From Van Cleef & Arpels to Graff – how luxury jewellery brands have long drawn inspiration from nature

Dec 8 , 2019

Graff’s pink and white diamond lovebird brooch is part of its range of animal-inspired designs. Photo: Graff

Nature’s treasures flourish as fashion houses embark on a whimsical exploration of plants, animals and marine life

Designs inspired by nature unleash the innovative side of jewellery as plants and animals are brought to life in a playful manner.

In full bloom

Chopard’s Red Carpet Brooch in 18-ct yellow ethical gold and titanium, set with an opal cabochon, brilliant-cut sapphires, diamonds and yellow diamonds

Flowers have long been a symbol of purity, taking various shapes and moods in jewellery over the years, inspiring some of the most creative pieces.

Caroline Scheufele, artistic director and co-president of Chopard, has devised a range of orchid-inspired jewellery in the new Red Carpet 2019 collection. Curiosity about her surroundings has led to other nature-based pieces focusing on plants and animals.

A necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Frivole collection. Photo: VCA

The Frivole collection by Van Cleef & Arpels features novel designs. The flower motif is made of three heart-shaped petals with a round brilliant diamond in the centre. Two Butterfly Between the Finger rings are another nature-inspired piece by the French maison.

Chanel’s 1.5 1 Camélia 5 Allures Cristal Illusion necklace is inspired by Coco Chanel’s favourite flower.

Chanel’s 50-piece, 1.5 1 Camélia 5 Allures high jewellery collection, launched this year, revisits Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s emblematic flower. Chanel once said: “My [jewels] are flexible and detachable [ …] You can take apart the jewellery and use it to match a hat or fur. In this way, the set of jewellery is no longer an immutable object. Life transforms it and bends it to its needs.”

Animal talk