set with diamonds against a blue sea of sapphires in the Traditional Mystery Set, a unique technique by Van Cleef & Arpels that conceals the metal beneath the stones.
The ancient art of sailor’s knots is celebrated in several creations like the Cordage Infini transformable necklace, which features intertwining rows of diamonds and sapphires that mimic ropes. The design not only pays homage to nautical traditions but also showcases Van Cleef & Arpels’ innovative spirit in creating the appearance of three-dimensional ropes using precious metal. At the ends of these “ropes” are two pear-shaped sapphires, weighing a total of 35.37 carats, that can be detached and worn on a pair of matching earrings set with diamonds and more sapphires.
Above Pirate John clip in white, yellow, and rose gold set with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds
Above Pirate Jim clip in white, yellow, and rose gold set with rubies, diamonds and black lacquer
Pirate John clip in white, yellow, and rose gold set with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds
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Perhaps the most playful pieces in the collection are the Trio of Pirates clips found in this chapter. Named after the main characters of Stevenson’s literary work, pirates John, David, and Jim, each is crafted in a combination of white, yellow, and rose gold, and set with various vibrant gemstones. There are multiple intricate details on each treasure-seeking character, from the softly billowing sleeves of pirate John as he takes a valiant step forward, to the lightness of the feather that sits on pirate David’s hat.
Reiner admitted that Adventure at Sea is her favourite chapter for what it represents. “I think I’m more a person of action and of the quest than just finding the treasure. So, I love the journey,” she said. “It’s always more exciting. I love the adventure, the unknown, the enthusiasm, and the team spirit of this chapter.”
Adventure at Sea sets the stage for an exciting journey through Van Cleef & Arpels’ Treasure Island collection, inviting wearers to embark on their own voyage of discovery through these exquisite jewels.
Credits
Images: Van Cleef & Arpels
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Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
