Insect jewelry

Insect Jewelry

Lately the jewelry blog world seems to going the way of Insect Jewelry. June’s earring’s everyday challenge inspiration is Fireflies and the topic for Art Elements June theme challenge is also Insects. So I decided to combine both and give my unique take (sorry scratch that – Sayuri’s unique take) on Insect jewelry.

Insects and I have a weird and troubling history together. Even as a kid I was never scared of bugs, dragonflies, centipedes or even cockroaches and did not hate them. Though my mom is quick to point out that as a toddler I was scared of paper butterfly shapes that were used as thread bobbins (in the 80’s). However, I do not remember it. The point it, I find insects interesting and fascinating.  I am wowed by their shapes, by the way they move and I do not feel like harming them even if I have to. Naturally, the insects find me attractive. They probe, prick, bite me and even lodge themselves deep down my throat. To clarify the last part, a bug flew straight into my mouth as I yawned guided by the mobile back light I had next to me on the bed. And that is why I never sleep with my phone next to me. But that is another story for another time.

firefly earrings

Regardless of how much they torture me I like insects and have a collection of bug like components for jewelry components. Naturally, I was happy to break into my horded stuff and make a couple of pieces when I came across these two challenges.

We’re All Ears :: June Inspiration :: Fireflies

For the earrings challenge we had to make earrings inspired by fireflies. I was uninspired;  It did nothing to get me out of the jewelry design rut I am in at the moment. Why? Because the same creatures that look magnificent at night like little balls of cool fire look dull and brown in the day light. So I changed my approach. I took the concept of luminescence from the night glow and the body structure of the brown fireflies for my design. Also I really wanted to use the beetle wings that I bought at Beadfest. I first came across these Jewel Beetle wings in Neena’s blog Caprilicious Jewellery where she makes stunning jewelry with them. These wings are called Emerald elytrons and they are the Real wings of the Elytra Sternocera beetle. * Update – I finally found these beetle wings on Amazon; it is only available as a pack of 100 pieces but here is the link if you want to consider it #AF

I wanted my earrings to be statement making so I decided to make them 3D unlike the usual chandeliers. As I was looking for connectors at a local bead store, I came across these trapezoid jhumka earring connectors. Looking at them, I realised that I could simply add the wings to three sides of the connector to make it look like an insect. A few lines of yellow paint and a wire earhook later my Beetle Jhumka Earrings were done. I don’t think anyone has thought of combining Jhumkas and beetle wings so far. Naturally, I am quite thrilled about it. However, I am not sure if I’ll wear them, for the wings clank (clash) against each other and sway violently if there is a wind. I am scared that they’ll fall off and I will loose the wings. Photography was also a big pain for I wanted them to look like insects glowing in the dark. The wings just wouldn’t stay put as there was a breeze when I was taking pictures.  Still, they seem sturdier than they look and they look pretty 🙂 What do you think?

Beetle wings earrings

Insects-June Themed Challenge

While the earrings challenge was limited to fireflies (which I obviously did not stick to) the Art elements challenge is a bit open in terms of inspiration. We could be inspired by moths, bees, caterpillars and more. We just have to use one or more art beads or artisan components. I figured that this was the perfect opportunity to use the  Blue Scarab beetle pendant made by Lori Schneider of Bead Addicted. Whether it is Egyptian mythology or Blue beetle Comics the blue scarab beetle is a revered (item) symbol of magic

Coincidentally, I had written about how I got both the beetle wings used above and the bug pendant in this post on Budget shopping in USA. I cannot believe that it has been 10 months since I went to US of A and Beadfest!

When I looked at the front side of the beetle I felt an ethereal, other worldly vibe. So I choose light colored mix of beads – crystals, glass beads, shell and pearls. I also added so gold tints to both the pendant and the necklace. however, if I turn the necklace on is back, the elements are slightly clashing with each other.  Any suggestions on what I could do?

Insect Jewelry egyptian bettle

Those are my two Insect Jewelry designs. How do you like them? Do you ever wear Insect jewelry or are you repelled by the creepy crawlers? Tell me in the comments.

Check out what others have done

Guests

Art Elements Team

If you  enjoyed reading my post, please do share it with your friends on social media. See you next week.

I hope you found it interesting
Cheers

Save

42 responses to “Insect jewelry”

  1. Maya avatar

    Awww! The earrings are gorgeous! Though, they remind me of a beetle.
    I have a very healthy relationship with insects 🙂 haha …. love the beautiful ones, shudder (hate) at the revolting. I adore fireflies – they always make my summer nights magical!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Maya. Despite all the pricking and prodding I find insects pretty. I hope to one day see a forest of fireflies dancing at night

  2. ERIN LYNN PRAIS-HINTZ avatar

    I was not aware of the other bug challenge. How clever to combine them! Yes the bug itself is a bit lackluster which made me even more determined to make something referencing it directly. I like a good challenge . I love the components you find. Never seen that shape. I also just bought some of those beetle wings at Bead & Button last week. Not sure what I will do with them but they are so beautuful! Thanks for playing along. Enjoy the day! Erin

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks for the Challenge Erin. It was a great opportunity to use the beetle wings. The wings are so beautiful and light weight. I am sure that you would make something beautiful with them

  3. baymoondesign avatar
    baymoondesign

    I am sorry you don’t think you will wear your first pair. They look pretty. I love your necklace. It is a perfect representation of a beetle and I am sure you will wear and someone will buy it right off your neck. I love it.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks for the confidence. On second thought, yes I think I’ll wear the earrings and cause a rustle (both literally and figuratively) LOL!

  4. oksana avatar
    oksana

    Stunning pair of earrings! They look like real insects :)) Great job!
    The necklace is very pretty too: love the scarab pendant.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Oksana, I am glad they look like a real insect

  5. Mona Arnott avatar

    Great idea to combine 2 challenges into 1. I was noticing the insect inspirations too. Very nicely done
    Mona

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Mona, Suddenly the insect themed challenges are everywear

  6. Sarajo Wentling avatar
    Sarajo Wentling

    Love your beetle earrings! They are super cool. I’m still working on the Art Elements challenge since we’ve got a bit of time for that one… I like what you made for it and don’t think the back side seems clashy at all. 🙂

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Sarajo for that lovely compliment. I am travelling that week so I am trying to plan and work ahead

  7. Neena Shilvock avatar

    Divya, thanks for the mention – I love the colours in the beetle wings and always have some in my stash that I can whip out and do something with.
    Love the scarab necklace, and the back seems fine, not sure why you are finding it ‘clashy’.
    As for the earrings, what a nice idea – and so different. You really should wear them – they rustle a bit, but theres no clanking or clashing involved – go for it and I’m sure you will get loads of compliments .

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks, Neena. I come to know about a lot of new materials from your blog for which I am very thankful. I am not sure why but I find the scarab necklace to be incomplete. Maybe it is a little off from what I usually do, so I do not know. I sold the earrings as I was skeptical about wearing them, but I’ll by making a pair again for myself. I need to send for more wings also

  8. CraftyHope avatar

    I think you did a great job with both designs, but those earrings really catch my eye. I understand your concern about them being so delicate. I have the same fear when I work beach-found shells into a design. Unfortunately, I have no wise words just the understanding of what you’re going through, They are stunning though!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thansk Hope. In the past week, I have come to understand that they are stronger than they look. The got sold and I am on my way to making another pair for myself

  9. Tracy avatar

    There are some truly astoundingly beautiful coloured beetles in the world. I love the irridescent colours of the beetle wings with the gold colours in your earrings.
    I used to be scared of moths when I was a child but now I think they are lovely. Not too keen on wasps and cockroaches though!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Tracy. I love iridescent objects, rainbow films and objects that have an intrinsic glow to them. I am like a moth to fire (pun intended) with these items.

  10. Rozantia Petkova avatar

    I hate insects but I still remember a field with fireflies in the air above it in the dusk – that was 20+ years ago during my first trip to the US. I rarely see a firefly in my country and they never come in big numbers 🙂 I love the earrings and the shine of the wings, what a find! As for the beetle necklace, I like the two different looks 🙂

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      I have not seen firefly fields in India too. Maybe one or two in areas of dense vegetation when it rains. I love the wings, planning to order more. I found a wholesaler in Ukraine and lots of resellers on etsy

  11. Karen Totten avatar

    I very much enjoyed your post and the jewelry you designed. My favorite is the scarab beetle design. Your design nicely compliments the ancient feel of the focal.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks karen, for the great compliment

  12. Cathy S. Mendola avatar

    I just love the color of the beetle wings! I bet they are even more beautiful in person. That blue scarab beetle is just lovely!! Your bead choice for the scarab really makes it stand out.

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      I was quite doubtful about my bead choice for the necklace. I am that it worked out

  13. Diana P. avatar

    Great job on the jewelry. I really enjoyed your story about your relationship with bugs as well. Thanks for joining in the challenge!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks for hosting this interesting challenge. Had fun working on it

  14. Susan Kennedy avatar

    Wow Divya, I love your creations! That scarab is awesome, and actually the giveaway for AE for July! That story about a bug flying in your mouth – yuck!!!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Yes Sue, I just noticed the giveaway, the scarabs are lovely. That bug incident was terrifying. I had to be taken to the ER and given oxygen

  15. niky sayers avatar
    niky sayers

    What lovely designs, the colours on that scarab beetle just just wonderful!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Niky, I added a bit of gold ti the already gorgeous blues and purples

  16. Caroline avatar

    The earrings are perfect and I love the necklace… both beautiful designs!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks for the lovely comment caroline

  17. Lindsay S avatar
    Lindsay S

    Fantastic! Thank you for playing along with us. I love both of your pieces, but especially the earrings. I have some of those jewel beetle elytra in my own collection (somewhere…), but would never have thought to use them on a chandelier finding – it just maximizes the impact of something already alluring. Brilliant!

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Lindsay, after seeing various types of earrings using the wings, I thought about what I could do differently. Thats when I hit upon this jhumka idea to make a 3D piece

  18. Jenny avatar

    Ooh – thank you so much for participating! I like the beetle earrings! Lightweight, great colors – and this findings are fabulous! I see your point about the color palette being very different on the two sides of the scarab bead – but I would simply wear it right way around – and enjoy it….

    1. jewelsofsayuri avatar

      Thanks Jenny, it is good to know that someone gets my point and gives a sensible reply. For sometimes these things cannot be helped 😀

  19. Lesley Watt avatar
    Lesley Watt

    Very pretty designs.

  20. Laney Mead avatar

    Oh wow those ear rings are amazing the colours are just fabulous.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *