The Year of the Snake: Iconic Snake Jewelry Designs

Bulgari – The Serpenti Collection
No discussion of snake jewelry is complete without mentioning Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti collection. Since the 1940s, the Italian luxury house has transformed the snake into a symbol of sophistication and power. The Serpenti bracelets and watches, often coiling around the wrist in fluid, sinuous movements, feature exquisite craftsmanship with gold, diamonds, and enamel. A favorite among celebrities and collectors, Bulgari’s Serpenti remains one of the most recognizable snake jewelry designs in the world.

In 2023, Bulgari celebrated the 75th anniversary of its iconic Serpenti collection with the “Serpenti Infinito” exhibition, which has traveled globally and was showcased in Shanghai in January 2025 to coincide with the Lunar New Year.* The exhibition features 28 artworks by 19 international and Chinese artists, including 11 pieces created exclusively for the event. A highlight is Turkish artist Refik Anadol’s “Infinito: AI Data Sculpture,” a three-dimensional piece that interacts with light and form. The exhibition is organized into three chapters: “Crafting Serpents in History,” exploring the snake’s mythology; “Snakes in the Arts,” examining its representation in various art forms; and “Contemporary Transformations,” showcasing modern interpretations of the serpent motif. (You can read more about the exhibition at https://www.wallpaper.com/watches-jewellery/high-jewellery/bulgari-exhibition-serpenti-infinito)

Cartier – The Tutti Frutti & Serpent Pieces
Cartier has long played with the snake motif in its high jewelry creations. While the Tutti Frutti collection is famous for its vibrant gemstone designs, Cartier has also created breathtaking snake-inspired pieces over the years. One of the most well-known is the Maria Félix Serpent Necklace, a fully articulated, life-like diamond and emerald snake necklace custom-made for the Mexican film star in 1968. This piece set the benchmark for extravagant serpent jewelry, combining impeccable craftsmanship with Cartier’s signature refinement.

Boucheron – The Serpent Bohème Collection
French jeweler Boucheron introduced the Serpent Bohème collection in 1968, offering an artistic and whimsical take on snake motifs. Unlike realistic depictions, these designs feature stylized, teardrop-shaped patterns meant to evoke the serpent’s scales. Crafted in gold and adorned with diamonds and colored gemstones, the Serpent Bohème pieces are beloved for their timeless elegance and subtle nod to the mystical power of the snake.

Gucci – Contemporary Serpent Motifs
Gucci’s recent collections under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele have embraced maximalist aesthetics, often incorporating snake imagery. The Gucci Ouroboros Ring, featuring a coiled serpent biting its own tail, reflects the ancient symbol of eternal renewal and cycles of life. The house’s bold and gothic interpretations of snake jewelry have made them favorites among fashion-forward individuals looking for something both mystical and edgy.

What you can find in store at Oeil Violette – Our Tribute to Serpentine Beauty: At Oeil Violette, we embrace the elegance and symbolism of snake jewelry with our own unique taste. Our Anguiculus Studs pay homage to ancient coins, featuring delicate depictions of baby snakes in a refined and minimalist design that subtly wraps around the ear, symbolizing both history and sophistication. Meanwhile, the Chrysopelea Earrings draw inspiration from the striking hues of the Chrysopelea Paradisi snake, capturing its vibrant movement and elegance in a bold yet graceful statement.

Crafted with the highest attention to detail and using premium materials, our pieces honor the enduring allure of the serpent, offering a modern take on timeless symbolism.