Beautiful Creatures

Creatures from the animal kingdom are represented in exquisite jewellery by renowned masters such as Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., JAR, Belperron, David Webb, Schlumberger, Boucheron, and many other brilliant jewellers.

Many of the most imaginative designs by the world's great jewellery houses and artisans take inspiration from the animal kingdom. From Cartier's iconic panthers to Bulgari's snakes and JAR's butterflies, these spectacular objects dripping with precious stones are akin to wearable art. Beautiful Creatures depicts some of the most spectacular beasts ever transformed into sparkling treasures and accompanies a special exhibition in the American Museum of Natural History's Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, which opened in autumn 2020.

The 120 pieces featured date from the mid-1800s to the present, representing species from the realms of land, air, and water. Gorgeous studio photography of the jewellery is complemented by images of iconic personalities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Twiggy, and the Duchess of Windsor, wearing famous animal-inspired jewels.

Guest curator Marion Fasel relays the stories behind the individual pieces through entertaining anecdotes and reveals the colourful histories and fascinating symbolism of these remarkable creatures in precious gems and metals that intrigue and delight us, and that we never tire of wearing.