History of the insect jewelry
Insect jewelry carries a diverse symbolism and has deep historic roots. To us, these pieces serve as a reminder of the delicate beauty that designers found in the nature.
Scarab Beetles
In ancient Egypt, scarab beetles were associated with the sun god Ra. They symbolized regeneration and protection. Scarabs were often used in amulets, and seals to bring good luck and ward off evil.
Bees and Butterflies
Bees were revered in ancient Greece and Rome and seen as symbols of diligence and cooperation. Honey, a product of bees, was also associated with sweetness and fertility. Butterflies, with their transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, were seen as symbols of metamorphosis and the soul’s journey.
Insect Jewelry Resurgence
In the 19th century, during the Victorian era, there was a resurgence of interest in nature-inspired jewelry. It often incorporated real insect specimens preserved in resin. This trend was influenced by the Victorian fascination with the natural world and scientific discoveries of the time.
The Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th – early 20th centuries embraced organic forms and drew inspiration from nature. Insect motifs, such as dragonflies, butterflies, and beetles, were prominent in Art Nouveau jewelry. These pieces featured flowing lines and delicate designs.
Today, insect jewelry continues to be equally loved by designers and jewelry buyers. For example, dragonflies are often associated with change and self-realization, while butterfly brooches symbolize transformation and beauty. Bees are still seen as symbols of hard work, community, and productivity.
About enamel jewelry
Enamel jewelry is beloved for its glossy, colorful appearance. Enamel has been in jewelry making since the 1200s in China and Persia. It was flourishing again during the Art Nouveau era and had its comeback in the 1970s.
Multiple iconic pieces, such as Panthere De Cartier, Webb Kingdom Collection or the VCA pieces from 1920s are still sought after. Today enamel is also widely used in jewelry design.
Enamel is a specifically formulated glass powder or a paste applied to a metal. After the application it gets heated up to 950°C.
Here are some of the most popular enameling techniques in jewelry making:
– Plique-a-Jour
It’s the most complicated to execute among enameling techniques. Plique-a-Jour was especially popular among such Art Nouveau artists as Rene Lalique, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Peter Carl Faberge. The name can be translated from French as “to let light in”. The method allows light to go through the piece and make it glow. It’s done by applying the enamel powder in between the little metal sections while using the foil to hold it together. After the enamel solidifies, the foil gets removed. This process creates a stained-glass appearance with delicate colors and lights coming from within.
– Cloisonné
Cloisonné – or hard enamel – is done by layering enamel past the metal line. But first the design is stamped into a metal base. Then it gets polished down to the level of the metal. Due to the lengthier process, Cloisonné is considered more durable and higher quality.
– Meenakari
This technique begins with the design being engraved onto the metal. Then the enamel is filling the etchings. To achieve a vibrant color that meenakari jewelry is famous for, the piece is polished with organic acids. A layer of the transparent enamel finalizes the process.
We have a great selection of enamel jewelry online, or you can see it in person while visiting our store in Beverly Hills.
