Quirky Trend: Insect-Inspired Jewelry

Jan 17th 2012 at 5:00PM by Wendy Rose Gould

John Stuart Mill, one of my favorite philosophers and political commentators, once said, "Eccentricity has always abounded when and where strength of character has abounded." Though this wise old man was discussing society and politics, I like to extend that quote into other areas of my life, including fashion.

As a result, I've always been drawn to the funkier finds in fashion. From quirky prints to unexpected color combinations to vintage frocks and beyond, I'm not afraid to stand out in a crows. You shouldn't be either!

Enough of the pep talk. Let's get down to business. Today I'm talking jewelry. Inspect-inspired jewelry, to be exact.

Even if you find teeny tiny spiders on your front porch frightening and bumble bees floating around your head a touch unsettling (and I do, as well), you can still appreciate them in static form. Plenty of jewelers, such as Erika Weiner, create exquisite, insect-inspired pieces that even the most die-hard insect haters can't help but admire. For example, Weiner's "Bee Necklace," ($30) is elegant -- not scary. It's made from brass and suspended by its wings, a la a 7th grade science project. Only instead of turning it in for a grade, you get to walk around town promenading the beautiful creation.

Check out some more insect-inspired jewelry below.