Beautiful Bugs

Sapphire & Diamond Stag Beetle, Austro-Hungarian, c1890

From: A La Vielle Russie/1st dibs

My seven year-old son is a bug collector. He has hundreds of dead bugs in jars in his room (I drew the line when I noticed a few saved cockroaches). I think he likes them because they are tiny (most of them) little characters who each have different looks and personalities.

A framed collection of flying bugs that hangs in my son's bathroom

A decoupage tray from John Derian

Insecta Imperialis Fabric by Duralee

Bugs and Insects have been celebrated in various ways throughout history, and not just by seven year-old boys. Women wear them in jewelry and now we even see people using them in their home decor as well as fashion. Here are a few great examples.

BEETLES:

Garnet bug earrings, From: Excalibur/Kurt Rothner/1st dibs

Beetle Brooch, English c1880. J.Mavec & Co. NYC  From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

Ann Demeulemeester Sequins Brooche

Decoupage Tray from John Derian

THE FLY:

Fly Necklace, c1880. Crystal, emeralds, rubies, diamonds and gold. Collection of Susan B. Kaplan From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

Fly Locket, 1870, English. Gold, enamel, ruby, emerald, diamonds, crystal.  From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

English bangle, 1875. gold, enamel, diamonds, ruby, emerald fly on crystal. James Robinson Inc, NYC. From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

THE DRAGONFLY:

Corsage Ornament, Rene Lalique, French 1897-98. Gold, enamel, chrysoprase, moonstones, and diamonds.Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon. From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

SPIDERS:

Spider Purse, LaCloche, French, c1920. 18k gold w/ diamond and pearl.  From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

Spider pin, american c1900. Gold, moonstone, rubies.   From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

Spider Brooch, American, 1950s. Mabe Pearl, gold, rubies, sapphires. From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

Above three images: from the Giles Deacon Spring 2010 Ready to Wear Collection

Rhinestone Brooch, From: Warman's Vintage Jewelry Guide, Krause Books

SCORPIONS:

David Webb Scorpio Pin, late 20th C, From: Robin Katz Vintage Jewels/1st dibs

Rhinestone Scorpion Brooch,  From: Warman's Vintage Jewelry Guide, Krause Books

Brooch with Moonstones, American 1930's, From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

CICADAS:

Cicada Pins, Henri Guerard, French c1885.  , From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

WASPS:

American, 1890 gold wasp brooch with rubies and diamonds, From: A La Vielle Russie/1st dibs

European Brooch, 1850. Enamel, natural pearls, diamonds. From the Book: Jeweled Bugs & Butterflies by Rilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas/Abrams

THE PRAYING MANTIS:

AND THE PERSON WHO COLLECTS THEM ALL, 

THE BUG CATCHER:

Decoupage Tray from John Derian