Alongside animal-themed motifs, some jewelry selections are complemented by gemstones like diamonds, rubies, or sapphires. Animal designs in colored enamel stand out and are a great way to highlight a critter’s natural or accentuated plumage or fur. You can choose from white or yellow gold, sterling silver, or two-tone pieces that use different metals to depict animal patterns. Jewelry designers spotlight exotic creatures and domestic animals, allowing you to discover distinctive pieces that complement your individual style preferences. 

Types of Animal Jewelry 

Depending on its design, your animal jewelry can exude a different vibe – from playfulness to opulence. Simple design rings in single or two-tone metals give an understated appearance. Gold earrings accented with diamonds present a simple and dazzling accent to gowns and formal attire. Sterling silver animal heads with gems set as the eyes may give off an air of strength and mystery. Gemstone placement and metal composition will all depend on what look you’re trying to achieve. 

 Perhaps the most popular pieces of animal jewelry are necklaces and bracelets featuring exquisite designs. Some animal motifs are incorporated through intricate metalwork and some through charms or glass beads. Necklaces with animal pendants are always a striking choice, displaying each animal prominently in precious metal and some with gemstone embellishments. Whatever your aesthetic, there's a necklace or bracelet sure to fit your unique taste – whether you're going for a style that’s cute or full-on ferocious! 

Where and Why Animal Jewelry Started 

To say that animal jewelry has always been fashionable is an understatement. Some of the world’s oldest art and jewelry, dating back to the Stone Age, either uses animal bones or depicts carved animals. In the earliest days, necklaces made from shark teeth were a status symbol to tribal elders. Since then, animals have appeared on bracelets, rings, and earrings worldwide – adorning everyone from the ancient Egyptians to the queen of England. Even the British Crown Jewels feature a menagerie of animals, including lions, eagles, alligators and more. 

 So, what explains the lasting appeal of animal-themed jewelry? The reasons are multifaceted. In certain cultures, jewelry served as a religious adornment, often highlighting animal deities. Additionally, animal-derived materials like teeth and claws were abundant and convenient for crafting. Throughout history, animal imagery conveyed social status or familial importance; for instance, the Tudors utilized snake motifs as a symbol of their lineage and prestige. 

How to Select Animal Jewelry That Suits You 

If you have pets in your family, you may be inclined to choose pet jewelry that reflects your affection for them. Metal pendant necklaces and rings allow for engraving with pet names or special messages. You can pick outlines or designs to the likenesses of your breed of kitten or puppy to proudly show the world how much you adore your furry companion. 

 When browsing animal jewelry, you can also consider a creature that resonates with your personality or your personal history. Some cultures believe in totems and spirit animals that represent and speak to the wearer. If you have an animal guide, seek out jewelry that displays your personal connection through symbolic ornamentation. Some relate to more than one animal as they serve as allies, helpers and protectors along their path to a balanced life. 

 Still, others lean towards magical and mythological creatures. These imaginary beings come in many forms, like legendary dragons, fabled unicorns, or the all-powerful Sphinx. From rewarding good luck and fortune to the wearer to defending one from a foe on the battlefield, these mythical animals have a long and storied past. 

 Achieving a modern, refined appearance without appearing excessive involves focusing on one or two animal-themed accessories and layering them, either separately or together, with your favorite jewelry staples. Whether you prefer bold statements or subtle elegance, elevate your look with captivating animals and creatures inspired by nature, meticulously crafted in luxurious gemstones, gold, and sterling silver. 

Some tips for styling your animal jewelry: 

 Achieve an edgier style by pairing a classic pencil skirt and cardigan with a sassy lion, snake, or crocodile bracelet. 

Adorn your favorite little princess with a touch of whimsical charm when you present her with a frog ring or necklace. 

Go for a nautical vibe with a sleek starfish or crab pendant or bracelet paired with khakis and a crisp button-down. 

Famous Animal-Inspired Jewelry 

When browsing for the perfect wild style, draw inspiration from some of the most famous animal-inspired jewelry to date: 

Birds 

• Boucheron's Swan Lake-Inspired “Cypris” Bracelet — Set in 18kt blackened white gold, this magnificent bracelet features 174 black round sapphires (3.62 carats), 9 round diamonds (0.14 carats) and 2 round rubies (0.04 carats). 
• Cartier's Famous Vintage Flamingo Brooch (commissioned by the Duke of Windsor in 1940) — Across its platinum and gold surface, this whimsical brooch sparkles with brilliant-cut diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, sapphire cabochons, and one citrine gemstone. 
• Jean Schlumberger's “Bird on the Rock” Brooch (for Tiffany & Co.) — Featuring a circular-cut ruby for an eye, this vintage creation takes the form of a pavé-set diamond bird. Resting atop gold feathers, it showcases a cushion-shaped amethyst set in 18kt gold. 
• Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Walska” Briolette Diamond Brooch — Diamonds, emeralds and cabochon sapphires adorn this yellow-gold bird of paradise. The 96.62-carat diamond suspended from the bird's beak can be detached and worn as a pendant. You can separate the bird's wings to make earrings, and the tail can be transformed into a brooch! Multiple pieces of vintage bird jewelry are in one brooch.  

Insects 

• René Lalique's Dragonfly-Woman Corsage Ornament — This elegant corsage ornament is crafted from gold, enamel, moonstones, chrysoprase, and diamonds. 
• Chaumet's Bumblebee Pendant — The head and lower part of the wings of this 18kt gold pendant are set with 34 pavé diamonds, while the larger center diamond is bezel-set with a brilliant white diamond. 
• Gucci's Gold Crystal and Pearl Bee Brooch — This antiqued gold-tone brooch is carved out of metal with glass pearls, pink crystals, navy enamel, and engraved details. 
• Hemmerle's Tarantula Brooch — This brooch is massive! A yellow sapphire and a 71.93-carat emerald make up the spider's body, surrounded by more than 130 carats of sapphires and emeralds. The tarantula's back end has a 117.76-carat dark brown conch pearl – one of the biggest and rarest in the world. 

Cats 

• Jeanne Toussaint’s “La Panthère” Brooch (for Cartier) — Cat lovers will love this gorgeous panther brooch with its diamonds and spots set in platinum, and its coral and black-enamel base. 

Snakes 

• JAR (Joel Arthur Rosenthal) 's Serpent Choker — A sapphire-encrusted head and pavé-set precious and semi-precious stones adorn this spectacular snake. 
• Cartier's Snake Necklace (commissioned by Mexican actress Maria Felix) — Simply sss-tunning! This necklace is platinum, white gold, and yellow gold with 473 brilliant-cut diamonds (178.21 carats in all); two emeralds (eyes); and green, red, and black enamel.  

Elephant 

• Cartier's Elephant and Calf Brooch and Pendant — This colorful elephant with calf brooch is crafted of 18kt yellow gold. The baby calf can be detached from its mother and worn as a pendant! 

Dragons 

• Van Cleef & Arpels' Dragon Brooch — The dragon's scales are created in 18kt gold and are accented with 24 round diamonds (50 carats) with two round ruby cabochon eyes. 

Lions 

• Chanel's Gold Medallion “Coat of Arms” Crest Lion Necklace — The necklace comprises seven round gold medallions that graduate in size as they descend from the center medallion. An absolute eye-catcher! 

Frogs 

• David Webb's Twin Frog Bracelet — Set in white enamel, 18kt gold, and platinum, this quirky amphibious duo boasts cabochon sapphires, emeralds, and brilliant-cut diamonds. 

Starfish 

• Salvador Dalí’s “Étoile de Mer” Brooch — This stunning starfish features a center pearl with diamond, ruby, and emerald arms. Its flexible body allows it to wrap around fingers and hands. 

Animal Jewelry: FAQs Answered 

Wondering about integrating animal motifs into your accessories? Delve into these straightforward responses to commonly asked questions, which could simplify your jewelry-buying process.