Bee Pendant and Chain

Napoleonic Bee representing our New Jersey State Insect in antique gold plate.


This pendant, made of base metal (pewter & white metal) with an antique gold plate, depicts the Garden State's official insect, the honeybee.

The design has an interesting connection to New Jersey history. It was named the Napoleonic Bee because it became the symbol for Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), the Emperor of France from 1804-1814.  As Emperor, Napoleon I appointed his older brother Joseph Bonaparte King of Naples and Sicily (1806-1808) and in turn King of Spain (1808-1813).  After Napoleon's fall from power Joseph lived primarily in the United States from 1817-1832. Initially enjoying life in New York City and Philadelphia, he finally settled into the former Sayre estate, Point Breeze, in Bordentown. A King in our county!

The pendandt measures 3/4" x 1" on an 18" chain (9"drop). Comes with an information card telling of the origin of the Napoleonic Bee symbol.

The Napoleonic Bee jewelry collections includes the Bee Earrings and Bee Lapel Pin

Your purchase helps to support the collections, exhibitions and programs of the New Jersey State Museum.