In 2021, the American Museum of Natural History in New York presented Beautiful Creatures, an exhibition showcasing some of the most eccentric jewellery designs of the past century. One standout piece was the iconic crocodile necklace of Mexican actress María Félix, a loyal Cartier patron. Félix, renowned for her bold sense of style, famously strolled into Cartier’s Paris store in 1975 with her pet crocodile, requesting a necklace in its likeness. Cartier delivered, crafting two intertwined crocodiles encrusted with over a thousand emeralds and yellow diamonds. For Félix, crocodiles symbolized freedom, an embodiment of the spirit she associated with Mexico’s Golden Age of cinema.

Fast forward to today, and Félix’s wildest dreams seem to have come to life at Cartier’s latest high jewellery collection, Nature Sauvage, previewed at the historic Kursalon Hübner gallery in Vienna. Among the star pieces is the Koaga necklace, a masterful creation where a zebra clasps an emerald-cut diamond and a 6.25-carat pear-shaped rubellite in its mouth. The zebra’s form is exquisitely rendered in alternating onyx stripes and pavé diamonds, making the creature feel almost lifelike.

The relationship between animals and jewellery has deep mythological roots, often glorified through rituals and symbolism. In ancient Egypt, scarab beetles were worn as earrings to signify respect for life’s cyclical nature. Meanwhile, in Hellenistic Greece, gods and goddesses took on the forms of winged creatures in adornment. So, what is it about animal-themed jewellery that continues to captivate us? According to Amanda Triossi, a jewellery historian based in Rome, the allure lies in our primal instincts: “Wearing wild animals like panthers or tigers gives one the sense of having conquered them. It’s empowering, as if you inherit the animal’s strength and attributes.”

Cartier captures this essence beautifully in its Amphista necklace. Featuring two intertwined snakes with diamond scales set with emeralds, their heads adorned with kite-shaped diamonds, the necklace echoes ancient Chinese philosophy’s yin-yang balance. The pièce de résistance? Nine octagonal Colombian emeralds, weighing a total of 14.72 carats.

Triossi also notes that many historical heroes are often depicted draped in the skins of animals they’ve vanquished, a symbol of triumph. Today, jewellery transforms that symbol into something precious and eternal—animal skins reimagined in imperishable materials.

Later that evening, at a celebration held at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest in Austria, the enchantment of Cartier’s collection was heightened. The museum’s octagonal domes featured paintings of animals dancing with angels, setting the stage for a magical night. Guests were greeted by masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Caravaggio’s Madonna of the Rosary, alongside Cartier page boys in their signature red hats. The evening’s soundtrack, a seamless blend of Bach and Kygo, was curated by DJ Gillian Sagansky, lending a modern twist to the classical ambiance.

The following day brought another cultural adventure—a visit to Otto Wagner’s Villa, a stunning summer palace designed by the famed architect. The paintings adorning the villa’s walls depicted animals in various forms—some caught in purgatory, others wandering the biblical bardo, with alligators restlessly emerging from swampy landscapes.

Yves Saint Laurent famously remarked, “Fashions fade, style is eternal,” and this sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of building a jewelry collection meant to last a lifetime. Certain classic pieces have transcended time, achieving iconic status and adding instant sophistication to any ensemble.

With the festive season approaching, it’s the perfect time to invest in jewelry that can be cherished for generations. These timeless creations, adored by Hollywood stars and royalty alike, are always a wise choice. From the instantly recognizable Cartier Love bangle to Chanel’s classic pearls, De Beer’s diamond studs, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ lucky Alhambra talisman, here are 10 truly special pieces to buy now and wear forever.

For those seeking more budget-friendly options, don’t forget to explore these affordable jewelry brands as well.

The Cartier Tank Watch

Introduced in 1919, the Cartier Tank Watch was inspired by the armored vehicles of World War I, with its sleek design reflecting the tracks of early tanks. Its timeless elegance has ensured a devoted following ever since.

The Tiffany & Co. Open Heart Pendant

Designed by Elsa Peretti, who joined Tiffany & Co. in 1974, the Open Heart pendant features a sleek, open-centered heart inspired by Henry Moore’s sculptures. Its modern yet classic design remains a favorite.

The Chanel Pearl Earrings

Pearls add an instant touch of sophistication, and Chanel’s pearl earrings are a perfect example. Coco Chanel famously adored pearls, and her fashion house continues to celebrate them with elegant designs that remain stylish.

The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace

First launched in 1968, the Alhambra necklace is inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Its design, featuring clover-shaped motifs and vibrant semi-precious stones, remains a Van Cleef & Arpels signature.

The Bulgari Serpenti Watch  

Since the 1940s, Bulgari’s Serpenti collection has embodied the allure of the serpent. Elizabeth Taylor’s famous appearance wearing the Serpenti watch in “Cleopatra” cemented its iconic status.

The Boodles Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Popularized by tennis player Chris Evert in the 1970s, this elegant bracelet features a continuous row of diamonds, making it a versatile piece that complements any outfit.

The Piaget Cuff Bracelet

Piaget, originally a watchmaker, began crafting exquisite gold jewelry in 1961. The stackable gold bangles, inspired by Mediterranean hues, offer a touch of sunny warmth.

The Harry Winston Cluster Earrings

Renowned for handling some of the world’s most famous diamonds, Harry Winston’s cluster earrings, with their dazzling pear and marquise-cut diamonds, continue to be a symbol of glamour.

The Cartier Love Bracelet

Created in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo, the Cartier Love bracelet is an iconic piece symbolizing eternal love. Its unique design, secured with tiny screws, has made it a beloved classic.

Investing in these pieces ensures you’ll have timeless, elegant additions to your jewelry collection that will continue to bring joy for years to come.

Dolce & Gabbana, a brand known for elegance and sophistication, has broadened its product offerings to include pet requirements. The new product is a perfume specifically designed for your pet dogs, not for ladies, men, or even kids.

The brand-new, alcohol-free dog perfume, “Fefé,” was introduced in celebration of Domenico Dolce’s poodle, of the same name. The mist, which is “tailored specifically for dogs,” retails for an astounding $100 (about Rs 9,000).

According to the official website, “This alcohol-free scented mist for dogs blends fresh and delicate notes of Ylang Ylang, Musk, and Sandalwood, inspired by Domenico Dolce’s unconditional love for his loyal dog Fefé.” It’s a kind and comforting scent designed for an enjoyable beauty regimen.”

The website of the business further states, “This fragrance is housed in a sleek green lacquered glass bottle, adorned with a vibrant red metal cap and a precious 24-carat gold-plated paw.”

According to Dolce & Gabbana, this perfume complies with the Safe Pet Cosmetics guideline, which aims to guarantee that cosmetics for animals are as safe as those intended for people.

Publicly traded Bureau Veritas Italia offers inspection, laboratory verification, and certification services. According to the company’s ‘Fefe’ web page, which includes customer and veterinarian performance reviews, all dog owners surveyed find the fragrance to be “gentle and well accepted by their pets,” but not all vets support the use of perfumes on dogs because they may interfere with the animal’s sense of smell or mask unpleasant smells that could be an indication of an illness.