Papillon Belle

Our wings are sourced through ethical, conservation-based butterfly farming programmes across multiple countries, including Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Peru and Madagascar. These programmes support local communities and help preserve natural habitats. Learn More

The opposite is true. Butterfly farms are financially sustained by the trade, making the long-term conservation of the land economically viable. Old-growth rainforests are under enormous pressure from agriculture and development. Butterfly farming gives the communities living alongside these forests a compelling reason to preserve them rather than clear them. Intact ecosystems become more valuable standing than destroyed. Conservation, at the end of the day, must be paid for — and these programmes are how that happens. Learn more.

The average butterfly lives 2-4 weeks. Wings can only be preserved at peak condition — those that die naturally have wings too worn to use. Butterflies raised for the dried specimen trade are humanely euthanised, following regulated, industry-standard methods. We work only with reputable suppliers who are transparent about these processes. Learn more.

Butterfly wings carry a level of detail, structure and natural variation that cannot be replicated. By preserving them within a considered design, each piece becomes a lasting expression of something that is otherwise fleeting. We choose to work with real wings not only for their natural beauty, but because they are sourced through systems closely tied to the preservation of natural habitats and the livelihoods of the communities who maintain them. Learn more.

A Single pendant features one wing set in a sterling silver frame. A Cluster pendant pairs the wing with a hand-crafted sterling silver skeleton wing — inspired by the structure of the wing itself — for a more sculptural, layered look. Learn more about our settings.

With proper care, your pendant will retain its natural colour and beauty for years to come. The wing is fully encased in optical-grade, precision laser-cut acrylic, protecting it from the environment. To extend the life of your pendant, keep it away from direct sunlight, excessive moisture and chemicals, and store it in its pouch or gift box when not being worn.

Yes. In 2026, we developed a unique method of encapsulating the wings in crystal-clear acrylic. As a result, all our signature pendants made from 2026 onwards are fully water-resistant and shatterproof.

Although the wing itself is water-resistant, we recommend keeping your pendant dry and away from chemicals, perspiration and direct sunlight to help prevent the sterling silver from tarnishing. When not being worn, store it in its pouch or gift box, and polish the silver with a dry sterling silver cloth using straight strokes only — never circles. All our signature pendants come with a sterling silver polishing cloth to help keep your piece looking its best.

Each pendant is made to order by hand. Unless an item is specifically marked Ready to Ship, please allow 5 working days from order to dispatch for your piece to be completed. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

A real butterfly wing, encased in optical-grade, precision laser-cut, crystal-clear acrylic and set in a solid sterling silver (925) frame. The frame is engraved with the Papillon Belle logo and year of manufacture. We also offer settings in solid 9-carat yellow gold or rose gold — contact us for pricing.

No. The pendant is sold without a chain. You can add either a 45cm (18\") or 60cm (24\") sterling silver chain to your order. Find them in our accessories section.

All our pendants arrive in a luxury gift box with a certificate of authenticity detailing the butterfly species, its country of origin, and care instructions as well as a sterling silver polishing cloth.

Yes — we work with a small number of retail partners who share our commitment to ethical sourcing and craftsmanship. If you're interested in stocking Papillon Belle, email us at audrey@papillonbelle.co.za with a bit about your store. Our minimum opening order is 8 pendants, including at least one of each setting, so resellers can offer their customers a genuine range.