Magicicada Earrings

These earrings by Erica Weiner are as magnificent as the insect that inspired them. Imagine living underground for over a decade, only to emerge in the last days of summer so that you may sing the season's most beautiful song. These polished brass earrings are a life-size representation of the mysterious cicada. In the Northeastern states, a genus of cicadas called 'Magicicada septendecim' appear every seventeen years. They hatch in tree branches, then burrow themselves into the ground and live off of roots. Years later, they leave their cozy homes at sunset to find a mate, and begin the lengthy cycle again. Adult cicadas only live out in the open for about six weeks, so their time is very precious. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I experienced these cicadas' symphonic sounds a few times during my life. Thinking about those sounds at dusk makes my heart swoon, and these earrings, with their strikingly powerful wings, delicate arms, and bold eyes, are the perfect reminder of those songs. I'd wear these with a coral dress and gold bangles for an evening outing - to watch the sun set, and listen to the sharp hum of cicadas in the trees, declaring their impressive existence. -Angela, Fashion Writer