Product Info

Most of the pieces of jewelry that I've included in my "Flora and Fauna" collection depict animals and plants, however here actual beetle wings are used to create a spectacular necklace. Actually, there's a long history of genuine beetle wings being used in jewelry and on garments because of their beautiful iridescence; in the photos below I have included the famous John Singer Sargent painting of actress Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth in her beetle-wing encrusted gown along with a photo of the actual gown, and a photo of a mid-19th century gown in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum that is embroidered with beetle wings.

In this showstopping necklace by Lotus Arts de Vivre, iridescent blue/green beetle wings are the star of the necklace, complimented by diamonds, 18 karat gold, and pearls - both small ones at the tip of each beetle wing, and larger button pearls strung along the woven black cord choker. The multiple layers of beetle wings form a ruff, a new interpretation of a Renaissance form. Lotus Arts de Vivre is a Thai-based luxury house dedicated to making handmade objets that incorporate natural materials.

Please note however, that even though the beetle wings are backed by a gilded plaster-like backing to give them strength they are still delicate; several of them in the necklace have broken at the tips, and I've removed a few from the front of the necklace where they were most noticeable. In other words, this is special occasion jewelry, not meant for every day use.

I acquired this necklace for a fantastic price on the secondary market; there is a similar necklace for sale on the Lotus Arts de Vivre website for $39,430 USD making this necklace at $7500 a bargain. I also have a matching pair of earrings listed here.

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