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
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
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.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
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.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
