People began to decorate their four-legged favorites when they shared “both the table and the house” with them. Archaeological excavations have repeatedly testified to the presence of ancient accessories for pets.

Dog jewellery started with combat armor

Specially trained dogs took part in the fighting. They were protected by armor, decorated to match the armor of the warriors themselves. Dogs were held in a high regard by the ancient Egyptians. They were adorned with collars, which can truly be considered a work of art. The most luxurious jewellery with precious stones were worn by the dogs of the pharaohs. 

Decorations for cats also began in ancient Egypt.

According to historical records, the wild cat was first domesticated in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians revered them as a friend and family member. To testify to their love, they wore jewellery similar to their pets. After some time, cats in ancient Egypt began to be considered sacred animals and were worshiped. Sacred cats were decorated with necklaces, gold earrings and silver bracelets.

Each era “decorates” animals in its own style

In the 18th century, clothing for dogs appeared in England. It had no practical function and served as an ornament for their beloved pets. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the nobility dressed their four-legged favorites in silk scarves and embroidered blankets. Ladies dressed their lap dogs in lace dresses decorated with ribbons, bows and small brooches. The favorites of the wealthiest owners proudly wore expensive collars with precious gemstones. At that time, it was fashionable among the aristocracy to have dogs of small breeds. The owners spent fabulous sums on jewellery for them. All these delights were made to order for the pets of nobles.

At the end of the 19th century, the production of clothing for pets began for the first time in France. The manufacturer was GOYARD, which in 1892 released the first catalog of fashion accessories and clothing for dogs. In 1982, Japanese fashion designer Yukio Kato opened the famous Dog Fashion House in Tokyo, which became a trendsetter in “dog fashion”.

Today’s pet jewellery industry offers a wide variety of jewellery. Among the most popular adornments for four-legged friends are collars and all kinds of collar pendants. This familiar and practical accessory made of plain leather for special occasions can be easily replaced with an elegant one, such as a designer collar with beads and rhinestones.

For dogs with long bangs, a variety of bows, hairpins and elastic bands are typical decorations. For example, for a “going out” look, where the dog will not run uncontrollably, hairpins with Swarovski crystals are quite suitable – which, if desired, can overlap with a similar style of the owners jewellery. Necklaces are often worn by cats and dogs.

Today, in their diversity, originality of decoration and price range, decorations for animals are in no way inferior to their human counterparts. Many famous designers have added pet accessories to their selection. In their work, various fabrics, leather, jewellery alloys, rhinestones, Swarovski stones, as well as real precious gemstones and metals are used. 

Many jewellery companies also make exclusive pet jewellery. Exclusive jewellery accessories are made by hand from expensive crocodile leather, decorated with gold or silver rivets, precious gemstones and pearls. The release of collections of jewellery for pets is accompanied by fashion shows, where pedigree dogs and cats appear as models on the catwalk.

The demand for such jewellery is quite high today, despite the fact that they are very expensive.

Sometimes the price goes up to several million dollars. The most expensive pet accessory in the world is the Amour Amour collar from the famous La Collection de Bijoux collection. The collection was created by the American jewellery company “I love Dogs Diamonds”. The Amour Amour collar is adorned with 1,600 diamonds, totaling 52 carats. Accessory price – $ 3.2 million.