1. A carved coral cameo pendant by Parisian jeweler François-Désiré Froment-Meurice, dating to 1854.

    A carved coral cameo pendant by Parisian jeweler François-Désiré Froment-Meurice, dating to 1854.

  2. A beautiful carved coral bracelet center dating to around 1840.

    A beautiful carved coral bracelet center dating to around 1840.

  3. Carved coral earrings made in Italy circa 1830.

    Carved coral earrings made in Italy circa 1830.

  4. Regency era coral earrings from circa 1800. They may have been made to match this slightly earlier necklace.

    Regency era coral earrings from circa 1800. They may have been made to match this slightly earlier necklace.

  5. A beautifully designed tiger claw bracelet from circa 1870.

    A beautifully designed tiger claw bracelet from circa 1870.

  6. Tiger claw jewelry became a very popular gift for army officers serving in India to send back to their wife or sweetheart. Possibly accompanied with a (most likely fictional) thrilling tale of the claws’ origins. This necklace dates to 1866.

    Tiger claw jewelry became a very popular gift for army officers serving in India to send back to their wife or sweetheart. Possibly accompanied with a (most likely fictional) thrilling tale of the claws’ origins. This necklace dates to 1866.

  7. Beetle wings weren’t the only bizarre natural fashion trend to find its way to Europe during the British Raj. Jewelry in the 1860s and 70s saw the introduction of a material of even more exotic and dangerous origins: tiger claws.

    Beetle wings weren’t the only bizarre natural fashion trend to find its way to Europe during the British Raj. Jewelry in the 1860s and 70s saw the introduction of a material of even more exotic and dangerous origins: tiger claws.

  8. Dragonflies were particularly popular subjects for brooches as their wings allowed jewelers to show off their most delicate enamel work. This piece was made by Edgar Bense circa 1900.

    Dragonflies were particularly popular subjects for brooches as their wings allowed jewelers to show off their most delicate enamel work. This piece was made by Edgar Bense circa 1900.

  9. A diamond and enamel butterfly brooch by A La Vielle Russie, New York circa 1900.

    A diamond and enamel butterfly brooch by A La Vielle Russie, New York circa 1900.

  10. A dragonfly corsage ornament made by Feodor Lorie of Fabergé between 1899 and 1908.

    A dragonfly corsage ornament made by Feodor Lorie of Fabergé between 1899 and 1908.