hollow swallowtail chrysalis necklace
An exact casting of a black swallowtail chrysalis from my sister's garden. She watched the caterpillar and gave me the empty chrysalis once he had emerged.
NATURAL HISTORY
Papilio polyxenes
The eastern black swallowtail is found across North American. The female seeks out plants in the carrot family, Apiaceae, to lay eggs on. This particular caterpillar munched his way through an entire dill plant. Other host plants include angelicas, parsnips, magnolias, and queen anne's lace. Black swallowtails prefer open sites and can be found in fields, meadows, and parks.
METAPHOR
Transformation and protection. The feeling of stillness and noticing, smelling the scent of fresh herbs.
MATERIALS + DETAILS
chrysalis is approximately .79 x .31 inches | 20 x 8 mm
recycled sterling silver, interior hollow of pendant plated in 14k yellow gold
1.5 mm cable chain with lobster clasp
available chain lengths: 32 inches | 81.3 cm
A note about plating: Thicket jewelry is intentionally crafted from solid fine metal for quality and longevity. The only place you will find plating is on interior hollows, like in this piece, that are protected from wear and will stand the test of time.
Each and every piece of Thicket jewelry is carefully made by hand in Thicket's studio and production can take 1-2 weeks before your order is ready to ship.
Quality
Thicket jewelry is carefully made by hand, one piece at a time, by designer Rebecca Perea-Kane using traditional metalsmithing techniques. You can learn more about Rebecca and the process right here. Pieces are designed and crafted to be of heirloom quality.
Thicket will clean, re-oxidize and repair your Thicket jewelry at any point in its lifetime (which will be long!). Email hello@shopthicket.com or send a message if you have a piece in need of some love.
Care
Thicket jewelry is meant to be worn and loved but it's always advisable to remove jewelry before exercising, swimming and using harsh chemicals such as cleaning solutions. If you use your hands for work or for other pursuits like gardening or cooking, it's also a good idea to remove rings and bracelets. (And if the piece includes a set diamond you will definitely want to take it off for any activity where it may experience any impacts!)
You can clean your jewelry at home with a soft jewelry cloth or with a gentle soap and a soft toothbrush. If your piece includes oxidized sterling silver avoid vigorous polishing to preserve the darkened finish.
If your piece is set with a diamond it is important to regularly inspect it to be sure the diamond is secure and that there is no movement of the stone in the setting.
If you have any questions about the care of your jewelry get in touch!
Shipping
Orders are shipped via USPS and you will receive tracking information as soon as your order is on its way. Standard orders are shipped via USPS Ground Advantage, Expedited orders are shipped via USPS Priority, and Express orders are shipped via USPS Priority Express. Thicket cannot guarantee delivery by specific dates!
International orders are shipped via your choice of USPS First Class International or UPS Worldwide Saver Express.
Returns
We want you to love your Thicket jewelry! If you don't for any reason we offer returns or exchanges on orders purchased directly from Thicket within 30 days of purchase. You can return your product for store credit, a different product, or a refund to the original payment method. Thicket offers free return shipping for store credit and exchanges. The cost of return shipping for refunds to the original method of payment will be deducted from your refund. Please note that returns and exchanges are not available for custom work and gift cards.