A sterling silver and Tiger Eye study of a honey bee pin, or brooch. This is a stunningly executed and great sized pin in the form of the all important honey bee. Very lifelike and highly detailed, the pin really comes to life when the light catches the stunning stone face and body. The attention to detail is apparent all over the pin. The hand engraved lines in the wings, the details the thorax, the shaping and detail in the legs and mandrils is quite remarkable.

Bees are critically important pollinators responsible for pollinating a remarkable 80% of all flowering plants and 75% of all fruits, vegetables, and nuts grown in the United States.Of the approximate 4000 bee species in North America, it is the hive forming domesticated honeybee that collects sugary nectar and converts it to honey to be stored as a food source for the colony and the Queen when the weather turns cold.Hives are the epitome of organization with the Queen, drones, and worker bees each having designated chores and responsibilities that keep the colony alive and well.

The first people to keep honeybees in hives and harvest honey were the ancient Egyptians.They kept honeybees in upside down woven baskets called “skeps” which are still produced today.Ancient Egyptians believed that honeybees were born from the tears of the Sun God, Ra.They believed that honeybees represented the Pharoah’s sovereignty over Egypt and therefore were a symbol of royalty.

In ancient Judaism, bees were symbolic of a peaceful and successful community with individuals working selflessly for the benefit of all.

In ancient Greece, bees represented celebration, prosperity, and figured prominently in Greek Mythology.It is said that when Zeus, King of the Gods, was born his father, Kronos, wanted to kill him.His mother hid the infant Zeus in a cave that was home to sacred bees who fed the infant honey until he was grown and dethroned his father to become King of the Gods.Zeus rewarded the bees by making them bright gold in color.

In the 1800’s Napoleon Bonaparte was named Emperor of France and needed a heraldic animal to adorn his new coat of arms.After much discussion with his advisors, it was decided that the symbol would be the “Napoleonic bee”.The idea came from the unearthed tomb of King Childeric (436-481) of the ancient Merovingian dynasty.Within Childeric’s tomb were found three hundred golden jeweled bees each inlaid with garnet wings. The three hundred jeweled bees resided at the Louvre in Paris until 1831 when they were stolen and melted down (only 2 bees survive).These Childeric bees so caught the imagination of Napoleon that he and Josephine both wore coronation robes covered in jeweled bees.The rugs, upholstery, wallpaper, and dishes in their home were adorned with bees.And of course, their jewelry depicted bees as well.

Not much can be found about the artist and jeweller that made the piece. Clifford Russel worked out of Woolwich, Maine. Was born in 1907 and died in 1975. Most of his work appears to date from the mid 20th century, and it very much has that feel. Detailed, beautifully made, and all with a touch of whimsy to them. This piece no exception.

The condition is excellent, with no damage. The silver has achieved a lovely patina to it, as it has aged over the years. The tiger eye body has been hand selected by Russel to perfectly fit the striped body of the majestic bee. A more detailed and beautiful example of a bee will not be found in jewellery form.

Made in America, circa 1960's.