The Bizarre (and Beautiful) Materials Used in Jewelry Throughout History: From Beetle Wings to Meteorites

When you think of fine jewelry, your mind probably jumps to sparkling diamonds, lustrous pearls, or perhaps vibrant rubies. But throughout history, jewelers have gotten seriously creative with their materials—and we're not just talking about unconventional gemstones. From crushed bugs to space rocks, the story of jewelry is filled with surprising twists that prove beauty truly is in the eye (and craftsmanship) of the beholder. Let's take a glittering journey through time to uncover the most extraordinary materials ever transformed into wearable art.

What makes these unusual creations so fascinating isn't just their rarity—it's the cultural stories, innovative techniques, and sheer audacity behind them. While today's designers like Charles Krypell and Roberto Coin work with premium metals and gems, their historical counterparts often had to think outside the jewelry box. Ready to meet the weirdest, most wonderful materials that have graced necks, wrists, and fingers across centuries? Your jewelry vocabulary is about to get a major upgrade.