Jewellery designs inspired by the snake as a symbol of strength and rebirth in Chinese culture are at the centre of latest Lunar New Year collections.

The year 2025, which is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, has witnessed the launch of several snake-motif collections across industries, fashion and jewellery included. 

Danish jeweller Pandora, for instance, is reinterpreting its iconic Moments Collection with five unique designs under the Chinese New Year Collection. The 2025 CNY collection features a coiled snake and a festive New Year red as the theme, symbolising good fortune and blessings. 

“Snakes are a powerful symbol in Chinese culture,” noted the brand. “Pandora combines its design and craftsmanship to transform snakes into a range of exquisite accessories.”

These include a Snake Clasp & Chain sterling silver bracelet, with a 14-karat gold-plated snake head motif for a clasp; and a Snake Green Murano Glass Dangle Charm, with a 14-karat gold-plated patterned snake set with sparkling stones that resets itself on top of a circle of deep green Murano glass. The Hot Air Balloon Murano Glass Dangle Charm, for its part, features a red Murano glass hot air balloon in micro-beaded panels, while below the balloon is a small gondola.

The brand explained, “The 2025 Chinese New Year Collection draws on the spirit and culture of the snake and the meaning of the New Year, integrating creative design and exquisite craftsmanship, and illuminates the future with accessories that symbolise good luck, transformation and sparkling joy.”

Meanwhile, gemstone miner Gemfields is placing emphasis on Mozambique rubies and Zambian emeralds in Chinese New Year.

Emily Dungey, group marketing and communications director at Gemfields, explained, “Coloured gemstones have long been associated with talismanic properties. Emeralds are often associated with hope, growth and renewal, and rubies with passion, prosperity, and protection. As we enter the Lunar Snake Year, known for its grace, wisdom, insight and mystique, there is no better time to delve deeper and embrace the mystique of coloured gemstones.” 

Aligning with the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, rubies, for instance, are particularly favoured by consumers for connotations of wealth, good fortune and prosperity. 

These beloved red gems take centre stage at Fabergé x Gemfields Essence Rose Gold Ruby Heart Surprise Locket, which is set in 18-karat rose gold and opens to reveal a surprise inside: A heart-shaped Mozambican ruby from Gemfields. 

The pendant symbolises good fortune and happiness for the new year, conveying warm blessings and good wishes during the Spring Festival. 

Meanwhile, emeralds, symbolising growth, peace, hope and fertility, are also precious tokens for conveying new year wishes. Fehmida Lakhany x Gemfields Emerald and Diamond Ring features a clever snake-like design, boldly blossoming with emerald light while signalling a new year of renewal and awakening, bringing deep and mysterious blessings to the wearer.