Animal-motif jewelry has been around since ancient times. Big cats are an enduring theme.
Gold and copper bracelet with lions’ heads, from Cyprus, 5th century B.C. Photo courtesy Metropolitan Museum of Art. Click for source.
When it comes to a universal concept like this, “‘Tain’t what you do (it’s the way that you do it),” as the song goes.
Everyone can interpret the same idea differently. For instance, I made a tiger ring for my gorgeous client Christine in 2011 …
18K gold with black diamonds, tsavorites and a pearl. Click for more information on the design and photos of the work in progress.
… but I am far from the first or last to craft a tiger with a gem in its mouth. Here are two very different takes on the same idea. The first is a gold ring from the 1940s.
1940s ring in enameled gold with diamonds. Photo courtesy the Antique Jewellery company. Click for source.
It will never be confused with Lanvin’s newly introduced — and massive — brass tiger necklace.
Available for $1,985 on Lanvin’s website.
The only feline that I wouldn’t try to make my own is the panther. Cartier, which introduced its “Panthère” motif in 1914, is the king of panther jewelry. Even though I’m sure I could do a panther that was distinct from Cartier’s, why bother? If you want a panther, go to the panther experts. If you want a lion, a tiger, an ocelot or a Siamese, I’m open for business!
That gaudy Lanvin necklace would be so much better if it were FitzRoy’s face instead!
That ring is fantastic. I love the idea of Siamese jewellery, we used to have one and they have such personality!
I’d no idea that motif was so old. Not too keen on Lanvin’s tiger, it looks like a shield. But I love the rings.
That necklace looks like it weighs twenty pounds! wow! I love visiting the ancient jewelry sections of museums for the reasons you’v shown here too.
Just like with all of your other designs I love the detail you incorporate into each design. These others just don’t seem to have it
Marti