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Exploring symbolism of Insects in Jewelry

  • Writer: gem_head
    gem_head
  • Apr 25, 2020
  • 4 min read

Insect motifs have been featured in jewelry and personal objects since antiquity-inspired by their beauty, mystique and symbolism. Some of the greatest artists to walk the earth including Rene Lalique, George Fouquet, Karl Faberge, and Louis Comfort Tiffany are famous for gaining inspiration from butterflies, dragonflies and numerous varieties of insects among other nature themes.

The recent reemergence of bugs and winged insects in jewelry collections i.e. Love bugs by Tiffany's, Jitterbugs by Stephen Webster, Butterflies by Van Cleef, Scarabs by Alexis Bittar etc., intrigued me to explore symbolism connected to some of our favorite insects seen in jewelry.

Butterflies

Butterflies unlike other bugs are not always chosen to be worn in jewelry due to underlying symbolism - for centuries, artists have been inspired by the ephemeral beauty of the butterfly.

Butterflies are also a universal symbol of resurrection and transformation owing to their unique life cycle (the process of metamorphosis). In many cultures butterfly represents endurance, change and hope. In Greek and Roman cultures, butterflies symbolize the soul. In Irish lore there is a belief that butterflies are souls of the dead waiting to pass through Purgatory, and forbid hurting butterflies.

Images: (Top L-R)Butterfly Ring by Anna Hu,Butterfly Brooch/Necklace by David Webb. Bottom: Butterfly Pins and Earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels


Bees

The most common and universal symbol of a bee is productivity or work ethic - as in the phrase "busy as a bee”.

Bees are busy, but also purposeful and paramount to the on-going life cycle of all life forms on earth. Bees are so important to the ecosystem that Einstein predicted if bees go extinct, humans would not survive more than four years after. This gives bees the additional symbolic value of providence.


Images (L-R): Bee Watch by Cartier, Bee Link Necklace by Bulgari, Bees Ring by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany&Co.


Lady Bugs

Lady bug is known in many cultures around the world as the bringer of love, and good fortune.

In Christianity the ladybug is referred to as the ‘Beetle of Our Lady’ associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary. The story follows that during the Middle Ages, insects and pests were a great danger to farm crops, so the farmers prayed to the blessed Virgin Mary for assistance with the pesky insects. Following these prayers, the ladybugs began to descend upon the crops of the farmers, devoured the plant-destroying pests, and saved the crops. Believing that the ladybugs had come after praying to the Virgin Mary, the farmers called these red and black insects - ‘Beetle of Our Lady’. Even today, the appearance of a ladybugs is a blessing to farmers preceding a good crop.

Images (L-R): Diamond and Enamel Bee Brooch by Tiffany&Co., Love Bug Ring by Tiffany&Co., Enamel and Gold Cufflinks by David Webb


Scarabs and Beetles

The scarab (dung beetle) is most commonly associated with Ancient Egypt. The scarab appears on Egyptian tombs and are found placed over the hearts of mummified corpses. Egyptians associated the scarab with resurrection, believed the scarab offered the dead a safe passage to transform, and move on to their next existence. Scarab amulets and rings were also worn by Pharos and warriors as a symbol of eternal life.

Over the years, they have been used to symbolize wealth and also serve as a form of artistic expression. 


Images (L-R): Gold and Favrile Glass Scarab Necklace, Primavesi & Kaufmann, Scarab Pin by Tiffany&Co., Scarab Pin by Alexis Bittar


Crickets and Grasshoppers

If you’ve seen the Disney movie Mulan, you know Crickets and Grasshoppers are regarded a good luck charm in Chinese culture. This is true of Japanese culture as well.

(Grasshopper and Cricket both belong to the order Orthoptera - while they share a common ancestor, they are different creatures however interchangeable in terms of lore and symbolism).

Additionally Crickets and Grasshoppers are connected to the mythical lore and the magic of fairies and pixies. It’s believed that the music of grasshoppers and crickets attract the protection of fairies and pixies, keeping predators and danger away. For this reason, Cricket and Grasshopper amulets and talisman are worn for protection against the evil eye and improved luck.


Grasshopper Brooch by Rene Lalilque ca. 1913

Dragonflies

Dragonflies are fascinating creatures; the first known flying creatures to appear on earth about 320 million years ago. The present day dragonfly is however an evolved version of its prehistoric ancestor.

What’s more interesting is that the dragonfly has one of the shortest lifespans, a life cycle limited to approximately 4-6 months - for the reason the dragonfly is a symbol for ‘living in the moment’ and living life to the fullest. In many cultures around the world, the dragonfly is a symbol of hope, new beginnings and change.

In Japan the dragonfly is a symbol of courage and success. Dragonflies are agile and fast fliers, they can even hover, but dragonflies never fly backwards, due to their wing construction.

Images (L-R): Dragonfly Hair Ornament by Tiffany&Co., Dragonfly Woman brooch by René Lalique, Ruby and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch


References

Cricket & Grasshopper Symbolism & Meaning: Spirit, Totem & Power Animal. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/insects/grasshopper-cricket-symbolism-meaning/

Hays, J. Flying Insects (2013). Retrieved from http://factsanddetails.com/world/cat52/sub333/item1595.html

Johnson. S.P. Butterfly Lore. (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.baylor.edu/lakewaco_wetlands/index.php?id=34628

Ladybug Symbolism & Meaning: Spirit, Totem & Power Animal. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/insects/ladybug-symbolism-meaning/

Perna, T. (2014, April 7). "Mondays with Mary" – 'The Beetles of Our Lady'. Retrieved April 20, 2020, from https://tomperna.org/2014/04/07/mondays-with-mary-the-beetles-of-our-lady/

Scarab Beetle Symbolism & Meaning: Spirit, Totem & Power Animal. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/insects/scarab-beetle-symbolism-meaning/

Why the dragonfly?. (June 30). Retrieved from https://dragonflytransitions.com/why-the-dragonfly/


Images

David Webb Lady Bug Cuffs Retrieved from https://www.davidwebb.com/products/ladybug-cuff-links

Primavesi & Kaufmann Gold and Favrile Glass Scarab Necklace Retrieved from https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/important-jewels-n09199/lot.304.html?locale=en

Tiffany Scarab Pin Retrieved by Tiffany Blue Book 2019

Tiffany&Co. Dragonfly Hair Ornament Retrieved from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/2046




 
 
 

1 Comment

011gordana
Apr 27, 2020

What an intersting view and explanation. Thank you.I always wandered about lady bugs ... Now i know

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