Editor’s Note
This article explores the inspiration behind Van Cleef & Arpels’ latest high jewelry collection, “L’Île au trésor,” unveiled in Miami.
Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled its new Haute Joaillerie opus in Miami. The choice of this city may seem unusual, but its striking architecture, exotic colors, pleasant climate, and proximity to the ocean provide the ideal backdrop for presenting the “L’Île au trésor” (Treasure Island) collection. Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous 1883 adventure novel, the precious jewelry pieces transport one to a world full of wanderlust and adventure. They evoke intricately decorated treasure chests, the vibrant colors of the Caribbean, wind-filled sails of diamond ships, and the adventurous life of pirates sailing tropical seas.
Van Cleef & Arpels presents with “L’Île au trésor” a spectacular collection of nearly 300 jewelry pieces, inspired by Stevenson’s adventure novel. The collection is divided into three chapters. In the first chapter, the focus is on the maritime world. A ship brooch with wind-blown diamond sails, golden rings with sapphires and tourmalines, and a golden necklace with a detachable clip bearing a 55.34-carat emerald-cut sapphire transport one to the depths of the sea. Three pirate clips, symbolizing Jim, John, and David, complete the chapter. The second chapter celebrates Caribbean flora and fauna. Brooches and bracelets in the shape of turtles made of engraved gold, exotic shells and palm trees made of diamonds adorning a necklace with a 48-carat emerald cabochon, as well as sautoirs with turquoise accents, reflect the tropical splendor. In the third chapter, the treasure chest full of surprises awaits: rings with luminous gemstones, brooches inspired by Aztec and Mayan motifs, and hammered jewels that look like precious finds from old chests.
Van Cleef & Arpels embarks on a journey across the seas, transforming the language of seafaring and the magic of water into precious gold and sparkling gemstones. From anchor chains to ropes, from gentle waves to shimmering sea foam – the collection combines bold pirates, mysterious sea creatures, and the hidden treasures of the deep sea in fantastic creations.
– **Necklace “Écume Mystérieuse”** in white and rose gold with traditional Mystery setting of sapphires and diamonds.
– **Clip “Poissons Mystérieux”** in white gold with blue and violet sapphires and diamonds.
– **Diamond ring “Balancine”** in white and yellow gold with a round diamond (5.06 carats) and diamonds in brilliant and baguette cuts.
– **Transformable necklace “En haute mer”** with a ring in yellow and white gold, an emerald-cut sapphire (55.34 carats), and diamonds.
– **White gold necklace “Noeuds marins”** with interchangeable pendants, a Colombian emerald (31.99 carats), emeralds, turquoises, and diamonds.
The jeweler draws inspiration from the diversity of the animal and plant world, transforming precious shells into breathtaking marine jewels. It immerses itself in tropical nature, which shines in vibrant colors and reveals hidden treasures. There, it encounters a fascinating fauna that impresses with its elegance and powerful presence.
– **Clip “Coquillage Mystérieux”** in white, yellow, and rose gold with rubies, emeralds, a white cultured pearl, and white and pink diamonds.
– **Necklace “Récif corallien”** in white and rose gold with oval-cut rubies (5.33 carats), a round diamond (1.01 carat), rubies, and diamonds.
– **Earrings “Trésor de la plage”** in yellow gold with diamonds.
– **Bracelet “Traversée Mystérieuse”** in rose gold with traditional Mystery setting of sapphires and diamonds.
– **Clip “Tortue de Cocos bleue”** in white gold with sapphires, emeralds, and round diamonds.
– **Necklace and clip with detachable pendant “Palmeraie merveilleuse”** in yellow and white gold with an emerald cabochon (47.93 carats) and diamonds.
An imaginative treasure chest opens, bringing forth jewels from all parts of the world – from pre-Columbian elegance to the treasures of Asia. Inspired by distant cultures, extraordinary designs are created, surprising with exciting materials and bold color combinations. Gemstones in vibrant tones and artfully shaped gold make each creation a true highlight.
– **Ring “Coffre précieux”** in yellow and white gold with a cushion-cut sapphire (14.32 carats), emeralds, rubies, and diamonds.
– **Ring “Charme de Rajasthan”** in yellow and white gold with an emerald-cut diamond (11.31 carats) and rubies.
– **Transformable necklace “Harmonies persanes”** in yellow and white gold with pear-shaped and round sapphires, turquoise beads, white pearls, and diamonds.
