Our love affair with animals goes back since ancient times, and lately these motifs have exploded in popularity. Animals are appreciated for their beauty, their strength and often their companionship. Throughout our history, various animals have symbolized varying traits. It is no wonder animal jewelry never goes out of style!
The mid-century period of the 1940s to l960s was the golden age of animal and figurative jewelry design. Artists at Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and David Webb, among others, combined precious and semi-precious stones, organic shapes and detailed enamel surfaces to fashion animal jewelry - ranging from panthers and horses to serpents and fish.
Cats have had a mutually beneficial relationship with humans as companions and to control vermin. The cat is a symbol of good luck and often seen in businesses to draw money in. Here the cat was also considered a guardian of homes and a symbol of domestic goodness. The cat symbolizes grace and poise and it is easy to see why it is such a popular subject in animal jewelry. This pampered cat by Oscar Heyman below is depicted in diamonds, rubies, emeralds, gold and pearls.
Oscar Heyman Cat
Frogs symbolize many things. The most known symbol is standing with fertility. Other things the frog symbolizes are opportunity, luck, rebirth, purity, renewal and healing. Due to the fascinating transitions the frog goes through in its life, it is a symbol of metamorphosis. Furthermore, the frog’s dual time spent on land and water represents duality of the soul. The Frog also symbolizes creativity and forward thinking. This whimsical frog designed by Oscar Heyman is showcased in 18K gold, diamonds and of course, the green emerald.
Oscar Heyman gold, ruby, and emerald frog
The hummingbird symbolizes joy, beauty and enjoyment of life. The vibrant colors of the hummingbird make it easy to interpret this bird in jewelry. They are capable of amazing feats despite its small size. They can travel a great distance and can also fly backwards. Other meanings associate with the hummingbird are adaptability, resilient and keeping a playful and optimistic outlook.
Oscar Heyman hunningbird
The rooster reminds us of the rising for the new day. The rich plumage and comb of the rooster give this bird something to crow about! The rooster is also a symbol, of passion. Because of its aggressiveness, the rooster has been used to symbolize the soldierly qualities of vigilance, courage, supremacy, and pride. It is the national emblem of France and an image of war. This is one proud rooster strutting diamonds and rubies.
Oscar Heyman rooster
Elephants are often revered in religion and feared warriors in battle. They represent strength and power, not only physical but mental and spiritual. We gather more symbolic meaning of elephant by observing it in nature. Specifically, the elephant is considered a symbol of responsibility because it takes great care and responsibility of its offspring as well as their elders.
Oscar Heyman elephant
The swan is a symbol of grace and beauty. Swans are said to mate for life and they are a symbol of love and relationships. Many cultures believe that the swan is the bird of life and it combines the elements of air and water. In Chinese mythology, the swan is a symbol of yang and considered a solar bird. Christians believe the swan to be a symbol of grace and purity, it symbolizes the Virgin Mary. In Celtic folklore, swans were a symbol of love and purity, their music was considered magical. We think this Oscar Heyman swan depicts a most magical bird.
Oscar Heyman Swan
Venture out and consider expressing your inner personality with animal jewelry. Which one fits your personality?
