In a surrealist arrangement, two diamond-edged scarab brooches from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection rest upon a matte white, coral-like ceramic sculpture. The interplay between the jewelry’s metallic brilliance and the porous, organic texture of the porcelain creates a dreamlike atmosphere. The lighting casts soft shadows, emphasizing the sculptural depth and the vivid green iridescence of the beetle forms.

Real Scarabs Take Center Stage in Lito's "Cosmic Guardians" Fine Jewelry Collection

Words by Yatzer

Athens, Greece

Across millennia, beetles have skittered through the human imagination as symbols, omens, deities, and decorative motifs. In Egypt, they embodied rebirth and protection; in Classical Greek fables they were cast as wily survivors; across the Pre-Columbian Americas, they adorned ritual clothing as emblems of vitality; while in Japan, they embodied strength and perseverance for centuries, and are still celebrated in poems, toys, and pop culture. In Victorian Europe, beetle collecting became a fashionable scientific hobby, influencing both taxonomy and the decorative arts, especially in Art Nouveau jewellery and high-craft objects. This deep well of symbolism helps explain why scarab imagery continues to captivate contemporary designers; for Greek jewellery designer Lito Karakostanoglou there is also another, more elemental reason: their iridescent allure.

“I love their colours! And their shape of course”, Lito told Yatzer in a recent chat about Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians, the latest collection from her eponymous brand, where scarabs can be seen front, right and centre. Debuting this month to mark the brand’s 25th anniversary, the 14-piece collection does more than just reference their silhouette, it incorporates the insects themselves. Masterfully encased in 18K gold and precious stones, and accompanied by a sculptural porcelain “habitat”, the preserved scarabs are transformed into radiant, wearable art, encapsulating Lito’s fusion of artisanal craftsmanship, experimentation, and imagination.

Black-and-white portrait of jewelry designer Lito Karakostanoglou wearing a delicate layered necklace with an eye-shaped charm and oval pendant, paired with sculptural drop earrings. Captured in natural light, the close-up highlights the refined craftsmanship of the jewelry against her minimalist black top, conveying understated elegance and contemporary femininity.

Lito Karakostanoglou portrait by Haris Farsarakis.

A top-down view of a polished gold scarab pendant from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection , stripped of its organic shell to reveal a purely sculptural form. The ridged, undulating texture of the beetle's abdomen creates a play of light and shadow, emphasizing the piece's tactile quality. The stark white background isolates the gold’s warm glow, highlighting the collection's minimalist yet ancient-inspired aesthetic.

“Chrysina aurigans” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow and pink gold honeycomb vintage Italian necklace with Rubies circa ‘70s, set with a taxidermied scarab from Costa Rica and a 14K gold necklace chain. Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

A self-taught jeweler, Lito traces the origin of her fascination with beetles to her early travels. “I first learned about the scarabs when I went to Egypt, during my stay in Cairo. I was drawn by the beauty of their shape and symbolism,” she recalls. That first encounter eventually prompted a scarab charm in 2008, in an experiment that planted a lasting seed. “Over the years, when I was asked which was my favourite collection, I would always refer to the Scarab Collection I designed back in 2010 for Galerie BSL,” she tells Yatzer. “So when I decided to design a collection to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary, it only felt natural to go back to my favourite collection”.

Asked why she opted to use real scarabs, she cites their chromatic luminosity, which is impossible to recreate synthetically. “I realized that we can’t imitate nature. It’s so beyond our capacity,” she explains. “Therefore, the only thing I could do was to find a way to protect those beautiful species, pay homage to nature and ultimately adorn women with them!” This was no easy task: the creation process demanded both taxidermy precision and goldsmithing discipline. “Trying to keep the scarab intact without damaging any part of it was a constant challenge,” she notes. Metal is rigid while the insect, brittle, so the technicians working at Lito’s workshop in central Athens had to make sure they covered just enough of their bodies to protect them while leaving iridescent surfaces visible.

A striking silhouette features a model in a vibrant, high-collared green silk tunic, set against a warm, painterly background. The focal point is a magnificent scarab earring from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection , encrusted with diamonds and finished in a brilliant lime-green glaze. The composition balances the statuesque stillness of the profile with the intricate, talismanic detail of the jewelry.

"Torynorrhina flammea” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from Thailand. White Diamonds F/G VS: triangle cut (0.84ct), baguette cut (0.34ct), brilliant cut (1.40ct).
Styling by Dada Ioannidou. Photography by Thanassis Krikis.

In a surrealist arrangement, two diamond-edged scarab brooches from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection rest upon a matte white, coral-like ceramic sculpture. The interplay between the jewelry’s metallic brilliance and the porous, organic texture of the porcelain creates a dreamlike atmosphere. The lighting casts soft shadows, emphasizing the sculptural depth and the vivid green iridescence of the beetle forms.

"Torynorrhina flammea” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from Thailand. White Diamonds F/G VS: triangle cut (0.84ct), baguette cut (0.34ct), brilliant cut (1.40ct). Photography by Joey Leo.

A macro study reveals the extraordinary materiality of Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection, focusing on the luminescent, multi-tonal wings of a scarab encased in polished gold. The iridescent surface transitions from deep forest green to fiery amber, mimicking the organic complexity of nature. The smooth, golden "exoskeleton" of the jewelry provides a bold, geometric framework for the ethereal shimmer within.

"Chrysochroa fulminans Java” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from Indonesia. Spessartites from Tanzania: cushion cut (3.47ct) and pear cut (2.47ct). Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

Against a muted, plaster-like backdrop, a profile portrait highlights a sculptural earring from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection featuring a vibrant emerald-green scarab. The jewel’s iridescent sheen contrasts with the model’s copper-toned hair and a deep olive, pleated silk garment. Long, delicate gold chains descend from the beetle’s abdomen, adding a sense of fluid movement and architectural elegance to the composition.

"Chrysochroa fulminans Java” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from Indonesia. Spessartites from Tanzania: cushion cut (3.47ct) and pear cut (2.47ct).
Styling by Dada Ioannidou. Photography by Thanassis Krikis.

This minimalist overhead shot shows the two sides of a gold hair pin from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection: a satin-finished solid gold form and an intricately embellished version with a pavé-diamond spine and iridescent green shell. Linked by delicate gold chains, the piece illustrate the collection’s evolution from pure, tactile metalwork to highly decorative, light-catching artistry.

“Chrysochroa rajah” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of hair pins, set with taxidermied scarabs from Thailand. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.56ct). Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

Two emerald-hued beetle hairpins from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection are nestled into a textured, loosely gathered blonde updo. The warm, hazy background enhances the ethereal, talismanic quality of the pieces. The juxtaposition of soft, organic hair fibers with the hard, jeweled precision of the beetles transforms a traditional hairstyle into a contemporary art statement.

“Chrysochroa rajah” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of hair pins, set with taxidermied scarabs from Thailand. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.56ct).
Styling by Dada Ioannidou. Photography by Thanassis Krikis.

Two beetle-topped gold pins from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection emerge from the peaks of a white, porous ceramic sculpture. The upward trajectory of the pins creates a sense of growth, while the deep green shells offer a vibrant counterpoint to the monochromatic, lunar texture of the base. It is a study in stillness and the emergence of life.

“Chrysochroa rajah” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of hair pins, set with taxidermied scarabs from Thailand. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.56ct). Photography by Joey Leo.

  • A macro shot captures a pair of beetle earrings from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection in a dynamic, three-quarter view, revealing its articulated craftsmanship. The interplay of light on the textured green enamel and the brilliant-cut diamonds highlights the piece’s biological realism. The gold underbelly provides a warm, architectural foundation for the insect's shimmering, light-refracting wings.

    "Chrysochroa rajah” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from Myanmar. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.36ct). Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

  • A model in a structural black garment poses with a sharp, angular intensity that mirrors the design of her vibrant green beetle earring from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection . The cool, jewel-toned accessory stands out against her warm skin and the painterly, atmospheric background. The image captures a sophisticated tension between classical portraiture and avant-garde adornment.

    "Chrysochroa rajah” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from Myanmar. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.36ct).
    Styling by Dada Ioannidou. Photography by Thanassis Krikis.

  • Against a void of deep black, a void-pierced ceramic form hosts two beetle jewels from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection . The dramatic contrast between the chalky white sculpture, the dark shadows, and the vivid green enamel creates a surreal, high-fashion landscape. The composition treats the jewelry as rare artifacts discovered in a minimalist, otherworldly environment.

    "Chrysochroa rajah” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from Myanmar. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.36ct). Photography by Joey Leo.

Two emerald-hued scarab earrings from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection are perched upon a white, coral-like ceramic sculpture against a deep teal background. The shadowy, moody lighting highlights the beetle shells’ glossy texture and the gold’s subtle gleam. This still life emphasizes the collection's "soulful" character, presenting the jewelry as a curated artifact within a sophisticated, immersive interior.

“Heterorrhina macleayi” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from the Phillipines. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.82ct). Photography by Joey Leo.

A macro profile shot of an earring featuring a real scarab beetle shell, its iridescent emerald surface shimmering with a metallic luster. The beetle is meticulously encased in a yellow gold frame, where anatomical precision meets sculptural art. The minimalist white backdrop emphasizes the jewel’s organic vibrancy and the delicate tension between nature and fine craftsmanship.

“Heterorrhina macleayi” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from the Phillipines. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.82ct). Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

An ethereal portrait features a model with wind-swept blonde hair, wearing vibrant green scarab beetle earrings from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection. The warm, diffused lighting and earth-toned background create a timeless, mythic atmosphere. The jewelry serves as a focal point of protection and "art de vivre," blending the ancient talismanic tradition with a contemporary, high-fashion sensibility.

“Heterorrhina macleayi” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from the Phillipines. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.82ct).
Styling by Dada Ioannidou. Photography by Thanassis Krikis.

The results of this singular process are dazzling in their intricacy. Comprising earrings, rings, bracelets, a choker, a brooch, and a tiara, each of the 14 one-of-a-kind pieces reveals astonishing detail upon close inspection. “I tried to create them as realistically as possible, embellishing them with precious stones to enhance their beauty and preciousness,” she explains. Sourced from around the world, the preserved beetles are framed by 18k gold, their natural curves echoed in articulated links and fluid settings that allow their wings and limbs to shimmer with movement, with the use of vibrant gemstones serving to complement their iridescent hues.

In one pair of earrings, green Chrysochroa fulminans scarabs from Java are paired with orange Spessartites, in another, green Torynorrhina flammea beetles from Thailand are adorned with white diamonds, while a red Chrysina aurigans beetle from Costa Rica is suspended from a chunky 1960s-era 18-karat gold necklace, echoing the designer’s long-standing fascination with collecting vintage pieces and rare treasures on her travels.

Underscoring their uniqueness, each jewel is accompanied by a classification card listing the scarab’s Latin name and geographic origin, housed in a porcelain “habitat” designed by Athens-based sculptor Diane Alexander. These sculptural stands transform the jewels into contemplative objects when unworn, further underscoring their journey beginning with artistic intent and alchemical transformation converting them from a mere specimen to a bejewelled talisman.

An extreme close-up focuses on the hyper-detailed carapace of a green scarab. Dark, organic mottling beneath the translucent green surface evokes the authenticity of a natural specimen, while the polished gold rim reminds the viewer of its luxury provenance. The image celebrates the "Cosmic Guardian" as a fusion of natural wonder and artisanal mastery.

“Heterorrhina macleayi” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from the Phillipines. White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.82ct). Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

An evocative double portrait captures two figures in a moment of quiet connection, framed by a soft, sepia-toned haze. One wears a delicate filigree tiara topped with a green scarab, while the other features a heavy gold-link necklace with a ruby-toned beetle pendant, both from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection . The image celebrates the jewelry as a "Cosmic Guardian," blending primordial symbolism with modern adornment.

“Chrysina aurigans” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow and pink gold honeycomb vintage Italian necklace with Rubies circa ‘70s, set with a taxidermied scarab from Costa Rica and a 14K gold necklace chain. "Chrysina strasseni” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K and 14K yellow gold tiara, set with a taxidermied scarab from Central America, Greenish-yellow Diamond VS1 brilliant cut (1.44ct) and White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.41ct).
Styling by Dada Ioannidou. Photography by Thanassis Krikis.

This side-angle macro shot displays the profile of a scarab pendant, revealing the layered complexity of its gold exoskeleton. The beetle’s shell transitions from gold to a deep, burnt orange, mimicking a celestial sunset. The sleek, pointed tail and articulated legs demonstrate a commitment to anatomical authenticity reimagined through the lens of luxury design.

“Chrysina aurigans” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow and pink gold honeycomb vintage Italian necklace with Rubies circa ‘70s, set with a taxidermied scarab from Costa Rica and a 14K gold necklace chain. Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

  • A gold necklace with a shifting, fire-toned scarab pendant rests on a textured, white biomorphic surface from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection The high-contrast lighting casts soft shadows, accentuating the "honeycomb" gold chain and the beetle's sleek, aerodynamic form. The composition highlights the convergence of artistry and nature, making the piece feel like a cosmic relic discovered in a modern sanctuary.

    “Chrysina aurigans” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow and pink gold honeycomb vintage Italian necklace with Rubies circa ‘70s, set with a taxidermied scarab from Costa Rica and a 14K gold necklace chain. Photography by Joey Leo.

  • A long, delicate gold chain descends the center of a bare back, terminating in a striking amber-toned scarab pendant from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection. The composition is raw and intimate, highlighting the jewelry as an extension of the body. The warm skin tones and soft shadows emphasize the talisman’s role as a personal "guardian" and a piece of wearable art.

    “Chrysina aurigans” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow and pink gold honeycomb vintage Italian necklace with Rubies circa ‘70s, set with a taxidermied scarab from Costa Rica and a 14K gold necklace chain.
    Styling by Dada Ioannidou. Photography by Thanassis Krikis.

  • An extreme close-up reveals the intricate joinery of a gold necklace, where a honeycomb-patterned band meets a scarab pendant. Three pink rubies are embedded in a gold setting, adding a dash of rhythmic color. The interplay of the iridescent shell and the geometric gold links showcases the collection's focus on technical mastery and authentic materiality.

    “Chrysina aurigans” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow and pink gold honeycomb vintage Italian necklace with Rubies circa ‘70s, set with a taxidermied scarab from Costa Rica and a 14K gold necklace chain. Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

As a collection, Cosmic Guardians invites us to reconsider the boundaries between adornment and devotion. In suspending fragile bodies within enduring metals, the pieces hold space for contradictions such as life and the afterlife, protection and vulnerability, and rarity and restraint. Worn on the body or displayed in their porcelain sanctuaries, these scarabs remind us of the importance of nature’s wonders that require both awe and care. In Lito’s hands, they become guardians not only of the wearer, but of a deeper reverence for the beauty that survives, sometimes against all odds.

A close-up of a monochromatic yellow gold bracelet from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection features a scarab motif with an intricate, openwork design. The repetitive geometric pattern of the band provides a modern, architectural foundation for the central insect form. The play of light on the polished gold surfaces highlights the exquisite hand-finished details and the collection's sophisticated materiality.

“Rhomborhina gigantea” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold vintage Italian bracelet circa ‘60s, set with a taxidermied scarab from Thailand. White Diamond trapezoid cut (0.22ct). White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.08ct). Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

A profile portrait of a woman in a voluminous black sculptural garment, featuring a bold green scarab bracelet on her wrist from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection. The contrast between the matte black fabric and the vibrant, iridescent jewel creates a dramatic visual rhythm. The image captures the collection’s ability to anchor a contemporary silhouette with historical, symbolic weight.

“Rhomborhina gigantea” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold vintage Italian bracelet circa ‘60s, set with a taxidermied scarab from Thailand. White Diamond trapezoid cut (0.22ct). White Diamonds F/G VS brilliant cut (0.08ct).
Styling by Dada Ioannidou. Photography by Thanassis Krikis.

A pair of sculptural earrings from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection featuring iridescent beetle wing fragments, framed in yellow gold and punctuated by a spectrum of rectangular-cut gemstones. The natural, kaleidoscopic pattern of the wings—transitioning from deep emerald to fiery ochre—is mirrored by the flanking stones. This piece celebrates the authentic brilliance of the natural world, elevated through masterful, soulful craftsmanship.

“Chrysochroa toulgoeti” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from Malaysia. Brown Diamonds dome cut (2.11ct) Multi colour. Sapphires emerald cut (7.71ct). Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

A symmetrical view of a scarab ring from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection shows a vivid green beetle encased in a tiered gold ribbing. A singular, rough-cut diamond sits atop the head, acting as a third eye or a crown. The design’s verticality and rhythmic gold lines give the piece a regal, totemic presence that feels both ancient and avant-garde.

“Heterorrhina macleayi” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold ring set, with a taxidermied scarab from the Phillipines. White Diamond F/G VS fancy cut (0.24ct). Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

Two lime-green scarab earrings rest on a white, flowing ceramic sculpture that mimics a frozen wave. Set against a dark, moody background, the iridescent jewels glow with an almost bioluminescent quality. This artistic arrangement emphasizes Lito Fine Jewelry's Cosmic Guardians collection as objects of curiosity, bridging the gap between fine jewelry and contemporary sculpture.

“Chrysina resplendens” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pair of earrings, set with taxidermied scarabs from Costa Rica. Yellow Diamonds: emerald cut (1.27ct) and pear cut (1.14ct). Photography by Joey Leo.

A refined side profile of a scarab brooch from Lito Fine Jewelry’s Cosmic Guardians collection, where the organic curvature of an iridescent shell is meticulously traced by a pavé-set diamond border. A singular, large emerald-cut green gemstone is held in the beetle’s forelegs, acting as a vibrant focal point. The delicate gold legs and articulated underside highlight the collection’s obsession with anatomical precision and mythic artistry.

“Lucanidae charagmophorus” (1/1 Unique Piece). 18K yellow gold pin, set with a taxidermied scarab from Thailand. Apatite trillion cut (10.50ct). Brown Diamond fancy cut (0.40ct). Brown Diamonds brilliant cut (0.34ct). Photography by Apostolis Koukousas.

Real Scarabs Take Center Stage in Lito's "Cosmic Guardians" Fine Jewelry Collection