Lunar New Year is fast approaching, and jewelry designers are getting in on the celebration by offering their own artistic interpretations of the dragon and its ferocious spirit.
The Year of the Dragon begins Feb. 10. One of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and strength. People born under this sign are considered natural leaders—and such charisma is reflected in dragon-inspired jewelry creations.
Jane Win debuted its Year of the Dragon pendant this month ahead of Lunar New Year, a time to gather, say goodbye to the past year, and welcome new beginnings, says designer Jane Winchester Paradis.
“This is a personal one for me, as when my daughter was young and we were asking everyone what animal they would be if they could magically transition, she—deadpan at age 8—said, ‘Probably a dragon.’ And we all cheered,” Winchester Paradis says.
Her coin pendant is made of 14k gold-dipped sterling silver and features a dragon and the inscription “et surgo” ( Latin for “and I rise”) on one side and the brand’s logo with the word “strong” on the other. Winchester Paradis says the pendant should remind wearers of the strength they each have and how they can rise like a dragon to take on all challenges.
“We love creating a special coin for the Lunar New Year, and what could be more fun than designing a dragon,” Winchester Paradis says. “Dragons symbolize a charismatic and intelligent soul, living life with a boost of natural luck. We have designed this coin as a piece to hold on to as a reminder to go for it, say yes to new adventures.”
For Loveness Lee, founder and creative director of her namesake brand, the Year of the Dragon is meaningful professionally and personally. Lee grew up in China and moved to London at 18 to study jewelry design. Her new Dragon Chinese Zodiac ring is infused with love for her cultural roots.
“Designing this ring was a way for me to feel closer to home, and in the process I found myself opening up to my team with stories I’ve never told of my life, my family, and my friends back in China,” Lee says. “I never expected our new Dragon Chinese Zodiac ring to be such a conversation starter, and I’m hoping that for anyone living abroad and who celebrates Chinese culture, each ring will ignite the same wonderful connections.”
Here are some other favorite jewels for Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon.
Top: Both sides of Jane Win’s Year of the Dragon coin pendant ($298) are inscribed with words and images to inspire strength and taking on new adventures and challenges. (Photo courtesy of Jane Win)
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