From Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless tale, the Treasure Island collection by Van Cleef & Arpels embarks on a glittering voyage that captures the nuances of a fantasy story in every piece
A young Jim Hawkins uncovers a map that guides him to buried treasure—the main story from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Captivated by its themes of adventure, loyalty, greed, and coming of age, Van Cleef & Arpels has transformed this epic narrative into a stunning high jewellery collection, bringing the tale to life through its craftsmanship.
Treasure Island collection by Van Cleef & Arpels reads like an adventure novel and is divided into three chapters:
• Adventure at Sea: Nautical motifs such as sailor knots, ships (like the Hispaniola clip), and ocean-inspired designs with sapphires and diamonds evoke the spirit of seafaring and exploration.
• Exploring the Island: Nature-inspired elements like seashells, flowers, and trees celebrate the island’s natural beauty.
• The Treasure Hunt: This chapter draws from global cultural treasures, featuring precious stones and metals that symbolise the excitement of discovery and hidden riches. It recounts a worldwide treasure hunt—exploring pre-Columbian riches and Asian marvels—bringing to life creations inspired by distant horizons.
An example of this voyage is the Palmier Mystérieux clip, which embodies all three chapters. It features interchangeable motifs: a diamond boat, a sun, and a treasure chest, all set on a broad-leaved palm tree.
The signature Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set, patented in 1933, allows gems to be set invisibly, with emeralds simulating green foliage, with the trunk sculpted from rose gold. The Maison’s artisans show their mastery in goldsmithing—polishing, hammering, gadrooning, and sculpting details that culminate in glittering golden beads—celebrating an artistry rooted in history.
With this jewelled tale, the Maison reaffirms its enduring love for maritime exploration, a passion dating back to shortly after its founding. Over the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels has brought to life ocean-inspired pieces, such as a clip depicting a seagull in flight and a cigarette case decorated with a boat and anchor.
This is not the first time the Maison has drawn inspiration from literature for its jewellery collections. The brand has previously interpreted the works of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet, Jules Verne’s Extraordinary Voyages, Charles Perrault’s French fairy tale Donkeyskin, and Grimm’s Fairy Tales.
