#2555  antique silver box with hand-painted cat portrait.

Are you pro or con? A lover or despiser? The world is divided between those who worship the feline and those - who don't. In my own family, there are unbreachable fjords between the dog-adorers and those who see cats as vastly superior.
There is strong competition between the dog and the cat lovers of this world. Are you a dog or a cat person? Humans take this so personally and emphatically command the superiority of their species. 

Since the days of the Ancient Egyptians, cats have been worshipped. Bastet was the goddess of home, fertility and protection. To this day, she appears in our literature. Bodies of sphinxes are lions. To this day, the theme is universally recognized and repeated. The cat and her family are timeless symbols, imbued with mystery, elegance, femininity and let's face it - that mysterious special something that intrigues us all. 
#7065  sphinx pin with natural pearl.  

What person doesn't want to feel slim, slinky and sexy? A prowling cat, long and sleek, fast and powerful, just waiting to pounce. This is the feline, from the domestic kitty to the puma or panther. Feline antique jewelry is full of powerful messages and movement. Cartier picked up on these attributes and successfully gave women the ability to add luxury and rich elegance embodied in their historic panther jewelry. The form of the feline - lithe, sinuous and elegant, is a no-brainer when it comes to jewelry. 

#7330  Cartier panther pin.

So-called domestic cats: your much-beloved companion, that fat cat that rules your home, hearth and heart. The one whom you adore. No hunting for her. She's spoiled and pampered and you love every second she indulges you with her attention. 

#6508  diamond cat brooch.

Felines of all forms are found as stars or strong supporting actors in much antique jewelry.
Guarding the central cherub are panthers beautifully modelled on this French bangle: #6561

The King of the jungle is also found in jewelry. Not only in our Western World. Lion-like gods abound in Asia. Look at the apex of these intricate Indian earrings at the lions perfectly depicted. #7244

By the time we reach the Dior earrings with their unmistakable leopard spots, the theme is undeniable: the feline is timeless. Whether fierce or pampered, mythic or modern, cats have a way of slipping into our art, our jewelry, and our imaginations. #7547

#5744
This is part of a series of blog posts all about animals in antique jewelry. Read on.

Questions and comments: Please email antiques@brendaginsberg.com
Find jewelry on www.brendaginsberg.com