A young Mayan princess who was promised to a prince from another kingdom found herself in love with another man, a young warrior. When her father found out about the clandestine affair, he wanted to have the warrior killed but the princess begged for his life. The King decided instead to turn the warrior into a beetle (maquech), which the princess then proceeded to decorate with precious jewels. She attached the gold chain to the maquech and placed him on her clothing so that he could forever hear the beat of her heart. (Courtesy: http://itsasafarithing.blogspot.com)