Some women are rabbits, others are goats and some are dogs – at least according to the Chinese Zodiac. But among their ranks are undoubtedly a number of bold women who can’t – or simply won’t – be tamed. For these types, it seems that wilder (rather than milder) animals would more aptly match their personas.

We can’t change our birth year, but we can channel the energy and spirit of whatever creature we’d like – a fact realised by many haute joaillerie labels that have designed alluring, animal-inspired pieces.

In an ode to the animal kingdom, Chopard has released its wondrous Animal World collection. Similarly, Swiss jeweller De Grisogono has released its own animal collection featuring snakes, dolphins, seals, panthers and peacocks. The white gold set of peacock earrings is beautifully detailed and set with emeralds, sapphires, and white and yellow diamonds. For a different flight of fancy, Nirav Modi offers up a stretchable flamingo-inspired bangle bracelet. Its eye-catching ‘feathers’ get their vivid colour from pink sapphires and white diamonds.

For those who want to unleash their inner Cat Woman, brands such as Cartier, Chanel and Piaget all have something to offer. One standout piece is a lion-inspired necklace from Piaget’s Secret and Lights collection. The 18-carat white gold necklace is set with brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds, and stares back at you with onyx eyes. Its creation was inspired by the famous winged lion sculpture in Venice’s St Mark’s Square. Whether one identifies as a ferocious feline, bedazzling bird or salacious snake is a matter of taste. Whatever your choice, though, with these pieces you are bound to become the bejewelled queen of the animal kingdom.