Ever since I came across a short article on jewellery featuring bees in a recent Vogue UK issue, I have been quietly obsessing about animal inspired jewellery. I like the playfulness and quirkiness these designs often have - a cat playing with a pearl; a bumblebee, frozen in time under a crystal dome; a diamond encrusted spider... The visual roundup of my current favourites:
Clockwise, from top left: Green tourmaline and diamond bee drop earrings, Theo Fennell; Victorian diamond and pearl butterly brooch, Bentley & Skinner; Victorian Demi-Parure* with enamelled dragon motifs, Bentley & Skinner; Honey Comb bee cuff bangle, Theo Fennell; Pearl and diamond swan brooch, Bentley & Skinner; Diamond and green tourmaline dragonfly drop earrings, Theo Fennell; 19th century garnet and diamond beetle brooch, Bentley & Skinner; Victorian dragonfly brooch, Bentley & Skinner; Victorian diamond monkey brooch, Bentley & Skinner; Turn of the century gold and pearl cat brooch, Bentley & Skinner; Victorian moonstone and diamond spider brooch, Bentley & Skinner; Edwardian Essex crystal bee brooch, Bentley & Skinner (I love the weirdness of this one!); Yellow Gold, freshwater pearl and diamond bee drop earrings, Theo Fennell (AMAZING - very high on my jewellery wish list).
You might deducted from my selection that I am partial to Theo Fennell and Bentley & Skinner - well, I am! The Bees etc. collection from Theo Fennell is just fantastic, particularly the bee and dragonfly drop earrings. Bentley & Skinner - with two Royal Warrants no less - have some of the most stunning antique jewellery pieces around. I remember being magically drawn to their shop window whenever I happened to pass it during my time in London. Have a look at the Winterfrost collection - the selection of pearl and diamond drop earrings is stunning.
* A Demi-Parure is a partial set of jewellery, a complete one usually including a necklace, earrings, bracelet and brooch, all matching.
All pictures from Bentley & Skinner and Theo Fennell