This stunning chrome green colour is natural. It is an irridescent green-blue - and I've matched the wings in this piece for size, shape and color. This incredible necklace is made with actual beetle wings - that are naturally a brilliant chrome green colour. They are "green Jewel Beetle" wings - from the family Buprestidae and have been used for hundreds of years as jewelry. I was lucky enough to obtain some a few years ago but don't have many. The lady I got them from originally purchased them in the 1970s.
This a combination of cyberpunk meets steampunk. I can imagine it as part of an elaborate costume worn by the Queen of the Insects, or perhaps an avid beetle fan - or an entomologist!
The tiny watch base still retains some of the original jewels. Its rare to see one this size with patterning on it as well. The balance is still in place - and the balance wheel still spins! I've placed a small gear from a pocket watch in the opposite space to balance out this element. The movement itself might have been a small pocket watch or a men's wrist watch. It is quite unique among my collection.
The one element of this necklace that really makes amazing is the clicking sound the wings make as they move. It sounds chitonous. Two little beads flank the wings as well, tiny silvery drops.
Personally, this is such a dramatic and stunning piece, I would wear it on special occasions or for a night to the theatre. Can you imagine how it would look against a black dress? A bit gothic, noir and victorian all rolled together into an intricate piece. I'm certain that for someone it will become a favored classic piece.
It is approx 2.75 inches long and the watch movment is about 0.8 inches wide. It is on a nickel free double-spiral link chain that is approx 15.5 inches long. I've added an extension chain to it as well so that you can wear it a bit longer.
If you have questions please don't hesitate to ask. I do ship world wide but might have to check the postage for your country.
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