Van Cleef & Arpels take inspiration from a literary classic for its latest high jewellery collection, which translates Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure story, Treasure Island, into precious stones and metals. Divided into three parts, the collection considers traditional tools of navigation in the first chapter, rethinking the sailor’s knot and painting the colours of the ocean in a gradient of blue hues. Staying faithful to the traditions of the Maison, the second chapter looks at motifs from nature, from seashells, to flowers and trees. In the final chapter, jewellery is imbued with an adventurous spirit, intertwining references from Asia, Columbia and India throughout colourful, considered pieces.

For Van Cleef & Arpels, it is an interesting follow-up to previous high jewellery collections, which have celebrated the spirit of travel and exploration. ‘This spirit of adventure was also an inspiration for Van Cleef when we tackled the Jules Verne universe two years ago,’ agrees Catherine Renier, CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels. ‘So there is a match between the stories we tell, the way we look at a positive vision of life. This adventurous spirit is one that relates to us well. Then it was the wonderful worlds of the depths of the earth, and here it is the very playful aspect of Robert Louis Stevenson’s story.

It is a consideration reflected in the quality of the stones themselves, which encompass rainbow gradients of hues to bring the natural inspirations to life. Although the collection is rife with playful motifs, a literal translation of the literary work is eschewed for a deeper examination into the symbolism of high jewellery. 

The new high jewellery collection features over 125 pieces, each echoing the mysteries of the sea in three parts. Highlights include necklaces crafted to resemble sailors’ knots, a sapphire bracelet following the ocean’s waves, and coiled earrings reminiscent of the tentacles of underwater creatures. The pièce de résistance, the Hispaniola brooch – named after the ship in Stevenson’s epic tale – required 380 meticulous hours to complete. Encrusted with diamonds that emulate billowing sails, it is a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ expert artistry.