Happy Chinese New Year! It’s time to welcome in the monkey – the Chinese zodiac sign for 2016 (February 8, 2016 – January 27, 2017). In celebration, we’ve curated some stunning jewelry images representing this mischievous and lovable creature, and delve into a bit of lore around this Chinese zodiac sign.
Twelve animals make up the Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Just like all the other signs, the Year of the Monkey comes around once every 12 years — so it won’t be celebrated again until 2028!
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey Traits
Individuals born in the Year of the Monkey are said to be intelligent, clever, and personable. They are also said to be mischievous, curious, and pranksters – qualities often associated with monkeys. Also add creative, honest, loyal, playful, and witty to their list of attractive personality traits.
David Webb’s green enameled monkey captures the mischievous and intelligent spirit of the sign. The 18K and platinum brooch sports cabochon rubies for eyes and a bracelet with 0.40 carats of diamonds. Courtesy: 1stdibs.com
Here are some more fun facts to help you celebrate the Year of the Monkey:
- Your lucky numbers are four and nine.
- Your lucky colors are white, blue, and gold.
- Your lucky flowers are chrysanthemum and crape-myrtle.
- And your lucky gemstones – you get to decide!
Chinese Zodiac: Famous Monkeys
If you were born in the Year of the Monkey, you share your Chinese zodiac sign with a number of notable people. Leonardo da Vinci, Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Taylor, Alice Walker, Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Mick Jagger, and Gisele Bundchen are just a few of the illustrious individuals born under this sign.
Award-winning goldsmith and jewelry designer Henry Dunay created this intricately detailed 18K gold brooch. Even a bite has been taken out of the apple. Two diamonds weighing a total of 0.12 carats give the monkey mesmerizing eyes. Courtesy: 1stdibs.com
Chinese Zodiac: History
As to the history of the Year of the Monkey, the actual date of the origin of the Chinese zodiac is unknown, but legend has it that the Yellow Emperor, Huang-ti, of the Han dynasty introduced the Chinese lunar calendar around 2,600 BCE. Unlike the Western calendar, which represents time as a linear progression, the Chinese calendar is cyclical, with a new cycle repeating every 12 years. Assigning an animal to represent each year in the cycle may have been one way in which ancient peoples could keep track of time.
Folklore, though, provides a more charming origin myth: the Buddha challenged all animals to a race. The first twelve to finish were enshrined in the Chinese zodiac.
Have Some Fun with More Monkey-Inspired Jewelry
No monkey business here. Carrera y Carrera’s Monkey Ring stands out in 18K yellow gold, tsavorite garnets, orange sapphires, amethysts, and diamonds. Photo: Yolanda Ramos. Courtesy: D’Orazio and Associates
Monkeys hang from trees and earlobes, too. These black rhodium-plated 18K gold earrings designed by Lydia Courteille, feature a colorful array of gems including fancy sapphires, tsavorite garnets, and fire opals. Courtesy: D’Orazio and Associates
Half wild jungle creature, half Surrealistic creation – a poetic description for David Webb’s brooch, which features three South Sea cultured pearls for the body and an emerald for the eye. Courtesy: 1stdibs.com
Playfulness, beauty and sophistication meet in these black rhodium-plated 18K gold earrings with diamonds, sapphires, and agates by Lydia Courteille. Courtesy: D’Orazio and Associates
Master craftsmen arranged 30,000 pieces of tesserae (a small piece of glass, stone, or tile) to create this micromosaic monkey pendant – a task that required considerable patience and skill. The playful primate holds a 1.02 ct pear-shaped diamond. Courtesy: 1stdibs.com
An elongated tail is the dramatic flourish in this Victorian diamond-encrusted monkey brooch, circa 1890. The diamonds are pavé set in silver over yellow gold .The creature gazes at a natural pearl it holds in its hands. Courtesy: 1stdibs.com
Monkeys are beloved animals, so charming jewelry naturally follows. And you have a whole year to find the perfect piece that celebrates this enchanting Chinese zodiac sign.
The Year of the Monkey is a wonderful excuse to wear some gorgeous jewelry. So are the zodiac signs of the west.
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