Rich red wings, sparkling diamonds, and a luminous pearl transform this beetle into a miniature work of wearable art. Created in the 1980s–1990s by a craftsman based in Riga, the brooch draws inspiration from the imaginative jewelry of Russia’s Silver Age and the final decades of the Imperial era.
Its elongated silhouette is full of character. Deep red wing covers reveal a delicate pattern beneath their glossy surface, framed by warm gold tones. A purple amethyst forms the centerpiece of the head, surrounded by diamonds, while three green peridots bring a contrasting flash of color to the body. A cultured pearl rests between the curved mandibles, completing the distinctive design.
The combination of finely shaped legs, silver detailing and colorful stones gives the brooch a sculptural presence. Worn on a dark lapel, scarf or evening outfit, it offers an expressive focal point, with details that reward a closer look.
According to information provided by the owner, the Riga-based maker specialized in recreating jewelry inspired by the Russian Imperial period and is believed to have produced only around 16–18 beetle brooches during his lifetime. Although the precise number remains unconfirmed, this account adds a personal dimension to the piece: a small body of work shaped by one craftsman’s fascination with an earlier artistic tradition.
The accompanying Jewelry Testing Report, issued by the Assay Office of Latvia on March 3, 2022, identifies a 14K gold brooch with silver detailing, weighing 22.88 grams. It records 28 natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.47 carats, three natural peridots totaling approximately 0.50 carats, one natural amethyst of approximately 0.75 carats, and a cultured pearl measuring approximately 7.3 mm.
A late twentieth-century interpretation of Imperial-era elegance, this beetle brooch combines vivid color, intricate detail and an unusual maker’s story. It is a distinctive choice for collectors of insect jewelry and for anyone who enjoys wearing objects with personality and a connection to the past.
Technical Specifications
Object: Beetle brooch
Period: 1980s–1990s
Place of manufacture: Riga, Latvia
Maker: Unidentified Riga-based craftsman
Materials: 14K gold with silver detailing
Total weight: 22.88 g
Overall dimensions: Not stated in the report
Diamonds
Type: Natural diamonds
Quantity: 28
Cut: Swiss cut (8/8), as stated in the report
Diameter: Approximately 1.5–1.7 mm
Total weight: Approximately 0.47 ct (±10%)
Color: G–I
Clarity: VVS–VS
Cut grade: Good
Peridots
Type: Natural peridots
Quantity: 3
Cut: Round mixed cut
Size: Approximately 2.1 × 4.5 mm, as stated in the report
Total weight: Approximately 0.50 ct (±10%)
Color: Yellowish green
Clarity: VS–SI
Cut grade: Fair
Amethyst
Type: Natural amethyst
Quantity: 1
Cut: Round mixed cut
Diameter: Approximately 5.9 mm
Weight: Approximately 0.75 ct (±10%)
Color: Purple
Clarity: VS
Cut grade: Good
Pearl
Type: Cultured pearl
Quantity: 1
Diameter: Approximately 7.3 mm
