The maison’s new high jewellery collection draws inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel ‘Treasure Island’, the true origin story of pirates and treasure hunters
Treasure Island is where it all began. The first spark that ignited the public’s fascination with pirates and adventure, with the quest for troves of buried treasure in far-off, exotic lands. Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel is responsible for the proliferation of pirates in popular culture, and what a debt we owe for that. From manga to blockbuster franchises and now, Van Cleef & Arpels’ exquisite new high jewellery collection—nothing quite captures the imagination like the romance and adventure of treasure.
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Van Cleef & Arpels have long drawn inspiration from the rich world of literature, each collection a deep and immersive journey into stories and far-off lands. With the ‘Treasure Island’ collection of high jewellery, the maison’s designers and craftsmen have taken the source material and spun it into three incredible chapters that explore the characters, creations and landscapes depicted in the novel.

Above Bouline d'émeraude ring. White gold, yellow gold, one round emerald of 6.12 carats (Colombia), diamonds

Above Traversée Mystérieuse bracelet. Rose gold, Traditional Mystery Set sapphires, sapphires, diamonds
Chapter One takes us across the seas. In these pieces, you’ll find the blues and greens of the ocean waters reflected in beautiful stones, and incredible, intricate work inspired by sailor’s knots and the texture of rope. Here too are charming, jaunty pirates, billowing ship’s sails cast in diamonds, and clusters of intricately wrought coral.

Above Coquillage Mystérieux clip. White gold, rose gold, yellow gold, buff-topped Traditional Mystery Set rubies, rubies, emerald, white cultured pearl, pink and white diamonds

Above Palmier Mystérieux transformable clip. Rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, Traditional Mystery Set emeralds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds
In Chapter Two, we land on the island and are immediately immersed in an exuberant display of nature’s largesse. Van Cleef & Arpels are known for their exquisite work in rendering flowers and creatures in precious metals and stones, and Treasure Island is no exception—seashells, trees and butterflies abound.

Above Dorestad ring. Yellow gold, white gold, emerald-cut yellow sapphire, pink sapphires, spessartite garnets, diamonds

Above Carte au trésor clip. Yellow gold, rose gold, ruby, diamonds
Finally in Chapter Three, the hunt for the treasure begins. This is where the maison’s savoir faire really shines, in their exceptional recreations and interpretations of textures and techniques from all across the globe. And of course, there is the iconic treasure map itself, interpreted by the maison’s designers and craftsmen into an inscribed scroll of gold.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ ‘Treasure Island’ high jewellery collection invites us to embark on a thrilling voyage, bringing to life Robert Louis Stevenson’s beloved tale of adventure through the exquisite artistry of high jewellery. Even the most enduring tales can find new life and forms—here through the medium of exquisite stones and the masterful crafstmanship of high jewellery.
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Credits
Photography: Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels















