Harnessing Lunar Energy: Why 2026 is the Year to Run Wild with Jewellery
Behind the Design
I have always been a big believer in the power of the moon.
Just as it pulls the tides, the lunar cycle pulls at us, influencing our energy, our moods, and the way we mark the passage of time. While the Gregorian calendar changes with fireworks on January 1st, the Lunar New Year feels different—it is a shift in spirit, a change in the atmospheric pressure of our lives.
As we look toward 2026, we are preparing for a significant transition. We are moving from the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Horse (commencing 17th Feb 2026).
From Shedding to Running
In designing the new Year of the Horse 2026 Collection, I thought a lot about what this specific transition means for us emotionally.
The Snake (2025) is associated with introspection, strategy, and transformation. It is a time of shedding old skins. But 2026 brings the Fire Horse. This is not a time for sitting still.
"The snake sheds its skin so the horse can stand in its power."
This sentiment became the driving force behind my new collection. If 2025 was about releasing what no longer serves you, 2026 is about taking that lighter, unburdened self and standing tall to face the horizon. It is a year for looking forward, steadfast progress, and advancing with clear intent.
A Scandi-Style Talisman
When I sat down at the bench in my Sussex studio to carve the master for this piece, I didn't want to create a traditional, ornate zodiac charm. I wanted to create a modern talisman—something clean, architectural, and grounded.
Drawing on my Nordic roots, I looked to the silhouette of the Swedish Dala Horse. There is a strength in that traditional shape—a blunt, proud pose that feels incredibly solid.
I stripped the design back, using negative space to highlight the strong stance, the arch of the neck and the movement of the mane. The result is a piece made of solid sterling silver that visually captures the powerful sense of movement behind the form.
Wear Your Intention
I believe jewellery should be more than just decoration; it should be an anchor.
By wearing a symbol of the Horse, you are setting an intention for the year. You are inviting that energy of independence and stamina into your daily life. Whether you choose the matt satin finish for a contemporary, understated look, or the high-polished finish to catch the light, the quality of the silver serves as a physical reminder of your own forward momentum.
Handmade in Sussex
There is a different energy in pieces that are manufactured by hand. This collection is designed and hand-finished right here in our South of England workshop. There is no mass production line, just traditional tools and a love for the metal.
As the moon waxes and we approach this new cycle, I hope this collection empowers you to embrace your own freedom.
Ready to move forward?
Shop the Year of the Horse 2026 Collection Here
Or contact Annika to create a more personalised piece annika@annikarutlin.com
While the year begins in the quiet of the New Moon (Feb 17th), this talisman captures the full, radiant potential of the energy to come.
Annika Rutlin founded her eponymous studio to bring the principles of Scandinavian design to sterling silver jewelry. Known for her focus on clean lines, minimalism, and cultural symbolism, she creates pieces that balance contemporary style with traditional roots. From her workbench, she crafts small-batch collections that celebrate simplicity and craftsmanship.
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