From Hummingbird Heads to Poison Rings

Jewelry historian Monica McLaughlin finds the most unusual antique fine jewelry for her column at The Hairpin.  Collectors Weekly has gathered some of her insights in a fascinating post as well as some bizarre pieces McLaughlin has discovered over the course of her career.

A glass eye was set in a yellow gold band for this ring from 1970.
(The Hairpin, via kklostermanjewelry.com)

This enamel, gold, and emerald poison ring from the Victorian Era
also features ram’s heads, an occult symbol.
(The Hairpin, via AlexisBittar.com)

Taxidermy jewelry was one way women in the industrializing world hoped
to keep in touch with nature. This gold brooch from the 1880s features a
real hummingbird head with a gold beak.
 (The Hairpin, via AndyRowan.com)

I guarantee you won't find jewellery like this at Walmart!

Interesting reading and more pics at Collector's Weekly.