Victorian Insect Jewellery- Handmade Brooch

For this swap you will create 1 brooch for 1 partner inspired by the unusual but exquisite Victorian insect jewellery. How you interpret it is entirely up to you.

As a wave of naturalism swept Victorian England the collecting of insect jewellery came into vogue. In 1860 Victorians had a passion for wearing all things insect. These delicate jewel encrusted winged insects included rose-beetles with their bronze and green carapaces, enamelled bees, sparkling diamond butterflies, watery opal dragonflies and even the lowly fly. Several insects might be clustered over one garment, or could gaze in solitary splendour with glittering eyes, from an ornate hair piece.

Size wise I'd say make the brooch between 2 or 3 inches so it's something that can be seen and adored by all.

Please spend time and effort creating a brooch your partner will love. For example, if your partner prefers gothic Victorian go with that and adapt your brooch be it dragonfly, butterfly, bee, beetle or fly to that style by incorporating black and darker shades in the piece.

You do not need to use expensive supplies but make it special. No kiddie craft plastic or wooden beads etc.

You can easily google information on ''Victorian insect jewellery'' to see lots of images relating to the subject to give you ideas. Also search for ''Victorian insect jewellery'' on flickr and etsy.com for handmade inspiration.

I will check profiles before assigning partners although as this is a group swap there should be no need to worry.

Please respect your partner and do not flake.

Any questions please feel free to ask.