It’s almost Halloween, and if you don’t plan on wearing an animal costume — or even if you do — you can still wear something in the season’s spirit. We think it’s the perfect time of year to wear animal-inspired jewelry designs. From big cats to small serpents, there are plenty of gorgeous pieces so you can get your festive fix.

1. Snakes and Serpents

[T&Co. Bangle][Bulgari Watch][Diamond Snake Ring][Boucheron Pendant]

Serpentine designs go back further than the popular jewelry motif. This ancient symbol can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The creature had many mythological mentions with different meanings in different cultures. To some the serpent represents wisdom, while to other’s it represents royalty or passion and desire.

At the height of the serpent’s popularity in jewelry making, the serpent represented eternal love, popularized by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a ring featuring an emerald serpent. This also happened to be the first Victorian engagement ring.

2. Big Cats

[Cartier Ring][LV Lion Charm][Panther Bracelet][Carrera y Carrera Tiger Cufflinks]

Perhaps the most famous big cat in jewelry is the Panthere de Cartier. Over 100 years, the jeweler has perfected the design and adopted the motif as its mascot. The panther represents elegance and ferocity, boldness and refinement.

In 1914, Louis Cartier commissioned a painting of a lady with jewels and a panther that would later be used for advertisements. Since then, the panther has been associated with the brand. The first panther-inspired design was a wristwatch with small spots meant to resemble the animal’s fur.

3. Equestrian Excellence

[Hermes Necklace][Le Vian Diamond Necklace][Hermes Bangle][Gucci Horsebit Bracelet]

Horses are more than a design motif to Hermes. The company, which features many equestrian elements in their designs, would not exist today if it weren’t for horses. The company was founded in by Thierry Hermes as a harness and saddle workshop for European noblemen.

The famous Hermes logo was created in 1950 as an homage to the company’s origins, featuring a horse carriage. The company continues to produce saddles and harnesses and the horse motif has carried into each facet of the brand’s identity, including jewelry.

4. Take Flight

[VCA Necklace][T&Co. Hummingbird Brooch][Cartier Brooch][Schlumberger Brooch]

Jean Schlumberger is most known for his beautiful and bejeweled interpretations of nature’s creatures. He worked for Tiffany & Co. from 1956 to 1970 where he designed some of Tiffany’s most memorable designs. Schlumberger is only one of the four Tiffany & Co. designers who had the privilege of signing their work with the jeweler.

One of Schlumberger’s most famous designs was “Bird on a Rock,” the mounting for the Tiffany diamond. The piece was a a gem-set bird, quintessentially Schlumberger in design, perched atop the 128.54-carat yellow diamond.