Friday Findings: The Butterfly (an Amazing Metamorphosis of Another Kind)

If you've ever read about the larval stage of the Lepidoptera, then you are probably familiar with the spectacular changes of the caterpillar and its metamorphosis into the graceful butterfly. You've also probably learned somewhere along the line that the life span of the adult butterfly (depending upon the species) can range from as little as one week to as long a 8-9 months. These graceful and beautiful creatures live such brilliant and short lives.

Well, today on Friday Findings I'm all a flutter, because I have the privilege of showing you a butterfly-metamorphosis of an entirely different kind. The jewelry artists, whose work is featured in today's post, are catalysts for transformation and in their jewelry work, they create a second life for the butterfly (and always only after the creatures reach the end of their natural lives!) .

So without further ado, enjoy today's fluttery collection of jewelry items featuring naturally-expired and preserved butterflies from a very talented group of artists at the online marketplace, Etsy.

Morpho Butterfly Wing Hoops
BelaBrazilian Designs

Luminescent farm-raised and naturally expired Morpho Menelaus Butterfly wings are protected from the elements by a durable and lightweight waterproof resin. The earrings measure approximately 3.5" in length are suspended on oxidized sterling silver earring hoops. Available from BelaBrazilianDesigns.etsy.com.

Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Pendant
studiooneeleven

Captured after a natural passing and unharmed these gorgeous wings from a Blue Morpho butterfly are encased in rhodium-plated sterling silver,to protect the piece from tarnish. The pendant is approximately 1" x 1" and it comes packed in a gift box. Available from studiooneeleven.etsy.com.

Friends - Butterfly Earrings
RoyalPrincess

Carefully collected after the end of their natural life, this pair of lightweight and fluttery earrings is crafted from the wings from two different butterfly species have been encased in a durable resin. The earrings are a hypo-allergenic surgical steel wire. Available from RoyalPrincess.etsy.com.

Large Morpho Encasements
luanacoonen

Stunning and illuminated eye catchers feature two pairs of Blue Morpho Butterfly wings. These stunners are perfect for everyday and is made from all handmade silver components. A gold version is available upon request from luanacoonen.etsy.com.

Morpho Circles Necklace
Niele

Encased in an enchanting trio of glass and silver alloy circles, this gorgeous necklace features the wings of real Blue Morpho butterfly that naturally expired. The pendant measures approximately 4" in length and is about 1.5" at the widest point. It comes on a 16" chain. Available from niele.etsy.com.

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine.