SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
TrendsOct 07, 2020
A New Book Explores Animals Depicted in Jewelry
It previews a forthcoming jewelry exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History.
“Beautiful Creatures: Jewelry Inspired by the Animal Kingdom,” is an upcoming American Museum of Natural History exhibition curated by Marion Fasel, who also wrote the accompanying tome.
New York—A new book and jewelry exhibition explore animals as design elements in jewelry.
Out late last month from Rizzoli Electa, “Beautiful Creatures: Jewelry Inspired by the Animal Kingdom,” by veteran jewelry author and editor Marion Fasel, explores iconic bejeweled animal depictions from Bulgari’s snakes to Cartier’s panthers to JAR’s butterflies.
The tome accompanies an exhibition of the same name Fasel curated at the American Museum of Natural History, scheduled to open this fall upon the institution’s completion of the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
The renovated halls will feature a new gallery for special exhibitions, the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, starting with “Beautiful Creatures.”
The 120 jewels in the exhibition and book range from present-day creations to pieces dating back as far as the mid-1800s.
They’re grouped by their general environment; “Air” showcases various birds and insects, “Water” features fish, starfish and crocodiles among others, while “Land” depicts such mammals and reptiles as tigers, elephants, snakes, lizards and tortoises.
Fasel couples her curation of pieces with the stories behind the jewels, noting their symbolic associations. Specific jewelry anecdotes are also included alongside images of famous figures like Elizabeth Taylor wearing animal-inspired pieces.
Fasel is the founder of fine jewelry website The Adventurine. “Beautiful Creatures” is her ninth jewelry book.
The book is out now, while the museum exhibition dates are forthcoming.
Serpent Choker by JAR, ca. 1990. Sapphires, amethysts, diamonds, silver and gold. Formerly in the collection of Jacqueline Delubac.
Giraffe Bracelet by Tiffany & Co., 1969. Diamonds, emeralds (eyes) and gold.
Crocodile Necklace by Cartier Paris, 1975. Yellow diamonds, emeralds, rubies (eyes) and gold. Formerly in the collection of Maria Felix.
Butterfly Brooch by JAR, 1987. Montana sapphires, diamonds, silver, platinum and gold.
The Waltz of Fighting Fish Brooch by Stephen Webster, 2019. Santa Maria aquamarine, black spinels, black sapphires, blue sapphires, diamonds and titanium.
Snake Bracelet, French, ca. 1850. Emeralds, diamonds, pink sapphires (eyes), silver and gold.
Butterfly Brooch, European, ca. 1875. Diamonds (approximately 75 carats), silver and gold.
The Latest
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
