What is HEXAPODA?

HEXAPODA is an entomological classification that for the most part describes the creatures we know as insects. The word itself is Greek in origin, and means six legs.

In our case, it’s also a nature-related artwork collection by multi-medium artist, Mielle Harvey.

Currently, the collection consists of a variety of original Insect-related, Art Jewelry items and Wood Block prints. Over the coming months we’re planning to expand the items available and explore new areas of the natural world.

Click here for a more detailed explanation about the philosophy behind The HEXAPODA Collection.

What type of person wears HEXAPODA jewelry?

This is a difficult question to answer definitively and its never easy to generalize.

While we feel there’s something in The HEXAPODA Collection for everyone – including men – it’s true say, it takes a certain independence of spirit to wear a provocative jewelry item like ours.

From the research and feedback we’ve received, our jewelry is popular with a wide group of people interested in subjects as varied as the environment, nature, healthy living, art, jewelry and of course, insects.

We’ve also seen an increase in businessmen – and women – wanting to incorporate an element of their personality into their professional image.

However, one thing for sure about our jewelry, is that it rarely goes unnoticed. It’s a great conversation starter – which presents an excellent opportunity to mention the importance of insects – but it’s also a great communicator – highlighting the wearer’s individuality and independent sense of style.

If you don’t mind being noticed, the jewelry from The HEXAPODA Collection may be for you!

Where are your items made?

All items in The HEXAPODA Collection are Handmade in the USA

Where can I find out more about your Delivery policies?

Check out our dedicated section for questions related to Delivery – Delivery FAQ’s

Where can I find out more about your Gift Vouchers?

You can get more information about HEXAPODA Gift Voucher Certificates by visiting our dedicated Gift Voucher section

Can I purchase items from MielleHarvey.com?

Many items on MielleHarvey.com were made as private commissions, have already been sold or are currently unavailable for sale. However, let us know which items interest you in particular and we’ll let you know if it’s still available.

If a piece is no longer available, it may be possible in certain circumstances to recreate something similar through a Private Commission.

Do you charge Sales Tax?

We currently only charge Sales Tax on orders shipped to New York state, USA

Do you do Private Commissions?

Yes we do.

Let us know what you have in mind and we’ll be happy to provide further details.

How are your jewelry items made?

All our jewelry items have been created using an age-old technique known as Lost Wax casting.

Originally, each item is sculpted in wax to form a model from which a mold is created to cast the actual item.

The resulting metal casting is then finished by hand using a variety of sculpting and patina techniques to achieve the desired effects you see in each our pieces.

Because each item is hand-finished, no two pieces are exactly the same meaning the item you purchase is essentially a unique one-of-a-kind item.

If you’re interested in a more detailed explanation, you may want to check out ‘Making HEXAPODA‘ a series we wrote which explains the making of one of the HEXAPODA Magicicada.

Is your jewelry made from real insects?

None of The HEXAPODA Collection’s jewelry items contain nor require the use of actual insects in their manufacture.

We consider our jewelry as ‘wearable fine art sculptures’ which ‘depict’ a particular insect or creature – rather than include it!

Why do you use silk cord for your pendants?

We use silk cord for several reasons.

With all HEXAPODA  Collection jewelry items, the piece itself is intended to be the focus of attention, so we believe anything other than the simplicity of a silk cord distracts from the piece itself.

Using silk cord also allows us to make all of our pendants adjustable via sliding slip rings. This allows the wearer the option to bring the piece closer to the neck if they prefer.

Of course if you would prefer a chain instead of a cord, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your wishes.

Can I purchase one of your jewelry items in another metal?

If you’d like one of our Bronze items in Gold or Silver then in most cases this should not be a problem. If you’d like another metal or alloy, this will need to be considered on a case by case basis.

Contact us to let us know which piece you are interested in and your requirements and we’d be happy to provide a quotation.

How should I clean your jewelry items?

All HEXAPODA jewelry items including their silk cords are best cleaned if necessary using mild soap and warm water. A small soft paint brush can sometimes be useful for those hard-to-reach places. Rinse the cleaned items in clear water and allow them to air dry.

Never scrape, use abrasive cleaners, solvents or ‘jewelry cleaning solutions’ as these may damage the patina finish.

How do you supply your Prints?

All our prints are supplied flat against stiff cardboard within a protective wallet.

Do you offer framing services for your Prints?

Currently, we don’t offer a framing option for our prints.

Prints are supplied flat against stiff cardboard within a protective wallet and can be easily inserted into a frame of your choice available from many local stores or a specialist frame shop.

Do you accept returns?

In circumstances where an item is damaged or where we’ve supplied an incorrect item, we’ll of course accept returns for exchange or credit.

If you’ve received an item where the unopened packaging is obviously damaged, please let us know immediately. Please photograph the packaging if at all possible prior to opening the package and please retain the damaged packaging as we may require it for an insurance claim.

I have a store and would like to stock your items. Are you interested?

We’re always interested in exploring new partnerships with retailers who match the style and service we feel our customers deserve.

Contact us with your details and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Do you offer repairs on jewelry items bought from you?

We do offer repairs on items wherever possible though this will depend on the extent of the repair required.

Contact us with details of the problem and we will be happy to review the situation and provide you with a quotation for the necessary repairs.