New Estate & Vintage Insect Jewelry We're Buzzing About!

Author Corinne DiZoglio
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Date Feb 15, 2021

This spring, consider adding some vintage insect jewelry to your wardrobe! Spring is a time of rebirth; flowers bloom, leaves turn green and jewelry collections grow. Every insect has its own meaning in history and culture, and many of the ones commonly featured in jewelry reflect this period of renewal. While certain bugs may be a bit scary in real life, incorporating them in jewelry seems to transform them into something beautiful. Each of these featured pieces is sure to enhance your spring jewelry collection. And they may even bring you a bit of luck!

1. Scarab Jewelry

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18K YELLOW GOLD EGYPTIAN FAIENCE SCARAB SPINNING RING
SOLD!

An homage to Ancient Egypt, this 18K yellow gold ring (approx. size 8) is a standout with it’s a beautiful, spinning Egyptian glazed ceramic scarab. Scarabs were considered a sacred symbol in Ancient Egypt, and were used in many amulets and impression seals. While they were generally worn or carried by the living, scarab amulets were also used to protect mummies. The beetle was seen as a symbol of the cycle of day to night and the idea of rebirth. The mystery and allure surrounding Ancient Egyptian jewelry has long been appealing, especially in the early 1800’s and 1920’s. The appeal of the mysterious ancient civilization and their symbols continues to hold true today.

2. Bee Jewelry

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TIFFANY & CO. 18K YELLOW GOLD BEE PIN
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This tiny Tiffany & Co. 18K yellow gold bee pin makes a big statement. The pin is set with two ruby eyes, and is the perfect piece to add to any Tiffany or insect jewelry collection. Tiffany & Co. has a long history of using flora and fauna in their designs. Nature has always been a source of inspiration for Tiffany & Co. designers. Insects and plants, in particular, have always served as a primary motif for the company dating back to founder Charles Lewis Tiffany and his son, Louis Comfort Tiffany. Precious metals and gemstones come from the Earth, and they believed these motifs honored that connection. This bee pin is a perfect example of the impact of nature on jewelry.

3. Butterfly Jewelry

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14K YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND BUTTERFLY PENDANT
ESNK3517 || $315 || SHOP NOW

14K YELLOW GOLD AMETHYST, PERIDOT AND DIAMOND BUTTERFLY PENDANT
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Butterflies have always been considered a symbol of grace and beauty. Their delicate and intricately designed wings invoke a sense of wonder, and, like the scarab beetle, the butterfly is associated with the idea of rebirth. Our first necklace honoring this beautiful insect is a 14K yellow gold and diamond butterfly pendant. Suspended from an 18” chain, the butterfly features a bezel set diamond. The second is a 14K yellow gold, amethyst, peridot and diamond butterfly pendant. Also on an 18” chain, the butterfly is set with two pear shaped amethyst gems and two pear shaped peridot gems as well as four diamonds. Either necklace makes for a beautiful spring and summer accessory!

4. Dragonfly Jewelry

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14K YELLOW GOLD OPAL, ENAMEL AND DIAMOND DRAGONFLY PIN
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Add a little luck to your day with this 14K yellow gold dragonfly pin! Dragonflies are found all across the globe, and mean different things to different cultures. As a design motif, the dragonfly was first seen on lacquerware, metalwork and porcelain in Japan, where it is seen as a symbol of good tidings. It has also become a favorite of jewelry designers. Due to the translucency of its wings, the dragonfly does not appear to be solid. This gives jewelers creative license to envision the insect in a variety of gemstones and enamels. This particular pin is prong set with an oval opal and five single cut diamonds with green and yellow enamel wings.

5. Ladybug Jewelry

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14K YELLOW GOLD ENAMEL LADYBUG EARRINGS
SOLD!

18K YELLOW GOLD ENAMEL LADYBUG CHARM
SOLD!

Another lucky insect commonly featured in jewelry is the ladybug. In many countries, including Russia, Turkey, and Italy, the sight of a ladybug is seen as either a call to make a wish or a sign that a wish will soon be granted. The pretty red beetle is also associated with the Virgin Mary and Freyja, the Norse fertility goddess, and is even sometimes referred to as belonging directly to God. Here are two of our favorite pieces of ladybug jewelry that are currently in our collection. The first piece is a pair of 14k yellow gold earrings and the second is a 18k yellow gold charm, both with enamel.

Which piece of Estate & Vintage Insect Jewelry do you want to add to your collection? Browse our online collection or visit us in stores for more fun insect jewelry!

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