5 Minute Read
Looking back at cave paintings from tens of thousands of years ago, we can see that humans have drawn creative inspiration from the natural world throughout our history. These ancient images carry a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the animals that kept early human populations fed.
Contemporary jewelers keep this tradition alive by creating pieces which celebrate animal forms. Here is some of the most beautiful animal jewelry on display at the 2026 Las Vegas Gems and Jewelry shows, Couture and JCK.
Some artists have preconceived animalistic designs in mind that they bring to life by sourcing suitable gems. Eve Li, who runs her self-titled brand, showed a collection of figural jewelry at her booth, most of which were created with the vision coming first. Her swan, shown below, is an excellent example of an artistic vision that is realized by pairing the right gems and metals with masterful construction.
The collection of gems in Li's swan design must be perfectly matched to create the desired effect. However, some of her other designs feature a singular gemstone as the focal point of the piece. In these cases, the perfect gem must be acquired. A beautiful example is the peridot in Li's frog lapel pin, shown below. This charming amphibian is constructed using many different gemstone varieties and materials, yet the large peridot he holds is the star of the show.
There were several designers at Couture who push the art of jewelry manufacturing in various ways. One of the techniques on display was micromosaic work - an ancient technique that is so labor-intensive that most modern jewelers never attempt it. That is not the case with Sicis Jewels. Brand representative Daniela Depontes proudly presented an entire collection of butterflies made with micromosaic detailing, declaring, "we are the only booth at Couture this year to have micromosaic jewelry."
Depontes says that the effort required to create a collection of micromosaic jewelry is worthwhile for Sicis Jewels because their clientele "have a taste for uniqueness".
We found another butterfly at Couture at the booth for Benoi. While Sicis Jewels' butterflies are crafted using an old technique, the construction of the Benoi butterfly looks to the future. CEO Gino di Luca explained that Benoi's Italian design team headed by creative director Shradha built the wings of the butterfly using titanium in two tones, a metal that is notoriously difficult to use in jewelry, but whose physical properties, di Luca said, "make the effort worthwhile."
What is most impressive about Benoi's butterfly is the setting of the gemstones. Take a close look at the image above. You will see that the stones are set directly into the titanium without any gold to hold them in. This is an engineering feat di Luca is very proud his team have accomplished - "Using titanium is a great way to translate a classic design to a contemporary interpretation."
Designer Arman Agekyan of Jack Ferrero Jewelry likes to keep an open mind when conceptualizing his jewelry. Rather than working out what he wants to make in advance, he finds special gems that tell him what they want to be. Agekyan's one-of-a-kind work is often inspired by nature, but he does not restrict himself to "real" creatures. He showed us a substantial piece created around an exceptional Australian black opal showing a mermaid swimming in the sea.
Perhaps the most decadent, unapologetically luxurious, and simply joyful animal jewelry was created by an artist who says that making such pieces is "a hobby" which he indulges in only when he has the time. We found Arshavir Zarokyan's work at two separate booths - one in Couture, the other in JCK.
The booth at Couture was home to Zarokyan's Cicada brand. The jewelry on display there was clean and sophisticated, but we were drawn to a single, unique piece set off to the side - a delightful chameleon brooch.
Considering the quality of the work and the power of the emotion each piece evokes, it comes as no surprise that Zarokyan has been making these brooches for many years - "I began creating brooches twenty-five, maybe thirty years ago when big brooches were in fashion. I like to make things from nature. I mostly create animal forms, sometimes flowers. Now, I can't give it up! But it is hard to find buyers for these pieces. I love to make them when I find the time, but it is not a main part of my business."
While big brooches might not be a trendy design now, Zarokyan's exceptional work is actively admired by his peers. We found another of Zarokyan's brooches at the ARNAV Booth in JCK run by Paresh Patel. ARNAV, Patel explained, has a narrow focus selling loose diamonds ranging from 0.05 to 1.00 cts. in fancy shapes only. The color range is D-J and clarity can be anything from Internally Flawless to Included. Large animal brooches are decidedly NOT part of the business plan. Rather, Patel brought this example of Zarokyan's work simply because it makes him happy. Meet Bob the porcupine.
Patel has had Bob for a while, and says that his whole family loves him and showers him with the same affection as would be given to a living pet. As such, Patel made it clear that Bob isn't for sale. Rather, this prickly guy attended the show just to stretch his legs and make everyone smile!
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Looking back at cave paintings from tens of thousands of years ago, we can see that humans have drawn creative inspiration from the natural world throughout our history. These ancient images carry a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the animals that kept early human populations fed.
Contemporary jewelers keep this tradition alive by creating pieces which celebrate animal forms. Here is some of the most beautiful animal jewelry on display at the 2026 Las Vegas Gems and Jewelry shows, Couture and JCK.
Some artists have preconceived animalistic designs in mind that they bring to life by sourcing suitable gems. Eve Li, who runs her self-titled brand, showed a collection of figural jewelry at her booth, most of which were created with the vision coming first. Her swan, shown below, is an excellent example of an artistic vision that is realized by pairing the right gems and metals with masterful construction.
The collection of gems in Li's swan design must be perfectly matched to create the desired effect. However, some of her other designs feature a singular gemstone as the focal point of the piece. In these cases, the perfect gem must be acquired. A beautiful example is the in Li's frog lapel pin, shown below. This charming amphibian is constructed using many different gemstone varieties and materials, yet the large peridot he holds is the star of the show.
There were several designers at Couture who push the art of jewelry manufacturing in various ways. One of the techniques on display was micromosaic work - an ancient technique that is so labor-intensive that most modern jewelers never attempt it. That is not the case with Sicis Jewels. Brand representative Daniela Depontes proudly presented an entire collection of butterflies made with micromosaic detailing, declaring, "we are the only booth at Couture this year to have micromosaic jewelry."
Depontes says that the effort required to create a collection of micromosaic jewelry is worthwhile for Sicis Jewels because their clientele "have a taste for uniqueness".
We found another butterfly at Couture at the booth for Benoi. While Sicis Jewels' butterflies are crafted using an old technique, the construction of the Benoi butterfly looks to the future. CEO Gino di Luca explained that Benoi's Italian design team headed by creative director Shradha built the wings of the butterfly using titanium in two tones, a metal that is notoriously difficult to use in jewelry, but whose physical properties, di Luca said, "make the effort worthwhile."
What is most impressive about Benoi's butterfly is the setting of the gemstones. Take a close look at the image above. You will see that the stones are set directly into the titanium without any gold to hold them in. This is an engineering feat di Luca is very proud his team have accomplished - "Using titanium is a great way to translate a classic design to a contemporary interpretation."
Designer Arman Agekyan of Jack Ferrero Jewelry likes to keep an open mind when conceptualizing his jewelry. Rather than working out what he wants to make in advance, he finds special gems that tell him what they want to be. Agekyan's one-of-a-kind work is often inspired by nature, but he does not restrict himself to "real" creatures. He showed us a substantial piece created around an exceptional Australian black opal showing a mermaid swimming in the sea.
Perhaps the most decadent, unapologetically luxurious, and simply joyful animal jewelry was created by an artist who says that making such pieces is "a hobby" which he indulges in only when he has the time. We found Arshavir Zarokyan's work at two separate booths - one in Couture, the other in JCK.
The booth at Couture was home to Zarokyan's Cicada brand. The jewelry on display there was clean and sophisticated, but we were drawn to a single, unique piece set off to the side - a delightful chameleon brooch.
Considering the quality of the work and the power of the emotion each piece evokes, it comes as no surprise that Zarokyan has been making these brooches for many years - "I began creating brooches twenty-five, maybe thirty years ago when big brooches were in fashion. I like to make things from nature. I mostly create animal forms, sometimes flowers. Now, I can't give it up! But it is hard to find buyers for these pieces. I love to make them when I find the time, but it is not a main part of my business."
While big brooches might not be a trendy design now, Zarokyan's exceptional work is actively admired by his peers. We found another of Zarokyan's brooches at the ARNAV Booth in JCK run by Paresh Patel. ARNAV, Patel explained, has a narrow focus selling loose diamonds ranging from 0.05 to 1.00 cts. in fancy shapes only. The color range is D-J and clarity can be anything from Internally Flawless to Included. Large animal brooches are decidedly NOT part of the business plan. Rather, Patel brought this example of Zarokyan's work simply because it makes him happy. Meet Bob the porcupine.
Patel has had Bob for a while, and says that his whole family loves him and showers him with the same affection as would be given to a living pet. As such, Patel made it clear that Bob isn't for sale. Rather, this prickly guy attended the show just to stretch his legs and make everyone smile!
