Animals big and small have been a constant source of fascination for as long as we have been exercising our creativity. Unsurprisingly, then, high jewellery maisons too have turned to creatures of every kind for inspiration, trying to capture their essence in precious metals and gemstones. Here are some recent stand-outs from the most storied houses … 1. Chopard The Red Carpet Collection Maritime Exploration fish earrings feature glittering gemstone scales and a tail that showcases the lightness of titanium to reproduce the peaceful ebb and flow of the waves. Price upon request. 2. Cartier The playful and creative Indomptables de Cartier 18k white gold bracelet is set with 1,302 brilliant-cut diamonds, totalling 14.77 carats, to fashion a crocodile coming face-to-face with a zebra. Price upon request. 3. Boucheron Le Toucan Ring dazzles with a 27.65-carat fancy-cut orange citrine, 296 round diamonds, 1,113 fancy-cut black spinels and onyx, all breathing a joyful and colourful naturalism into the showy bird. Price upon request. 7 of Meghan Markle most expensive jewellery pieces, from Cartier to Asprey 4. Mikimoto Take flight with this tropically coloured brooch. Crafted in 18k white gold, aquamarines, sapphires, emeralds and other gemstones, this hummingbird creation launched in Japan last year. Price upon request. 5. Van Cleef & Arpels Say hello to the warmer months with the Pétale de Papillon, which can “release” a petal of diamonds , sapphires and emeralds, by transforming them into a butterfly. Price upon request. Want more stories like this? Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .