What does it mean for bones to be ethically sourced?

All the bones I sell are from animals that had passed before I found them, no animals are ever harmed for their bones. Almost all of the bones are from owl pellets (regurgitations), meaning that an owl had hunted and eaten the rodent and then regurgitated the bones and fur. The remainder of the bones are sockeye otoliths (ear bones), which I collected in accordance with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife from sockeye that had already spawned. All collection is legal and ethical- no animals are harmed for their bones, their beauty is simply celebrated after their passing.

How do I know which animal's bones are in my purchase?

Each purchase includes a card detailing the species of animal the bones came from, and in the case of owl pellets, which species of owl ate it! If there is more information you require, always feel free to message me, and I will tell you everything you want to know!

The bones seem fragile. Will they actually hold up as jewelry?

Yes! All the bones are coated in a clear sealant, meaning they are much stronger than they look! I have buyers who have worn theirs for years, and I wear my own hiking and running!

I love your earrings, but don't have pierced ears. Do you have an option for me?

Yes! I might sell earrings, but I don't have pierced ears either! After a lifetime of research, I have found pierce-free earrings that stay put and can't be felt at all (as opposed to normal clip-ons, which hurt!). Most of my pierce-free buyers say they are the first earrings they find comfortable to wear! All earrings (gold and silver) can be swapped for pierce-free- just message me and ask, or include it as a note on your order!

I love birds! Do you include any bird bones in your jewelry?

No, there are no bird bones in my shop. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a cornerstone of wildlife conservation and means that all bird parts (from bones to the crow feathers you find on the street), are illegal to posses in any form, as well as distribute. Violating this law is a criminal offense, ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony charge. Any shop selling or possessing native bird parts is violating national law. Owl pellets, as a regurgitation, are completely legal and collected in accordance with state and national laws. Any pellets that contain bird bones I do not collect.

How long does shipping take?

As I am a field researcher, I am not always home! But my field research is what allows me to provide these products, so I appreciate your patience. My Etsy shipping is set to up to 10 days. If you need your item immediately, please message me and I can usually accomodate.

How do you find and clean your owl pellets?

I find and all clean all of the bones in my shop myself- weeks of labor goes into each piece you purchase! I find all of my owl pellet bones by simply hiking, meaning that it is a highly skilled and labor intensive project. I sterilize, whiten, and clean all of the bones prior to sale. For more information on finding your own owl pellets or cleaning bones, please purchase my pdf download guide.

Do you take custom orders?

Yes! I am always happy to take custom orders! Please message me and I will get back to you within 24 hours!

Owl pellets should be for research, not monetized! Why do you sell them?

I am a wildlife biologist researcher, and all of the bones I collect are a part of my published research papers. Wildlife biology is a low-paying to no-paying field (I receive no payment for my owl pellet research publications), and Etsy is how I fund my research to be able to continue to share critical wildlife information with the world. Even still, I only cover the cost of my research. Your support is invaluable to my research and allows me to continue to research wildlife. If you know any wildlife biologists, thank them for their hard work! That being said, I have reached more people through my art than my publications, which makes my art especially powerful and led to much urban owl education! Art is also valuable, just like research!

Has the name changed? I don't recognize it!

Color of Creative is now The Artful Biologist! My art has shifted to more strongly reflect my career, and it is time to adopt a name that better reflects the wonderful direction my store has taken! Don't worry, the shop will largely stay the same, only with more exciting items and lots more content on my Instagram! Thank you all for your patience as I shift to the new name and logo. You may receive packaging that reflects either name as I transition, but it is the same store! As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or requests! - Olivia Cavalluzzi (she/her), The Artful Biologist @theartfulbiologist on Instagram

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Ethically sourced mandible earrings | jaw bone earrings | sustainable jewelry | gift for biologist | bone jewelry

Name: Ethically sourced mandible earrings | jaw bone earrings | sustainable jewelry | gift for biologist | bone jewelry
Brand: ArtfulBiologistShop
SKU: 1619024231
Price: 35.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)

Price:$35.00

ArtfulBiologistShop

Arrives soon! Get it by Oct 26-31 if you order today

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Highlights

Made by ArtfulBiologistShop
Materials: Bone & horn, Silver, Yellow gold
Sustainable features: upcycled. Items may include additional materials or use methods that aren't considered sustainable features on our site. Learn more
Location: Earlobe
Closure: Ear wire
Style: Gothic
Can be personalized
Made to Order

Ethically sourced mandible earrings made from the bones found in barred owl pellets. All bones are from rats or voles that have been naturally consumed by a barred owl and regurgitated. All pellets were collected from forest floors as part of a barred owl study.

Bones are cleaned and sealed twice each before completion, yet by nature are still very fragile. Use great care when wearing. Returns and refunds are not accepted.

Bead shape, size, material, and colors will vary. Select main color at check-out. Beads may be lab-made crystal or pearl, glass, or natural stone.

Metal options include gold plated and sterling silver.

Earring options include standard wire earrings or clear plastic hoops that do not require a piercing.

Please note that you are purchasing real bones that have already been digested by an owl, so all bones may have slight variations, such as size, more/less teeth, and small cosmetic changes such as cracks, fractures, or small missing pieces. While I so my best to use the most intact bones possible, I only have what is found in owl pellets and the natural variation makes your piece unique and something worth celebrating!
PLEASE NOTE THAT AS I AM A FIELD RESEARCHER (WHICH ALLOWS ME TO PROVIDE THESE ITEMS!), I AM NOT ALWAYS HOME AND MY SHIPPING MAY BE LONGER THAN MANY SHOPS. ALL ITEMS WILL SHIP WITHIN 10 DAYS, LIKELY SOONER BUT NOT NECESSARILY. IF YOU NEED YOUR ITEM ASAP, PLEASE MESSAGE ME AND I CAN USUALLY ACCOMODATE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!!!

Order today to get by Oct 26-31
Returns & exchanges not accepted
Cost to ship: $6.05
Ships from: Bellevue, WA

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Olivia Cavalluzzi

Owner of ArtfulBiologistShop

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Reviews for this item

What buyers say, summarized by AI: Looks great Well packaged Fast shipping Perfect gift

5.0

(13 reviews)

5.0 Item quality

4.7 Shipping

5.0 Customer service

100% Buyers recommend

5 This item

Daisy Sep 30, 2026

Came quicker than I expected, exactly as described, and with very cute recyclable packaging! So excited to gift these to my bridesmaid, they're beautiful.

Daisy Sep 30, 2026