There are jewellery collections, and then there are voyages. BURO Malaysia had the pleasure of embarking on one such journey, an extraordinary escape to the glittering shores of Phuket, where Van Cleef & Arpels unveiled its breathtaking new high jewellery collection, Treasure Island. Hosted at the ultra-luxurious Trisara Resort, nestled in a private bay fringed by tropical jungle and turquoise sea, the event felt less like a launch and more like a portal to an enchanted world. Think pirates, legends, gemstones, and storytelling, all wrapped in the unmistakable elegance of the Maison’s artistry.

From the moment we arrived at Trisara, the tone was set for discovery. The resort itself, whose name means “The Garden in the Third Heaven”, played host to shimmering displays of high jewellery that seemed almost born of the Andaman Sea just beyond our villas. As waves lapped the shore and tropical birds called from the treetops, Van Cleef & Arpels invited guests into a world where myths live, legends breathe, and treasures gleam.

 

A Tale as Old as the Sea

The Treasure Island collection draws direct inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s beloved adventure novel of the same name, as well as centuries of pirate lore and maritime myth. It’s a tribute not only to the idea of hidden riches and distant lands but also to the spirit of exploration, curiosity, and storytelling. These are values that have always been close to the heart of the Maison.

Dorothée Henrio, Managing Director of Van Cleef & Arpels, reflected on the Maison’s enduring identity as a poetic storyteller.

“With the Treasure Island collection, the Maison continues to embrace its role as a storyteller. Inspiring wonder, celebrating joy, and bringing enchantment to life through high jewellery. We have a long-standing tradition of drawing inspiration from the worlds of art, poetry, and theatre. This collection is a vibrant continuation of that spirit.”

But this isn’t your childhood pirate story. This is a dreamlike reimagining told in diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. A shimmering saga where parrots perch on brooches, mermaids flick their gem-studded tails, and dragons guard golden secrets.

The collection unfolds in three stages, each evoking a fantastical part of an imaginary voyage. From setting sail across oceans, to exploring dreamlike islands, and finally, unearthing dazzling treasures from faraway lands.

 

 

Chapter 1: The Adventure at Sea

The Maison takes the helm and navigates across vast oceans, guided by ropes, sailor’s knots, and the glitter of starlit waters. Blue dominates this stage, with gradations from turquoise to emerald green, evoking everything from sun-dappled waves to moonlit tides.

Standout creations include the Hispaniola clip, a tribute to the legendary ship. With white gold sails set with diamonds and a hull designed to mimic old-world frigates, it captures the very essence of 19th-century seafaring. The Écume Mystérieuse necklace mirrors the tumultuous rhythm of ocean currents, with Mystery Set sapphires forming a sea beneath lines of white gold and diamonds, culminating in diamond-laced foam.

Adding a touch of whimsy, the Trio of Pirates clips — John, David, and Jim — embody the collection’s spirit of adventure. Crafted from gold and precious stones, these mischievous figures are richly detailed, right down to parchment scrolls, feathered hats, and gemstone-studded accessories. Each is frozen mid-quest.

 

 

Chapter 2: Exploring the Island

Upon reaching a mythical island, the narrative shifts to lush tropical landscapes. Here, Van Cleef & Arpels pays tribute to nature in all its splendour. From colourful seashells to majestic palms and vibrant flora.

The Palmeraie Merveilleuse necklace echoes a palm leaf crown, intricately articulated with a 47.93-carat emerald cabochon set on a detachable pendant. The Coquillage Mystérieux clip is a marvel of contrasting textures and colours, housing a hidden fairy sculpted in white gold, holding a delicate emerald above a cultured pearl.

This chapter captures the joy of discovery, the lushness of paradise, and the Maison’s unmatched ability to translate the organic into the ornamental.

 

 

Chapter 3: The Treasure Hunt

In the final chapter, the Maison digs deeper, both figuratively and literally, into hidden treasures inspired by faraway cultures. From pre-Columbian legends to Asian marvels, this chapter brings together dazzling gemstones and ornate goldwork.

The Roi d’Uxmal, Gardien de Palenque, and Danseur de Tikal clips pay homage to Mayan heritage. Their intricate headdresses, rose-cut diamond faces, and jewel-toned details evoke ancient rituals, brought to life through sophisticated goldsmithing and gem setting.

At the heart of this treasure trove lies the Palmier Mystérieux clip, symbolising all three chapters. With interchangeable motifs, a diamond boat, a radiant sun, and a gem-studded chest, the clip embodies the voyage’s essence. The palm tree’s velvety green crown, created with the Traditional Mystery Set of emeralds, and sculpted rose gold trunk, speak to the Maison’s virtuosity in both design and technique.

“Working with joyful, multicoloured designs and a wide array of gemstones requires a careful harmony of form and technique. It’s about finding the right balance, between lightness and structure, between narrative and wearability. All while showcasing the finest stones through exceptional settings and craftsmanship,” adds Henrio.

 

 

Illustrated Magic by David B.

To bring Treasure Island fully to life, Van Cleef & Arpels enlisted the talents of celebrated French comic book artist and author David B., known for his rich, dreamlike imagery and fantastical worlds. Through his distinctive black-ink illustrations, he charted an imaginative visual universe to accompany the collection’s launch. One where galleons ride swirling seas, mythic creatures emerge from inked shadows, and islands of jewels glimmer under crescent moons.

David B.’s work doesn’t just illustrate the jewellery, it expands it, adding layers of narrative and a playful sense of myth. His whimsical drawings serve as a poetic bridge between the world of fine jewellery and the boundless realm of storytelling, reflecting the Maison’s ongoing commitment to art, literature, and imagination. It’s a reminder that jewels can do more than sparkle; they can dream, too.

 

Why Treasure Island Matters Now

Van Cleef & Arpels has long been celebrated for transforming imagination into artistry, and Treasure Island is a shining example of that legacy. At a time when the world craves wonder and escape, this collection offers both, blending fantasy with high jewellery in a way that feels timeless and bold.

It is also a continuation of the Maison’s love affair with literature. After drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet, Jules Verne’s Extraordinary Voyages, Charles Perrault’s Donkeyskin, and the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales, Van Cleef & Arpels now sets sail with Robert Louis Stevenson. Treasure Island carries forward this tradition, translating beloved stories into wearable works of art.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of pirate ships, enchanted islands, and sunken treasure brought to life in diamonds and gold, Van Cleef & Arpels has drawn the map. X marks the spot, and the magic is real.

 

 

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