Presented by eBay
Thursday, May 17, 2012

FASHION

A Bug's Life

 

Assortment of insect jewelry (photo by Brian Klutch for the New York Times), Bug-inspired jewelry display from Anthropologie’s spring catalog (photo courtesy of Anthropologie),  Rhinestone covered beetle ring by Noir (photo courtesy of Noir); Tiny spider earrings by Giles & Brother (photo courtesy of Giles and Brother).


It finally feels like spring. And that means warm weather, flowers and well, bugs. Usually lots of them. But instead of breaking out the fly swatter this season, designers like Gina Nigrelli, Leeora Catalan and Philip Crangi have translated the unsung elegance of the coming swarms into beautifully decked-out jewelry: butterfly charm bracelets, scarab rings, and thumbnail-sized bumblebee earrings.

“People want jewelry that’s interesting and has a meaning,” explains Laura Freedman, owner of Broken English jewelry boutique in Brentwood, CA. “Insect-inspired jewelry is such a unique take on both sentiments. Scarabs are good luck, butterflies symbolize new beginnings, and both are just beautiful objects.”

Heidi Klum (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images), a model walking the Chapurin runway (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)


This isn’t the first time bug jewelry has enjoyed the spotlight. It was popular during the Victorian era; the Surrealists loved macabre interpretations; and the 1940s saw its fair share of ladybug lapel pins and jeweled beetle brooches. According to Gina Nigrelli, the Brooklyn-based designer of Jules Smith Designs, the fact that the trend is a bit of a throwback is part of its appeal. “There’s a rush for vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry right now,” she says. “The idea that something could have come from your grandma’s closet gives it an added meaning and tells a whole other story.” "The modern renditions of this trend have a slightly darker aesthetic, but have been just as irresistible," says Freedman. The detail that designers are able to include is remarkable. For example, “the elusive designer JAR makes insects that look like they could crawl right off your hand,” she says.  

Even those who flee at the first site of a dragonfly can’t help but be won over by these glittery, jeweled creations—both new and old. Which really boils down to the most appealing reason of all: They won’t bite or sting. Find them on eBay now.

 

 


1. Natural Stone Beetle Pin (starting bid, $.99) 2. Vintage 14KT Gold, Jade, and Diamond Bracelet (but it now price, $1,799) 3. Vintage Adjustable Jelly Belly Bug Ring (buy it now price, $24.99) 4. Vintage Clip On Earring Sets (buy it now price, $9.99 for set of two)  5. Crystal Bee Ring (buy it now price, $17.99)  6 Enamal Pins and Earring Set (buy it now price, $179.99)

 

Heather Summerville is a freelance writer and editor in New York City who has contributed to publications including InStyle, Lucky, Real Simple, and Travel and Leisure.

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