Where Do we get our wings and feathers?
We source jewel beetle wings from a protein farm in Thailand. They eat the beetles as an eco-friendly alternative to meat and the hard outer shell wings (called the "elytra") would otherwise go to waste.
Jewel beetles have been used in fashion for centuries and the elytra are incredibly durable, with some dresses from the 1700s surviving in museums today.
NO BUTTERFLIES ARE HARMED.
We source our butterflies from aviaries and butterfly farms around the world. The types of butterflies we use only live a few weeks. After they naturally pass away, the aviaries collect the wings to sell. The money that the aviaries get from selling these wings is then put back into reforestation, helping to preserve the natural flora and fauna of those areas.
As pollinators, butterflies and moths are extremely important to ecosystems by maintaining plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Our feathers are sourced in two ways: 1) Certain birds, like peacocks and quails, naturally molt and we have connections with bird owners who collect the molted feathers; or 2) The feathers are the by-product of other industries and would otherwise go to waste.
Where art and nature unite
Who we are
In 2022, we founded Monarch and Mariposa while sitting on the couch one weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, discussing Sam's beautiful new invention of butterfly wing cuff bracelets and how we wished more people knew you could give butterflies a second life.
From a spark of an idea, today our mission is to inspire others to repurpose nature and reduce waste. We do that by creating jewelry and accessories using ethically and sustainably sourced plants, bird feathers, butterfly wings, and beetle wings.
Join us in discovering the next stage of nature's lifecycle. Explore our collection, wear unique pieces, and share your story of art, ethics, and profound love for nature's beauty.
