This brooch is in the Damascene style. It measures 1. 5 by .5 inches. The safety clasp pin on back measure 1 inches. This Arabesque style has black enamel and a rusty red glass abdomen. The beetle even has the detail of antennae and six legs!

Damascening is the art of inlaying different metals into one another-typically, gold or silver into a darkly oxidized steel background-to produce intricate patterns similar to niello. The English term comes from a perceived resemblance to the rich tapestry patterns of damask silk. Traditionally Damascene designs focus on two distinct types of patterns. Either Renaissance motifs with birds, usually doves, and flowers or Arabesque and geometric designs. This style is Spanish Damascene , which is artisans hand etching designs into darkened metal. Once the designs were completed, they apply silver and gold foil from large spools into the crevices, again by hand. The result is striking and beautiful. Some of the designs use yellow gold, rose gold, and silver to create a lovely color pattern.