Jewel Beetle Wing Necklace

In their native country of Thailand, Elytra beetle wings are often used for earrings, necklaces and costumes. The elytra of a beetle are actually the outer covering that goes over the top of the wings to protect them when not flying. Jewel beetle wings never fade because the color is structural and comes from the way the light reflects off the structure of the wing, not from dyes or pigments that fade with time. These beetles are sustainably farmed and their bodies are edible and often eaten so that no part of the creature goes to waste.

Made with a thrifted necklace and a singular, blue-green Jewel beetle wing.