This is a very special fundraising release of my sterling silver Butterfly Portal pendant that I usually only offer in 14k gold. We have completed 22 pendants with option to add a chain. 30% of the total from this release will be donated to a special fund we have set up on BCRF.org, America's highest rated breast cancer research organization. The fund where we will be making a final donation will be made in Katie Greenwood Ross's memory which you can see here (you can see that my work partner has already donated part of our total). With your purchase, you will also be supporting my ongoing active treatment in my fight against MTNBC, as I was diagnosed with metastatic Triple Negative breast cancer in February and given a stage 4 diagnosis in April of 2025.
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About this fundraiser for metastatic breast cancer in Katie Greenwood Ross's memory: Katie Greenwood Ross (aka Thistle Thistle; she/they) was a true spark of kindness, creativity, and beauty in the jewelry community, art world, and beyond. What couldn't Katie do?! If she wasn't churning out elaborate historically accurate hand-embroidered clothing, she was creating some of the most original jewelry and other art probably anyone has ever seen on Instagram. Her whole life was art. One thing I loved most about Katie and her work was how her authenticity shown through all she did...she didn't try to fit inside a box with algorithms or niches, and this very fact made everything she made and shared with the world all the more magical. Her creativity expanded into music, costuming, doll houses, hand whittled wands, drawing, and so much more. If you knew Katie or have seen her work, then you probably will agree that everything she made was so very her...she was a magical fairy goddess.
Katie supported me after my initial diagnosis of (TNBC Triple Negative Breast Cancer) before I shared about it publicly. She had been traveling the TNBC road before me and was really such an encourager and light to me in a very tough time.
I'll be honest...I am so angry and sad that she's been taken from us far too soon. I felt we would become such great friends, riding the storm of breast cancer and defeating it individually and together. Alas, cancer is ugly, and it took Katie far too soon. And it left a huge hole no one could ever fill in her absence. I feel like there's a whole cavern missing and yet somehow she's still filling the void with her magic at the same time.
Rather than succumb to despair, I wanted to do something meaningful and positive, to spread hope and joy to others (in the same way that Katie impacted so many people with generous sharing of her life and art). We can do something beautiful together...I see this release as a great collaboration, our vote for a future of hope, beauty, and all that is good.
1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and this simply should not be. Metastatic breast cancer claims the lives of most who pass away from breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is also called stage 4, and it's when the cancer has spread to other places in the body beyond the original site. While early prevention is so important, more aggressive forms of TNBC can be diagnosed metastatic as they have a tendency to grow and spread faster than some breast cancers. It is why we need research to create better treatments and hopefully a viable cure (And if you're skeptical and think cancer research hasn't gotten far, please look at some types of stage 4 lymphomas are now considered curable due to the discovery of stem cell transplants).
Only about 5% of breast cancer funds go towards metastatic breast cancer research despite MBC being the most deadly form of breast cancer. Let us proclaim: stage 4 needs so much more. Help me be part of the solution where we breathe a better world into existence for us all. Women and men who experience breast cancer deserve to live an abundant life.
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About this design: This sculptural charm/pendant design started out as a one of a kind piece that I hand-carved in wax and cast, molded, and cast in sterling silver. Each pendant features an approx. 4mm gemstone (there are only 1–3 of each gemstone type in this listing, with 3 one of a kinds). There are a couple of chain options (add-on; optional) in the drop-down menus, as well. There are just 22 finished, ready-to-ship silver pendants available in this release.
When I created the Butterfly portal charm, I imagined walking through a portal door in which one can leave their worries behind. Butterflies are symbols of transformation, new beginnings, personal growth, freedom; they remind us to let go of burdens and embrace a sense of liberation. Even if you're not faced with cancer, I know within my heart that you are going to face challenges and roads no one understands except for you. May we remain open to the possibilities. May we still look for miracles. And may we walk hand in hand towards the unknown.
Please note that now through the end of October, any orders placed for our 14k gold Butterfly Portal will also be included in our fundraising donation of 30% total Butterfly Portal sales. If you prefer a 14k gold version, please order here.
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- solid sterling silver
- Overall pendant dimensions: 11.72 x 29.87 (the stone setting is just over 5mm tall, will vary slightly depending on the height of the stone). Weight of pendant will vary based on stone selection.
- Gemstone size: approx. 4mm (carat weights will vary)
- One of a kind gemstone options (photos 2–8): there are 3 one of a kind gemstones available—one of each of pale blue Montana sapphire, orange Montana sapphire, and a grey salt & pepper diamond
- Other gemstones and quantity available: vintage Tanzanite (2), black star sapphire (2), Australian opal AAA grade (2), Moonstone (AAA grade—blue sheen (2)), Lab emerald (Chatham (2)), Rhodolite Garnet AA grade (2), Lab pink sapphire (Chatham (3)), Yellow Spessartite Garnet (AA grade (2)), Amethyst (AAA grade (2)).
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Charm holder chain (optional): This pendant has a couple different chain options in the drop-down menu (optional; does not come with chain if you select "no chain").
The pictured charm holder necklace is available, as well, in two lengths (16" and 18"). The charm holder itself is approx. 12 x 12 mm in size, with a 2.1mm chain width with a lovely lobster clasp. The charm holder has a smooth spring action that allows you to easily add and remove different charms. The thinner chain we offer is a 1.3mm rolo chain with lobster clasp. Please see the drop-down menu for lengths and pricing. Please allow a few extra days for shipping if you purchase a chain.
- Ready to ship: please see our FAQ page for timing
- Care: please see our FAQ/Policies page (you should remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, sleeping, exercising, etc. to protect your investment).
- Handmade and hallmarked by the artist
- Made to order (please see our FAQ/Policies page for processing time)—each pendant will be made especially for you
- Complimentary US shipping (Priority Mail) is provided; your order will include full insurance and a signature required for this piece (US). No need to purchase insurance for this piece if shipping within the US.
- Outside of the US: this item must be sent via Priority Mail or an Express option with full insurance.
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Please note: Most mobile devices may make the colors in the photos look less saturated than they are to the eye. While every effort is made to photograph the items to be an accurate representation, photography and computer monitors have limitations and differences. Colors and brightness may vary on different devices. I believe these pieces look so much prettier in person when held in the hand and admired by the eye (I've also been told this many times by Knot & Splice customers). This piece was photographed with a macro lens which captures more detail than your eyes can see! I hope you're delighted when you receive your special piece in the mail.