Beetle Shell Jewelry
Ethically sourced shells that honor the life and beauty of the Green Jewel Beetle. Their color is 100% natural and they are in the same family as the Egyptian Scarab. The sun will not fade their color, nor will water damage them. Beetle shells have been used for centuries by Indian civilizations, as well as the more ancient Egyptian cultures and the Victorians. The wings were cut into tiny various shapes, or whole, so that they could adorn a range of objects; from garments and clothing, to canopies and book-covers, and of course...jewelry. They have even been sewn into tapestries and in archways of sacred temples and spaces. Their reflective properties were admired because they were seen as a means to ward off evil spirits. It was also believed that the supernatural quality of the iridescence was to bring good luck to the wearer and protect those whom you love. The Victorian's would also adorn themselves for style as well as superstition, They would sew them on coin bags or purses so that money could not be stolen, or to create luck and draw money in. Women would wear them in their hair or hats as a sign of beauty, nobility and fertility.
The beetles are left in their natural habitat to live, and once they die most of the wings will naturally shed or molt. They are a wood boring beetle, that live a few years underground and come to the surface for breading season, which they then pass away and adorn the forest floor. I believe wearing them lets people remember the beautiful creatures, even after death. If the beetles are happy, I believe that they have more beauty to share as well.
The iridescent vibrancy of their wing covers is created by the refraction of light.
