Tag Archive | starling

Iridescent animals

I recently purchased this beautiful beetlewing necklace at the fantastic Erie Basin in Red Hook. While most people are under the misapprehension that I’m wearing a chain full of Lee Press-On Nails (probably because I would wear a chain full of Lee Press-On Nails-DIY project!), they are actually the hind wings of Buprestidae beetles, otherwise known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles. Used in Asian decorative arts since the 1900s, they are being introduced awesomely in modern pieces by designers like Claire Angel (www.claireangel.com) or Skullbag on Etsy.

But beetles aren’t the only iridescent animals that lend their beauty to jewelry. Starlings, peacocks, and morpho butterflies all share that brilliant sheen. I have fantastical dreams of a statement necklace with all of them together!