Animals, both real and mystical ones, have always been a rich source of inspiration for jewellery designs. From subtle animal shapes to fully carved life-like animal figures, there are all kinds of ways that animals have been integrated into jewellery. Other than adding a unique edge to your look, animal jewellery are also believed to imbue the wearer with the positive characteristics and good luck of the particular animal. 

Pixiu 

Pixiu is a Chinese mythical hybrid creature and is also commonly referred to in the West by the Greek word "chimera". It is considered a powerful protector of practitioners of Feng Shui. Pixiu is believed to attract wealth and good fortune because of its money-drawing capabilities. 

Pixiu is often fierce-looking, with its look resembling a dragon mixed with a lion. It is often made into charms and used in beaded bracelets and rings. 

Dragon

Chinese dragon, also known as Long or Lung, are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology, and are very often adapted into jewellery. Chinese dragons are most commonly depicted as snake-like with four legs although they may also come in other animal forms. They one of the most auspicious animals known and are thought to possess powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck.

In Chinese culture, excellent and outstanding people are compared to a dragon, while incapable people with no achievements are compared to other, disesteemed creatures, such as a worm.

Phoenix

A phoenix is a mythological bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. Associated with fire and the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. Some legends say it dies in a show of flames and combustion, others that it simply dies and decomposes before being born again. Phoenix is a symbol of hope, renewal, rebirth, immortality, resurrection, solitude, and grace. Just like the phoenix emerges from its ashes, so can man after devastation and loss.

Koi

Koi fish are popular symbols in Japanese and Chinese cultures, and are often associated with good luck and abundance.

The koi carp in China were known to attempt swimming upstream in the yellow river, but only a few of them were able to swim past a point called the Dragon’s Gate. Legend has it that the koi who did were rewarded by turning into dragons. For this reason, koi carp is also a symbol of determination and a strong will to succeed.

Butterfly

Butterflies are deep and powerful representations of life. Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life. The butterfly is also a symbol of incredible personal transformation. 

Butterflies also come in a variety of attractive colors and patterns, which are often adapted and made into beautiful and feminine jewellery. 

Peacock

The peacock is a possessor of some of the most admired human characteristics, and is a symbol of integrity and the beauty we can achieve when we endeavor to show our true colors.

There are also known peacock symbolism that includes Nobility, Holiness, Guidance, Protection and Watchfulness.

Tiger

In the kingdom of spirit animal, the tiger puts a special emphasis on raw feelings and emotions. The tiger spirit animal symbolizes primal instincts, unpredictability, and ability to trust yourself. Tigers are popularly also known for their strength and power.

Swan

The swan was seen as a traditional symbol of beauty and grace in ancient Greece, has other symbolism linked to love, trust and purity. The swan is also an emblem of feminine beauty and even has operas and ballets written about it.

 

References:

https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/special-reports/topics/high-jewellery/article/2120828/why-animal 

https://hk.asiatatler.com/style/trend-report-animal-inspired-jewellery

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_dragon

https://www.bkktattoostudio13.com/japanese-koi-fish-meaning-colors-tattoo-bangkok.html