The Snake Revival in Jewelry
The charm of the snake, which in jewelry has embodied various symbols, sometimes even other diametrical opposites, returns to shine through the new contemporary creations of Aurélie Bidermann, Selim Mouzannar and Lutiki
Gold plated Tao necklace, Aurélie Bidermann, Photo credit: Henrik Purienne.
Mystery, sensuality and romanticism coexist in the design of the Tao necklace by Aurélie Bidermann: a sinuous snake encircles the neck in a grip that gives the idea of protection rather than danger. A way of evoking the fascination of a symbol that, besides embodying the principles of immortality and infinity, represents other diametrical opposites: solar and lunar power, life and death, light and darkness, good and evil, wisdom and passion, healing and poison, spiritual and physical rebirth.
Infinite Power
Gold Unique necklace set with white and yellow diamonds and emeralds. Basilik collection, Selim Mouzannar.
Conceived in the workshops of Beirut, like every creation by French-Lebanese designer Selim Mouzannar, the necklace in the new Basilik collection evokes the ancestral symbolism of the snake-linked to the concepts of wisdom, rebirth and procreation, in a sophisticated hyper-realistic design. The long sinuous body of mobile gold links culminates in a head and tail at opposite ends made of white and yellow diamonds. The two pear-cut emeralds chosen for the eyes of this incredible creature make it hypnotic.
Primordial Flexibility
Gold-plated brass Snake choker, Lutiki.
In her contemporary interpretation of a rhetorical figure, such as the snake in jewelry, Sonya Soltes, the Ukrainian designer of the up-and-coming brand Lutiki, explores the interplay between familiarity and experimentation, combining a spiral motif-reminiscent of hair bands, often worn on the wrist-with the primordial profile of a reptile. Flexible in shape and size, the Snake choker is part of a jewelry series in which the designer has imagined what an archaeological relic of our time might look like in the future.
