Celebrate Lunar New Year with decadent snake jewels

Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, or as it’s also known, Lunar New Year, kicks off on January 29th.Every year marks the start of a different zodiac cycle and this year celebrates the 6th animal in the 12-year cycle, the snake.Brimming with symbolism, the serpent holds significant meaning across many cultures going back to ancient times. The animal totem has long been a favorite to wear, whether it’s the year of the snake ornot. In mythology, the creature is said to be graceful and intelligent, with mystery and wisdom tied to it as well, and people born in the year of the snake are said to seek knowledge and harness intuition, analytical skills, and adaptability.In Chinese mythology, it’s been a symbol of wealth and prosperity and has long been a positive motif injewelry for those reasons and more. So much so, that many brands are known for embracing the snakeas a signature collection (or collections) over the years. The Italian house Bulgari introducedthe motif in 1948 and has continued to evolve with intriguing creations ever since. For the year ofthe snake, they’ve added to their slithering designs with a fine jewelry collection that includes a showstopper Tubogas Serpenti necklace. To mark the year, the famed jewelry house has also mounted Serpenti Infinito, a recently opened exhibition in Shanghai of immersive art, featuring artworks by 19 Chinese and international artists that celebrate the iconic snake motif.They’re not alone in creating covetable serpent jewels. David Webb is known for his animal-themedgems and this diamond and ruby bracelet is surely at the top of many collectors’ lists. The wrist andhand are the perfect canvas for showcasing the wrapped-around wonders, as Jacquie Aiche and Sylva & Cie display with rings. But you don’t have to settle for just one with Roberto Coin’s bracelet and ring version.Both Jenna Blake and Silvia Furmanovich’s earrings are sure to make a statement, especially if paired with Selim Mouzannar’s “Basilik” necklace which can be worn in a number of ways. Lionheart’s diamond and enamel pendant is an ideal choice for anyone looking for an everyday jewel with serpent symbolism.

Slide into the year of the snake in style with these picks.