10 worthy spirit animals, on jewellery and watches, that will empower your journey ahead

Every fresh year triggers a surge of conversations about horoscopes. Some have welcomed this Year of the Fire Horse with enthusiasm, putting their faith in the symbolism of the noble animal. Those who resonate with the Western zodiac system affirm their belief in their zodiac sign’s attributes.

What if we said that one doesn’t have to follow the old conventions of choosing personal talismans? In a world that prizes individuality, you have the power to choose your very own spirit animal. 

Let your instincts or admiration, rather than birth charts or tradition, guide the way. And here are our 10 recommendations for the 10 most underrated but meaningful creatures.

Jacob & Co. Papillon Earrings

If reinvention had wings, it would look like this. This pair, measuring a head-turning 11.5cm in length, is brought to life with an exuberant choice of materials. White gold, hand-carved and open-worked, evokes the butterfly’s delicate patterns.

In contrast to the gradient blue cathedral enamel, renowned for its intense, light-reflecting qualities, there are 90 citrines, 12 rhodolite garnets, and 466 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing over five carats.

A universal muse for transformation, the papillon feels especially apt for those who embrace individuality, change, and freedom.

Cartier Nature Sauvage Vamana Necklace

The majestic aura of Vamana, one of eight mythical elephants that support the universe in Hindu mythology, emanates from the centre of this necklace as the creature’s head gradually reveals itself. Blending figurative and abstract styles, this design veers away from Cartier’s typically naturalistic depiction.

Crafted in white gold, the piece features a geometric mesh of triangles, lozenges, and kite-shaped diamonds, accented with emerald-set eyes. While the elephant symbolises wisdom, memory, and emotional intelligence, its interpretation here channels a quiet but commanding presence.

Hermes Slim d’Hermes Hippocampe Watch

The elusive seahorse, which thrives as a master of camouflage, is a sight to behold underwater. On this 39.5mm white gold watch, limited to 24 pieces, Hermes pays tribute to its soft-armoured skeleton and unusual anatomy with a dial featuring engraved and leather marquetry assembled from 0.5mm-thick fragments.

Inside beats the ultra-thin H1950 automatic movement, visible through a sapphire caseback. Toothless and fragile yet adaptable and determined, this eccentric creature will appeal to the survivor in all of us.

Boucheron Animaux de Collection Panda Ring

Behind the giant panda’s adorably lumbering personality, often observed in captivity, lies remarkable resilience, strength, and an instinct for survival. In this whimsical portrayal, Boucheron highlights the bear’s winning, gentle, and protective disposition, making it a symbol of peace and harmony in Chinese culture.

Densely paved with 183 diamonds and 200 black sapphires, the white gold panda watches over a 3.40-carat cushion-cut green tourmaline surrounded by bamboo leaves set with 56 tsavorite garnets.

Gerald Genta Gentissima Oursin 41 Blue Meteorite

Inspired by a sea urchin stranded on a Corsican beach, the Gentissima Oursin 41 expresses one of nature’s most bizarre forms as wearable art. Its 41mm case is made of sandblasted titanium and studded with 234 white gold beads, while the dial is cut from blue meteorite.

Powered by the Zenith Elite GG-005 automatic movement with a redesigned oscillating mass, this piece balances time-telling practicality with sculptural beauty. Prickly and unyielding on the outside, delectable on the inside — we all know someone like that.

Chopard Red Carpet Collection Owl Ring

Admired for its silence, precision, power, and acute perception, the owl is often depicted as a sagely but ever-discreet creature. That’s why we’re bowled over by Chopard’s expression of the nocturnal predator in full flamboyance with soulful orange sapphire cabochon eyes.

Exemplary goldwork and gem-setting of cognac diamonds with white and black diamonds take shape as layered feathers, while a 16.08-carat heart-shaped rubellite takes pride of place as the raptor’s breast. The opulence does not detract from the raptor’s dignity, for the ring is also made of ethical rose gold.

Patek Philippe Calatrava White Swan Ref. 5077/100R-071

A symbol of light and enlightenment across cultures, the graceful swan takes centre stage here through one of Patek Philippe’s rarest crafts. Limited to 10 pieces, this Calatrava features a wood-marquetry dial assembled from 93 veneer pieces and 30 tiny inlays across 18 wood species, and is further adorned with gold leaf.

The 38mm rose gold case is set with 112 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel and lugs, while the prong buckle adds an additional 29 brilliant-cut diamonds. Endowed with the ultra-thin self-winding calibre 240, this creation speaks to those who favour clarity and composure.

Chaumet Jewels by Nature Bee Brooch

Chaumet’s signature bee has always stood for more than mere decoration — it was Emperor Napoleon’s imperial emblem of industry, order, and immortality. Whether you see yourself as a queen bee or a purposeful team-player, you can wear your heart on your sleeve (or lapel) with this naturalistic take.

Crafted in rose gold, it features a pair of insects set with brilliant-cut diamonds, swarming around a 17.99-carat cushion-cut yellow-green tourmaline. The rubellite, aquamarine, Ceylon blue sapphire, and indicolite tourmaline are also featured in this brooch collection, in the three main gold colours.

Van Cleef & Arpels Treasure Island Tortue de Cocos Clip

The wandering sea turtle is never rushed, always relaxed and self-assured. And Van Cleef & Arpels leans fully into that charming personality trait. From the Treasure Island collection, the Tortue de Cocos clip is rendered in yellow and white gold, accentuated with diamonds in various settings, and finished with buff-top, bezel-set blue sapphires for eyes.

The shell and flippers’ exquisitely textured and polished goldwork also showcases the maison’s renowned artisanal mastery. Stamina over speed, calm, and self-sufficiency are what we think define a turtle person.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Platinum Camels

Camels traverse vast distances despite the odds and harshest of conditions, and Jaquet Droz captures that endurance and tenacity in a bespoke 41mm platinum case. The dial combines onyx and aventurine to evoke desert landscapes and night skies, brought to life through hand-engraving and miniature painting.

The camels appear, untroubled by scale or hardship, and plod on steadily. Keeping the scene ticking is the automatic Calibre 2653 SI movement, which showcases a rotor specially decorated with aventurine and applied stars. The Zen is strong with this one, and may it be with you.