Converted from a Victorian stickpin, this adorable 14k ant charm or pendant features a prong set opal and peridot stone on a figural ant shape. There are tiny eyes, and legs - an adorable and detailed Signature piece.
Insect jewelry was a trend in the Victorian era. Starting with Egyptians who revered bugs, this fascination was translated to Victorian fashion, leading to many a woman donning insects on her jacket rather than the average precious metal brooch. Some middle class women even wore live insects; a sartorial act of protest against the growing separation to the environment, which accompanied the industrial revolution.
Today, the gesture of an insect made with gold and gemstones remains a clever subject choice, an insect that mustn't be swatted. It measures 3/4" from top of bail to the bottom of the charm and 1/4" at the widest point. It weighs .6 grams and the bail opening is 4 mm by 2 mm. The opal measures 4 mm x 3 mm and the peridot measures 2.6 mm in diameter.
