Mother Nature: the world’s first designer
In the middle of Spring, as flowers blossom, eggs hatch, and baby animals come blinking into the bright world, the world celebrates Earth Day as a way to spread environmental awareness and encourage the respect and nourishment of the countless plants and animals that cover our planet. In many ways, this day calls us to celebrate the Earth’s first and greatest designer: Mother Nature herself. All over our planet, evidence of her discerning eye can be seen; from the slow, slinking walk of the panther to the vivid painted wings of a Monarch butterfly, Mother Nature’s role as an artist—perhaps the very first artist—is undeniable. It should be no surprise then that so many designers from all walks of life have taken inspiration from her work. In particular, the elusive nature of animals, who we can observe and sometimes train, but never speak with or fully understand, has captured the imagination of designers across time. Animal-inspired jewelry allows you to express this type of wild imagination, especially now as we recover from the aftershocks of years spent in isolation and boredom by turning to nostalgia, maximalism, and nature-inspired designs that emphasize freedom and joy. There’s only one question you need to answer before we start: are you ready to walk on the wild side?
Walk on the wild side with animal-inspired jewelry
“Magnetic, wild, feline, and free” is how Cartier’s website describes the watches in the Panthère collection—a purrfect summation if you ask us. Inspired by the quick, elegant movements of the panther and by the mysterious aura that envelops the brooding big cat, Cartier Panthère Jewelry Watches combine the excellence and expertise of over a century of luxury watchmaking with a gloriously decadent eye for lavish design. Watches from this Cartier collection are experiments in opulence, with brilliant-cut diamond accents, 18k gold, and detailed panther designs all intended to astonish. With a large face designed to show off the careful detailing of the design, the 42.75 mm Promenade d'une Panthère Cartier watch is a testament to the untamed and uninhibited beauty of the Panthère Jewelry Watches. Set in romantic 18k pink gold, the Promenade d'une Panthère includes practical features alongside its aesthetic features. For example, the movement of the watch, the caliber 9603 MC, is a self-winding mechanical movement designed in-house by Cartier, especially for the Panthère Jewelry Watches, and in the case of the Promenade d'une Panthère, it is directly attached to the three-dimensional panther on the dial. As time passes, the panther prowls around the dial’s deep violet Mother of Pearl canvas, sneaking in the shadows. Playful and powerful, this iteration of the panther is composed of 208 separate brilliant-cut diamonds totaling .42 cts and tiny black lacquer spots, which contrast beautifully with the dark purple dial, the rosy 18k pink gold, and the brilliant white alligator skin strap. Bring a sense of mystery, of wildness, of sensuality to your look with this animal-inspired watch; bring the panther into the concrete jungle.
“You mess with the bull, you’ll get the horns.” For The Breakfast Club fans and Texans alike, this statement rings true. Embrace your Longhorn heritage, and show your inner ferocity with the adorable Deutsch Signature Pave Diamond Horn Stud Earrings. Set in sunny 14k yellow gold and dotted with tiny diamonds, these stud earrings are a minimalist take on animal-inspired jewelry, meant to evoke the idea of the animal rather than show a straightforward depiction of it. With their dainty stud design, Deutsch’s diamond earrings can be a no-fuss option for daily wear or a subtle touch of sparkle for a formal event; in both cases, the flat design of the 14k yellow gold earrings means they won’t get caught on a mask!
Jewelry by Deutsch’s collection of charming critter designs continues with the Deutsch Signature Pave Diamond Butterfly Necklace. Also set in 14k yellow gold and studded with pavé diamonds, this butterfly necklace has been rolled out at the perfect time for two reasons: first, because, as spring is well underway, a flurry of nature-inspired designs, filled with all the life and vitality the season represents, will be hitting stores, and second, because the last year has rejuvenated the trend of insect, ladybug, bumblebee, and, yes, butterfly jewelry that became popular first in the 1970s and then returned in the 1990s. Spearheaded by Gucci’s decision to reintroduce their iconic 70s bee motif in the late 2010s, the re-popularization of insect jewelry has come hand-in-hand with the wave of 1970s and 1990s nostalgia that’s dominating the fashion world right now. Equally appealing when paired with mustard bell bottoms or a Delia*s ditsy floral print, this gold butterfly necklace is more than a trendy necklace; thanks to its minimalist design, understated sparkle, and utilization of durable materials, this yellow gold necklace is versatile and classic, designed to add a glimmer of soft femininity to any outfit. Don’t you get butterflies in your stomach just thinking about it?
Temple St. Clair is a brand known for three things: stunning 18k yellow gold jewelry, artsy amulets, and an utterly unique, deliciously colorful design aesthetic. Taking inspiration from a number of sources ranging from Renaissance period Italian art to celestial bodies, Temple St. Clair’s perspective on the world is one of wonder, awe, and a touch of whimsy. The brand’s animal-inspired pieces, like the Temple St. Clair Owl Amulet, provide evidence of this charming worldview. Set in the brand’s signature 18k yellow gold, this amulet assumes the shape of a delightfully round owl, with a delicately worked yellow gold shell providing the detail and outline of the owl while a milky rock crystal core serves as its body. Bright sapphire eyes sit on either side of a little yellow gold beak, observing the world with curiosity, while an assortment of white diamond accents add depth to the head, eyes, and wings of the creature. What a hoot!