Here’s a treat for animal lovers—designer and gem-set rattlesnake jewellery by Folium and a variety of pooch charms by Lionheart will warm your heart. From almost lifelike sculptural serpents to playful canine keepsakes, these pieces spotlight fine craftsmanship and a whimsical touch in contemporary jewellery.
Folium’s ode to snakes
Myles Ryan, master goldsmith and Founder of Folium, a fine jewellery brand in Northern California, presents Serpentis, a contemporary homage to the serpent’s enduring symbolic attributes: wisdom, resilience, and protection.
Ryan’s inspiration comes from the ceremonial rattlesnake motifs of the American Southwest, which are wrought in gold and platinum. Hand-engraved scales ripple across each piece, creating a play of light and shadow, giving an impression of movement in precious metals.
“As a young boy in Northern California, I had a number of intense experiences with rattlesnakes,” Myles shares. “This was not traumatic, but eye-opening to the power of the creature. It is very peaceful and unassuming, but ready to strike if challenged. This feeling of power and peace is what led to the Serpentis collection.”
The collection balances vintage references with bold, unconventional execution. “The form and style of the Serpentis pieces are a union of vintage design and the audacity to use them in unconventional ways,” Ryan adds.
Each jewel reflects Folium’s dedication to traditional goldsmithing, where hand engraving brings depth, texture, and soul that cannot be replicated by modern shortcuts.
Lionheart’s “Best Friend” Dog Charms
Dogs are the man’s best friend and the US-based Lionheart, the award-winning fine jewellery brand founded by sisters Joy and Sarah Haugaard, launched its “Best Friend” collection, an assortment of handmade gold and diamond medallions featuring various breeds of dogs.
In the run-up to Valentines Day, these cute medallion charms garnished with diamonds are crafted in either 14-karat- or 18-karat gold. The versatile charms can be worn as pendants paired with a chain of choice or as a charm bracelet or with a Lionheart signature gold chain.
Starting from $7,450, these distinctive and expressive charms are available online.
I have always been a dog lover,” says Joy Haugaard, designer and co-founder of Lionheart. “In fact, I have three pups of my own – Columbo, Charlie, and Pacino – all Shih Tzus who are always the very best part of my day! I wanted to create a way for dog fans like me to wear their favourite breeds, honour their favorite pup, or even to commemorate the loss of a four-legged family member. Dogs give us so much love and joy. They ask so little in return. I want these charms to bring a smile or a loving memory to the faces of dog moms or dads for many years to come.”
The current breeds being offered include Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, German Shepard, Dalmatian, Boxer, Bernese Mountain Dog, Beagle, Basset Hound, and Akita.
Future designs will incorporate more breeds such as Poodles, French Bulldogs, and Yorkies. These 25 mm charms make meaningful gifts for lovers of dogs and pup owners and can be engraved by special request with a dog’s name or special message on the back.