Van Cleef & Arpels unveils its latest high jewellery triumph in the Treasure of Rubies collection
Photographed by Greg Adamski | Styled by Natascha Hawke
The Treasure of Rubies collection from Van Cleef & Arpels was dramatically unveiled last month during an exclusive two-day event in Bangkok, in the presence of editors from around the world who flew in as guests of the French jewellery maison.
Revealed during a special dinner prepared by Michelin-star chef Emmanuelle Renaut, held at Bangkok’s historic Wanglee Mansion on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, the 60-piece collection made its debut on models who navigated the venue draped in the priceless jewels, to gasps of appreciation.
The most recent thematic collection unveiled by the maison to be inspired by a single stone – following 2016’s magnificent Émeraude en majesté collection showcasing around 1,400 carats of emeralds – the Treasure of Rubies collection boasts a staggering 3,000 carats of certified rubies sourced from around the world, from locations such as India, Burma and Mozambique among others, collected over several years.
Each creation is a testimony to the maison’s savoir-faire excellence, with signature design elements apparent throughout in transformable pieces, asymmetry and the Mystery Set technique that are ingrained in Van Cleef & Arpels’ DNA.
Standout pieces such as the Rubis Imperial necklace can be worn in three different ways, while the Elixir de Rubis offers a staggering eight transformations – both reflections of the maison’s jewellery-making expertise.
Every piece is unique in colour, which differs depending on the ruby’s source (darker from Mozambique, lighter from Burma), and the designs all inspired by different eras, places and materials.
It is impossible to describe in words, or to illustrate through a photograph, the true beauty of this magnificent collection by Van Cleef & Arpels.
