Bijoux Butterflies

Bijoux Butterflies and real butterfly wings

Bijoux Butterflies jewellery is hand-crafted using real wing fragments from butterflies that have lived out their natural lifespan in Butterfly Houses.

Butterflies that have naturally expired almost always show the wear and tear that comes from flying freely among flowers and vegetation and interacting with other butterflies. Their wings get chipped, torn and frayed. Even though their colours may still be bright, such damaged specimens normally would be discarded because collectors, artists and interior decorators demand perfection.

We at Bijoux Butterflies believe that this is a waste of beautiful natural objects. There is a special beauty in the broken wings of butterflies that have naturally expired. By carefully selecting, shaping and preserving these wing fragments, we hand-craft unique jewellery so that the beauty of butterflies is immortalised for you to treasure. Enjoy their natural beauty, safe in the knowledge that no butterflies were harmed to make a unique gift for yourself or your loved ones.

Why not use whole wings or specimens?

Perfect specimens in display cases and jewellery made from whole wings are widely available. Sadly, perfect wings come at a price – the butterflies have to be hatched from their chrysalids but then killed as soon as their wings have dried, before they have a chance to fly around and get damaged. We would rather use the less-than-perfect wings of naturally expired butterflies than have them killed just to make jewellery.

What about vintage specimens?

We do sometimes rescue wing fragments from vintage trays, pictures and other decorative pieces. Most of these originated in Brazil at least 50 years ago, where there was an industry based on catching and killing hundreds of thousands of butterflies each year to make items for the tourist trade and export markets. Now many of these pieces are suffering irreversible damage as mites and museum beetle have started the process of reducing the wings to dust. Where we have “upcycled” wing fragments from such damaged vintage articles, we clearly state this in the description. An interesting example is the ‘bronze’ iridescence imparted to damaged Morpho wings, which we suggest is akin to the patina that develops on antique furniture.

Customers have commissioned us to make pieces from specimens that they have supplied. Either they have found a dead butterfly or they have an unwanted vintage wall display or an inherited collection that they would like to put to better use. We are happy to make keepsakes from such specimens but only on commission.

Can I order a particular colour or pattern?

We have wing fragments from more than a hundred different species, so we can offer a wide range of colours and patterns. Just tell us what you would like and we shall be pleased to send you images of wings that might be suitable, for you to make your choice.

Once we have received your order, we will do our best to finish your unique item within two weeks.

How should I care for my jewellery?

To keep your real butterfly wing jewellery in perfect condition, just polish with a soft dry cloth. If necessary, the silver may be cleaned and polished using a silver cloth.

Please do not immerse your jewellery in water or wear whilst showering, swimming, etc. as this may cause discoloration of the wing. Also, avoid leaving your jewellery on a sunny windowsill or car dashboard – the cabochon acts like a magnifying glass and these situations may expose the wing to excessive heat and cause fading.

Where can I see your jewellery?

We occasionally exhibit at craft and gift fairs across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. Details of forthcoming events will be posted in the Forum and on our social media pages.

We also welcome visitors by appointment. Please use the Contact Form if you would like to arrange to visit.