There are 3,200 tigers left in the wild and at least 5,000 in captivity in the United States alone. Even if it was not the Year of the Tiger, the promotion of this mighty but endangered species in high jewellery design is to be applauded.
Master craftsmen have painstakingly interpreted the tiger motif in precious and semi-precious gemstones and gold throughout history.
Along with other big cats and wildlife in general, the tiger is considered to be a timeless image for high jewellery, the haute couture of the jewellery world.
Nowhere is this more true than at Stenzhorn, the German fine jeweller. Chief executive Chris Stenzhorn says that sales of its animal-themed collection are 'very significant to our bottom line'.
Stenzhorn's exquisite jewellery pieces have always been modelled after wildlife but this year, in honour of the Year of the Tiger, it has created tiger pendants, rings and cufflinks to cater to the renewed demand. One of the highlights is the heart-shaped pendant of a tiger mother in white gold and diamonds nuzzling her yellow gold and diamond cub.
'We have also enjoyed great success with our watch line, the Wild Watch, where you can find tigers as well,' Stenzhorn adds.