Take a deep dive into Van Cleef & Arpels latest High Jewellery collections with creation inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. “Like an adventure story, the collection brings landscapes and treasures from across the world together, in a three-part journey.”
The deep dive will take you a few minutes but it’s definitely worth it! The creations from Van Cleef & Arpels are sublime – ranging from gem-set characters such as pirates and dancing ladies, to perfectly created gold scrolls and stunning gem-set necklaces.
Pirate John Clip
Firstly, we have the Pirate John Clip which is mounted in 18ct white, yellow and rose gold, sapphire, rubies and diamonds.
He reminds us of the 1940s Ballerina line created by the Maison.
Dancer Clip, 1941
These beautiful clips are very popular collectibles and find great success at auction.
Clip Danseuse, 1943
This jewelled ballerina set with diamonds, rubies and turquoise, was sold at Bonhams in 2014 for $221,000, including premium. I would be keen to put an insurance value of £400,000 in today’s market.
Carte au Trésor clip
The collection includes several other ruby and sapphire set pieces, but one which caught my eye is set with a few diamonds only. It is a rolled-up treasure map.
It is mounted in 18ct yellow and rose gold with diamonds.
“This clip [depicts] a golden map, sealed with a twisted cord in rose gold that culminates in two mobile tassels. But the true treasure is hidden between the parchment’s folds…”
The craftmanship is sensational and one should take the time to view the video for the piece to appreciate its complex and intricate work.
Inside the scroll, the map reveals the Baie des Grenats, the Garnet Bay which is set with a ruby to mark the location of the treasure.
Which leads me to the next piece I have picked from this marvellous collection: The spessartite garnet Trésor de Massa d’Or, referencing a small Spanish Island, Illa de la Maca d’Oros, North of Barcelona.
