Live insect jewelry has featured in Mayan cultural traditions for many centuries however, it was not until the 1980s that the Mexican Maquech Beetle returned to mainstream popularity as a live fashion accessory. The trend continues to grow increasingly popular in Mexico and interest is spreading to the United States. Yet, attempting to import the live beetle into the United States is outlawed and can bring a $500 fine.
Mexican Maquech Beetles are harmless and docile in nature which makes them a preferred accessory. Artists glue small and colorful gemstones onto the back of the insect. A gold trim chain is then added containing an attached clip. This way the decorated insect can be pinned to clothing with the ability to slightly move yet, it remains unable to escape. Decorated Mexican Maquech Beetles can be quite expensive. The level or ornateness is often a determining factor.
Using living insects as fashion accessories raises certain issues with activists and the Mexican Maquech Beetle is at the center of the controversy.
Mexican Maquech Beetles are harmless and docile in nature which makes them a preferred accessory. Artists glue small and colorful gemstones onto the back of the insect. A gold trim chain is then added containing an attached clip. This way the decorated insect can be pinned to clothing with the ability to slightly move yet, it remains unable to escape. Decorated Mexican Maquech Beetles can be quite expensive. The level or ornateness is often a determining factor.
Using living insects as fashion accessories raises certain issues with activists and the Mexican Maquech Beetle is at the center of the controversy.