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About our Jewelry
Handcrafted in the USA by Skilled Artisans
We pride ourselves in providing handcrafted contemporary artisan jewelry that is either truly one-of-a-kind or in limited edition. Our jewelry is lovingly and meticulously handcrafted in the USA by skilled artisans. Created with quality from start to finish, jewelry of this level of detail and quality will bring your wardrobe beauty for years to come, as they are designed to last.
"Handcrafted" can be a loosely based term, but at the Boutique Butterfly, every piece is truly handcrafted by our skilled artists. Instead of purchasing findings, we create everything by hand with ultimate attention to detail and craftsmanship (our only exceptions to this are our chains and in our polymer clay jewelry where the beads are handmade but SOME findings are purchased). Much of our jewelry is truly unique, meaning that each piece is one-of-a-kind and a true collection of wearable wardrobe art. Some pieces are handmade in small limited editions, like our handmade crystal dangle earrings. With regards to these earrings, while we strive to make all the jewelry identical each for each style, and to look exactly the same as what you see on our site. However, due to the nature of the gemstones and stock lots, (shading of color, size, shape, faceting, inclusions, etc.), and due to the fact that each piece is made by hand, this isn't always possible. Please know that on occasion we may have to substitute a stone or use something slightly different. Most of the time, we can match the exactly same color and shape, but occasionally we cannot. If this happens and you are dissatisfied with the substitution, you may return it for a full refund or a modification.
Our Jewelry Creation
The creation process starts first with detailed sketches which are then carefully and intricately hand-engineered in gold-filled, sterling silver and semi-precious gems and pearls. Our modern artisan jewelry is developed by many different ways and in different media, depending on the product and the artists. The following gives an explanation of each of the unique processes.
Earrings
Our contemporary dangle crystal earrings are first made by hammering gold or silver into drop-shapes and then adding the "seed" gems or beads. Each pair is made by "weaving" the tiny gems or peals into the shape you see which creates a very "lacy" or "crocheted" effect which often resembles filigree with its intricate patterns. Each pair is designed in different color palettes and shapes depending on the precious metal, gems or peals used. Available in either 14K gold-filled, rose gold-filled, or sterling silver. These pieces are entirely handmade by Calico Juno Designs in their studio in New York City.
What are Gold-Filled, Sterling or Rose-Gold Filled Earrings
To keep our earrings stunning yet at an affordable price, we used gold-filled finding which offer quality, beauty, durability, and yes, real gold, but just less of it. The findings include gold wire, components, ear wires, hoops, chain, etc. Distinctive from gold plating aka "vermeil" (gold plated silver,) gold-filled is significantly different. To create Gold-Filled metal, a thickened layer of actual 14k gold is pressure-bonded over a tiny core of base metal, which is typically brass. Rose gold-filled metal is made very similarly but has it has a lovely warm rosy tone instead. Because gold-filled metal is welded/melted, it is absolutely permanent, and WILL NOT wear off or tarnish! Our gold-filled metals in our jewelry are guaranteed!
Our sterling silver is made of 0.925 argentium silver (silver with germanium added to resist tarnishing). This includes all silver wire, components, ear wires, hoops, chain, etc. Unlike gold-filled metal, sterling silver does tarnish, but it can easily be cleaned. Frequently cleanings keep sterling looking bright, fresh, and amazing. (see Cleaning and Care below).
About Our Gemstones, Pearls and Crystals we Select
At the Boutique Butterfly, the gemstones, pearls, and crystals we utilize are carefully selected for the highest quality. All gemstones and pearls are natural, meaning that there are no fake imitations or cheap stones chosen. Although cubic zirconia crystal are always man made, they have the longevity, color-fastness, and brilliance of real gemstones, but at a tremendous cost-savings to the consumer. Some stones are dyed, heated, or treated (stablized) to enhance color, shine, or stability.