IRIDESCENT BEETLE NECKLACE AND EARRING SET
Peru
This beautiful set of natural jewelry is made from the shimmering wing covers (elytra) and head carapaces of the (female) sacred Green Scarab Beetle of the Peruvian rainforest, the parts collected only after the insects have died naturally and fallen to the forest floor. The necklace features 19 elytra in iridescent green and rich red-brown, strung with golden beads from a braided black thread; the earrings each comprise five individual head carapaces of similar coloring, tinged in addition with a strong deep purple, and one side dramatically patterned with giant black "eyes", in a gilt-stamped blue leatherette-covered presentation box.