TrendsJan 06, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Glorious GarnetsCollectionsJan 10, 2023
Rémy Rotenier Debuts Hand-Painted Animal Jewelry
The “Rémanimals” brooches are a lighthearted spin on classic portrait miniatures.
Rémy Rotenier has introduced a new collection of animal portrait miniatures. Pictured is the designer’s portrait of his own dog, Zuzu.
New York—Hand-painted portrait miniatures were sentimental hallmarks of 18th- and 19th-century jewelry.
Designer and jewelry rendering teacher Rémy Rotenier is putting his fingerprint on the style with his new “Rémanimals” collection of brooches.
“Reverse-carved and painted portrait miniatures, often called Essex brooches, were prized possessions during the Victorian era,” he explained. “I’ve added modern jeweled frames to give these vintage and timeless expressions of love a new life.”
Essex brooches were so named for William Essex, the royal enamellist under Queen Victoria. Essex created many animal portrait miniatures for the queen, a noted dog lover. The style was popular across Europe.
The Rémanimals collection exclusively depicts animals, with a menagerie encompassing dogs, cats, rabbits, frogs, pandas, porcupines, and more.
Just like the antique jewelry style, Rotenier reverse hand paints each portrait in oil. The portrait is topped with rock crystal featuring a reverse carving of the design and backed with translucent mother-of-pearl.
These layers add dimension to the portrait’s meticulous details.
“I wanted to celebrate the close relationship between people and animals, by giving precious pets a human touch in my brooches,” said designer Rémy Rotenier of his new Rémanimals collection.
Rotenier’s renditions of antique animal portrait jewelry feature his subjects dressed in human clothing.
The portraits are reverse hand painted in oil paint and set underneath a reverse-carved intaglio in rock crystal cabochon.
Portraits are set in 22-karat yellow gold bezels in a sterling silver frame.
“Most of us carry pictures of our loved ones everywhere we go, and for many of us, that includes our animals,” Rotenier said.
The portraits are set in 22-karat yellow gold bezels and sterling silver frames adorned with approximately 0.18 carats of diamonds.
On the back of each brooch are two “hidden” diamonds, one baguette-cut stone representing the animal and the other a round diamond representing the brooch’s human wearer.
Rotenier’s portraits depicts his animal subjects in human clothing for a measure of playfulness.
“This is a collection based on celebrating our dear animal friends,” Rotenier said.
“Using anthropomorphism gives them human attributes to highlight their steadfastness. Dressing them up also enhances their natural elegance. I find our animals are symbiotic to us, so they needed to borrow our clothes.”
The collection’s brooches are priced at $5,800. Rotenier also accepts commissions for $6,400.
More information is available on the designer’s website.
More on Collections
The Latest
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
