Neha earrings in pink gold, white gold, rubies, white cultured pearls and diamonds | Priya necklace in pink gold with oval-cut ruby (Burma), ruby beads (Burma), pink sapphires, white cultured pearls, diamonds | Ravinala ring in pink gold, white gold, with oval-cut ruby (Burma), rubies, diamonds, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Van Cleef & Arpels unveils its latest high jewellery triumph in the Treasure of Rubies collection
Photographed by Greg Adamski | Styled by Natascha Hawke
Unisson earrings in white gold, pink gold, with pear-shaped ruby (Mozambique), pear-shaped DVVS2 diamond, rubies and diamonds | Printemps indien necklace in white gold, pink gold, cushion-cut and oval-cut rubies (Burma), mauve sapphires, emeralds and diamonds | Renée bracelet in white gold, pink gold, oval-cut and cushion-cut rubies (Burma), diamonds, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
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.
Zip Antique Padma necklace in white gold, pink gold, with rubies (Mozambique), white cultured pearls, diamonds | Éventail bracelet in white gold, pink gold, with oval-cut and cushion-cut rubies (Mozambique), and diamonds | Boucles de rubis ring in white gold, red gold, Traditional Mystery Set rubies, emerald-cut DFL type 2A diamond, and diamonds, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
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.
Duo de diamants earrings in white gold, with pear-shaped DIF type 2A diamonds, rubies, and diamonds | Echo céleste necklace in white gold, pink gold, with pear-shaped DIF type 2A diamond, cushion-cut ruby (Burma), diamonds | Maha ring in white gold, pink gold, pear-shaped DFL type 2A diamond, rubies and diamonds, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
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.
Folie des prés earrings in white gold, pink gold, rubies, diamonds | Folie des prés bracelet in white gold, pink gold, rubies, diamonds, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
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.
Folie des prés earrings in white gold, pink gold, rubies and diamonds | Folie des prés necklace in white gold, pink gold, rubies and diamonds, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
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.
- Model: Sasha Zotova at Art Factory Studio
- Hair and Make-up: Ania Poniatowska at MMG
- Words by Natascha Hawke
