Last week I decided to sort out my jewelry collection, something I avoided for a very long period of time. After I was done I was really overwhelmed by it’s size – how did I manage to collect so many jewelry in these 30 years 🙂 ?!!

After seeing all of the jewelry, finally systematic and in order, I realized how a huge part of my jewelry is full of different animal motives. All around me were cats, peacocks, snakes, bats, owls, ladybugs..and snails. You, you read right – snails 🙂 !

Only one of my favorite Croatian jewelry designers, Daniel from Deni Design in Šibenik, is able to create such wonderful pieces of art with snails as it’s main inspiration! I fell in love with this wonderful unique necklace from his “Nudist” collection and I’m proud to wear it.

All the pictures were taken in front of the church of St. Jerome from 15th century. The church is situated near the popular climbing cliffs on the hill Marjan in my hometown Split. Near the church are the caves which were homes of people who decided to live like recluses in their search for faith. Legend says that one of those recluses was St. Jerome himself.

Solace of this fascinating place and the rich history behind it, amazing sea views and this beautiful jewelry were a main inspiration behind today’s post.

Enjoy !

Necklace and earrings from “Nudist” collection by very talented and one of my all time favorites 🙂 “Deni Design” from Šibenik, Croatia – as his creator Daniel told me, this little “Nudist” snail obtained himself the wings and now he thinks he is a bird – so he even built himself a nest :). True dreamer and adventurer – just like it’s new owner 😉

Little “Nudists” hangin’ around

“Bata” black heels bought on my honeymoon in Bangkok two years ago

This assymmetric satin dress I bought in one of the local shops in my hometown Split couple of years ago – I received my degree while wearing it!

 Some history and trivia behind animal inspired jewelry :

Elizabeth Taylor as iconic Queen Cleopatra, wearing serpent armband; Scarab amulets from ancient Egypt

Quite common piece of jewelry in Egypt were a Serpent or snake armbands and crowns. The ancient Egyptians felt fear and awe for snakes and they became popular but an ambiguous symbol. Sometimes they were protectors of the Pharaoh, and sometimes they were evil demons to be slain.

The most important amulet in ancient Egypt was the one which resembled scarab – insect we normally found in north – eastern Africa. Scarabs were a common form of good luck charm which everyone could afford. Egyptians believed that scarab pendants have protective powers in life, an also in the after life, so they were always sewn to mummy wrappings.

Serpent bracelet and rabbit brooch from from Old Roman Empire

In addition to obligatory signet rings and brooches, Romans used amulets, bracelets, brooches and earrings which were used to protect wearer from evil spirits and curses . Designs imprinted into many of their jewelry showed animals and coiling snakes – symbols of immortality.

Art Deco jewelry inspired by nature and animals – early 20th century

Art Deco designers from the beginning of the 20th century blended ideas from ancient Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia and Rome with elements of the modern 20s. The style is characterized by its playful use of geometry and bold colors. Very popular were motives from nature, especially seashells, animals and flowers. Dramatic combinations of materials such as enamel and glass with precious stones were typical of the style.

And some of my animal inspired favorites 🙂

Steam – punk spider brooch and delicate dragonfly pin

Ring heaven !

Interesting animal themed earrings….

….and pendants.

If you have just a “little bit” of extra money 😉 in your wallet you can buy some pieces of these animal jewelry collections by Chanel, Chopard and Van Cleef and Arpels.

Jewelry by Manish Anora

Bugs occupied 2013. fashion runways

Ladies love their Serpents: Angelina Jolie, Dita Von Teese, Sarah Jessica Parker

Thank you Miss Stela for the pictures 🙂 !

Kisses,

Dee