A source of inspiration since Antiquity for artists, sculptors, storytellers and jewellers, the richness of the animal kingdom is as precious as natural stones. Little wonder that it has long captured the imagination of jewellery designers sensitive to the bounty of Mother Nature and the untamed beauty of so-called beasts.

One of the most emblematic examples is Cartier’s Panther which appeared in 1914. This highly naturalistic creation is very close to reality or expressed in stylized, abstract or graphic style in Cartier’s rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, earrings, watches, even pens or tie pins. Exquisitely portrayed in diamonds, the Graff Butterfly then recalls fleeting moments of wonder, joy, delicacy, and rebirth. For over six decades, the renowned London jeweller has presented the rarest gemstones with exemplary expertise and sensitivity. The enchanting Butterfly collection features pieces that can be stacked, layered, and worn every day.

Particularly well-suited to jewellery, the sinuous, hypnotic snake is the iconic star of Bvlgari’s best-selling Serpenti collection. The Italian jeweller created “tubogas” or tubular bands to ensure amazing flexibility for this collection dating back to 1948. Pretty recent, considering that Cleopatra wore snake jewellery, and the pharaohs sported symbols of the Uraeus snake on their crowns… Chaumet’s Bee collection does present the bee in some creations, but is better known for its mix-and-match honeycombs in gold and diamonds. Leading to infinity, evoking the radiance of the sun, and symbolising togetherness, they are the epitome of Parisian jewellery.

Tiffany & Co.’s bestiary jewellery in various styles features the enchanting Dragonfly brooch. The brand’s 2025 Blue Book, “Sea of Wonder”, also reveals high jewellery pieces of captivating delicacy in the guise of a seahorse, starfish, sea turtle, and other oceanic flora and fauna. Boucheron also reserves a predominant place for wildlife and birds in its creations. Its Collectible Animals catalogue proposes over 20 different species including wolves, polar bears, white swans and hummingbirds, richly enrobed in diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. Finally, the most playful offering on this theme has to be the “Noah’s Ark” collection signed Van Cleef & Arpels. More than 60 loving couples and 3 mythical creatures wear shimmering, lustrous attire and captivating expressions. As the jeweller says: “Good companions make for lovely journeys”.