CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet
The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
We’ve seen snake jewelry popping up everywhere lately, due, in part, to 2025 being the Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese Lunar calendar.
However, snakes have been a mainstay in jewelry dating back to ancient Egypt, and the trending motif still isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
In fact, designers are continuing to work with the motif and symbolism of snakes to create playful pieces like the “Python Gold” bracelet by Yvonne Léon.
The bracelet turns a belt into the form of a snake with a working buckle being the reptile’s head. Black diamonds are used as the python’s eyes, red enamel as its tongue, gray diamonds as accents to the belt loops and outline of the buckle, and 9-karat yellow gold in a scale pattern as the body of the piece.
Léon looked to the symbolism of snakes for the piece because, she said, the reptile has always been a powerful symbol for her, representing transformation, protection, and timeless elegance.
“By merging it with a belt buckle, I wanted to play with the idea of strength and structure, creating a piece that is funny to fasten,” she said.
Vintage high jewelry and the symbolization of snakes found in ancient civilizations inspired Léon to create the bracelet.
“I wanted to reimagine the snake in a modern, wearable sculpture. The scale texture, the curves of the python, and the gold all came naturally, as if the piece had to exist,” Léon added.
While the Python Gold bracelet launched last year, a necklace version of the piece debuted at Couture earlier this month.
It is part of the “Safari” collection, which includes leopards, zebras, lions, elephants, turtles, and koalas.
The bracelet retails for $8,710 and is available now on the Yvonne Léon website. The matching necklace will be available soon.
Related stories will be right here …
However, snakes have been a mainstay in jewelry dating back to ancient Egypt, and the trending motif still isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
In fact, designers are continuing to work with the motif and symbolism of snakes to create playful pieces like the “Python Gold” bracelet by Yvonne Léon.
The bracelet turns a belt into the form of a snake with a working buckle being the reptile’s head. Black diamonds are used as the python’s eyes, red enamel as its tongue, gray diamonds as accents to the belt loops and outline of the buckle, and 9-karat yellow gold in a scale pattern as the body of the piece.
The “Python Gold” bracelet depicts a snake belt buckle with black diamond eyes, a red enamel tongue, and gray diamond accents set in 9-karat yellow gold ($8,710)
Léon looked to the symbolism of snakes for the piece because, she said, the reptile has always been a powerful symbol for her, representing transformation, protection, and timeless elegance.
“By merging it with a belt buckle, I wanted to play with the idea of strength and structure, creating a piece that is funny to fasten,” she said.
Vintage high jewelry and the symbolization of snakes found in ancient civilizations inspired Léon to create the bracelet.
“I wanted to reimagine the snake in a modern, wearable sculpture. The scale texture, the curves of the python, and the gold all came naturally, as if the piece had to exist,” Léon added.
While the Python Gold bracelet launched last year, a necklace version of the piece debuted at Couture earlier this month.
It is part of the “Safari” collection, which includes leopards, zebras, lions, elephants, turtles, and koalas.
The bracelet retails for $8,710 and is available now on the Yvonne Léon website. The matching necklace will be available soon.
More on Trends
The Latest
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
