Beads in the News-October 2023

This new column on Beads in the News will highlight articles and press releases and news items that focus on beads and jewelry. If you would like to contribute to this column, please send your input to [email protected]. ​

These industrious beetles can live up to a few years without food, and rarely need water, making them unfortunately easy pets. MAXIMILIAN PARADIZ/WIKIMEDIA/CC

The Living, Breathing Brooches of the Yucatán by ROXANNE HOORN, Atlas Obscura SEPTEMBER 7, 2023
The live, jewel-encrusted beetles called maquechs are tied to an ancient Mayan legend, but some worry for their future. This article talks about these wonderful bejewelled beetles from Yucatán, Mexico. Sold to tourists, the beetles are attached with a pin and a chain. They scurry all over the wearer's blouse. They are adorned with fake diamonds, ruby, emeralds, pearls, or velvety fabric. The beetles can go months or years without eating.  The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. has a collection of these beetles with and without adornment! 
For more information, click on this link to Atlas Obscura. 

Dusting Off Your Pearls, New York Times, September 9, 2023, p. A3.
The New York Times advises us that Peals are back in and even men are wearing them! 

If you have ideas for this column, please send your input to [email protected]. ​
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