Currently Obsessed With: Claw Couture

Victorian "Raj Era" Tiger Claw Earrings circa 1880

Contrary to popular belief, Crocodile Dundee did not usher in the "claw as jewelry" trend. Tiger claw jewelry came into vogue with the British colonization of India from 1858 to 1947. This period, known as the British Raj (Hindi for 'rule'), was a time when clever [scumbag] entrepreneurs created a market which catered to the tastes of souvenir collecting British Victorians. This style of jewelry, now referred to as “Raj” died out in the early 1900's (and with it thousands of unsuspecting lions, tigers, and a myriad of other clawed creatures).

The claw is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with designers pushing the aesthetic of sophisticated savagery into uncharted territory. Thankfully, no animals were harmed in the making of these new pieces. (For those of you partial to birds, click here for last month's bird claw feature.)

Pretty Young Thing Rings by Arlene Guerra

Artigli Quadri Ring by Tito Pedrini at vivre.com

Forzieri Zebra Patterned Enamel Tiger Claw Pendant at forzieri.com

Elsa Peretti Claw Necklace at tiffany.com

Iosselliani's Pearl Claw Ring at shoplanguage.com

Ester Ventura Puente Ring at thenomadeye.com

Jules Kim Serpant Nail Rings at bijulesnyc.com

Pippa Small Labrodite Claw Ring at brownsfashion.com

Alkemie Claw and Skull Necklace at econsciousmarket.com