Few houses in haute joaillerie evoke nature’s poetry with the same lyricism as Van Cleef & Arpels. Since its founding in 1906, the Parisian Maison has drawn deeply from the natural world, creating intricate blooms, fluttering butterflies, and whimsical woodland scenes with unmatched finesse. Now, with the debut of its Fleurs d’Hawaï collection, Van Cleef & Arpels takes us to the tropics, channelling the vibrant hues and botanical exuberance of Hawaiian flora in a suite of radiant creations.
The collection is a celebration of colour, light and transformation both in nature and in craftsmanship. At its heart are five semi-precious gemstones, each chosen not just for their hue but for the emotional resonance they bring. Citrine glows with a warm, orangey-yellow light reminiscent of Pacific sunsets. Amethyst introduces a rich, regal purple, grounded yet enigmatic. Rhodolite, with its intense pink-red tones, is the most romantic of the group, while aquamarine shimmers with the crystalline clarity of tropical seas. Finally, the fresh green of peridot conjures verdant foliage, lush and full of vitality, often admired in Van Cleef collections.
Each stone is carefully set in either rose, yellow or white gold – a subtle yet significant choice that enhances the tonal beauty of the gems. The resulting palette is joyous, unrestrained and unmistakably summery, echoing the vibrant energy of the natural landscapes that inspired them. These gemstones aren’t mere adornments; they are the central characters in a narrative that bridges geography and imagination.
Intricate floral earrings from the Fleurs d’Hawaï collection. On the left, vibrant peridots set in yellow gold; on the right, a close-up of earrings and a ring with radiant amethysts, set in rose gold.
The collection includes earrings, rings, pendants and watches, all exemplifying the refined artistry for which the Maison is renowned. Among the standout features is the transformable nature of the timepieces, a discreetly elegant innovation that allows the central floral motif of the watch to be detached and worn as a pendant, clip or bracelet. This multi-functionality is not just a flourish of design genius, but a testament to Van Cleef heritage in transformable jewellery, a tradition that dates back to the Art Deco era when Van Cleef & Arpels first introduced its patented “Mystery Set” and other convertible pieces.
Indeed, what sets Fleurs d’Hawaï apart is not simply the visual delight it offers, but the profound level of craftsmanship involved. Each piece is a microcosm of savoir-faire: the careful sourcing of gemstones for optimal saturation and brilliance; the precision of the setting, ensuring light plays across each facet with maximum effect; and the subtle calibration of colour contrasts, so that no combination overpowers another. The result is harmony: a lush, chromatic symphony that wears as elegantly as it dazzles.
The central floral motif on the Fleurs de Hawaï watches can be detached to be worn as a pendant, clip or bracelet.
The launch of the collection is more than a moment of artistic release; it is also a reaffirmation of Van Cleef & Arpels’ commitment to nature and cultural patronage. Fittingly, Fleurs d’Hawaï is being unveiled at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, a jewel of 18th-century architecture surrounded by gardens and woodlands that reflect the natural themes of the collection. The location is no coincidence. Van Cleef & Arpels has a longstanding relationship with The King’s Foundation (formerly The Prince’s Foundation) and became Principal Patron of The King’s Foundation Gardens and Estates in 2023. This partnership supports conservation efforts at Dumfries House, The Castle and Gardens of Mey in Caithness, and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire, championing biodiversity and traditional craft.
The unveiling also coincides with the Maison’s broader educational initiatives, which include workshops and training in traditional métiers d’art, all encouraged by Van Cleef experts. This is not just about creating jewellery, but about sustaining a cultural ecosystem in which craftsmanship, ecology, and creativity can flourish in unison.
With Fleurs d’Hawaï, Van Cleef & Arpels reminds us that fine jewellery can be more than precious. It can be expressive, transportive, and even a little escapist. At a time when the world continues to feel uncertain, there is something profoundly reassuring in a collection that celebrates beauty for beauty’s sake, anchored in artistry and connected to a broader narrative of care for the environment.
Author: Julia Pasarón
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